Melanie supports building inclusive and equitable cities.
Dedicated Public Servant
Melanie has served as an elected official representing Ferndale for over 11 years -- with 10 years as a member of the city council, and 1 year as mayor.
2019: Jefferson East Inc “Jazzin at the Vanity” neighborhood festival
Professional Career
Melanie has a thriving nonprofit and consulting career. She has held leadership positions in regional and city community and economic development organizations, advancing strategic planning and organizational resilience. She consults with mission-driven organizations on strategic planning, communications, and storytelling initiatives.
Education
Melanie is a graduate of Albion College and holds a master’s in urban planning from Wayne State University.
Melanie is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) and Climate Change Professional (CC-P) from the Association of Climate Change Officers.
She earned a certificate from the Harvard Kennedy School Executive Leadership in Local and State Government in 2018. In 2020, she continued her executive education by completing the course Public Narrative: Storytelling, Leadership, and Action at Harvard University.
Recognized for Her Leadership
SEMCOG 2018 Taubman Fellow
Scholarship to Harvard Kennedy School for Senior Executive Leadership in Local and State Goverment
Michigan Municipal League
Board President 2018-2019
Spirit of Detroit Award
Recognized by Detroit City Council in 2021 for her cross-border collaboration at the 8 Mile /Woodward Underpass
American Institute of Architects Detroit
Recognized with an Honorary Affiliate Award in 2019 for Melanie’s professional work in Detroit and Ferndale.
Always Willing to Volunteer
Melanie gets deeply involved to understand the issues, build relationships, and collaborate to help build community wealth in Ferndale.
Ferndale
Ferndale Environmental Sustainability Commission
Ferndale Inclusion Network
Ferndale Community Foundation, Board of Directors
Planning Commission
Brownfield Redevelopment Authority
Zoning Board of Appeals
Downtown Development Authority, Business Development, Chair
Woodward Avenue Alternative Analysis Task Force
Regional
SEMCOG Transportation Coordinating Council (current)
Oakland County Public Transit Authority, Chair
SEMCOG Pedestrian and Bicycling, Task Force Member
SEMCOG Access to Core Services in Southeast Michigan, Task Force Member
SEMCOG Redeveloping Commercial and Industrial Corridors, Task Force Member
Oakland County Transportation Business Roundtable
Regional Transit Authority (RTA) Citizens Advisory Committee
Statewide & National
National League of Cities, Transportation & Infrastructure Services Committee (current)
Michigan Municipal League, President, Board of Trustees
Michigan Municipal League Education Foundation, Board Member
Urban Institute, Southeast Michigan Housing Futures Project
Melanie values sitting, talking, and learning different perspectives from Ferndale residents.
Building relationships and listening to residents.
Love & Commitment
Married in Ferndale
Melanie and Jim have lived in Ferndale for over 16 years. They were married at the former Susanne Hilberry Gallery on Livernois Avenue.
World Explorers
Melanie and Jim have a sense of adventure. They love exploring far corners of the world together. Melanie has a life goal to visit 100 countries. (she’s visited 38)
Avid Bicyclists
Together they love riding their bikes in Ferndale, Detroit, and around Michigan.
Melanie has a Creative Spirit
Melanie likes to have fun too! In 2012, Melanie and Jim started dressing up as Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus. For 9 years they offer joy and laughter during the holiday season.