Current Position: Director of Economic Development, Mayor Peterson’s office
Prior Work Experience: Prior to her current position with Mayor Peterson, Melina was an associate attorney at the law firm of Johnson Smith LLP and practiced primarily in the area of environmental law. Before joining Johnson Smith LLP, Melina was a judicial law clerk to the Honorable Frank Sullivan Jr. of the Indiana Supreme Court from 1995-1997.
Education: Melina received her law degree, cum laude, from Indiana University-Bloomington in 1995, and at the same time received a Masters of Science in Environmental Sciences from IU Bloomington’s School of Public and Environmental Affairs. She also received a joint B.A. degree from IU-Bloomington in 1991 in History and Environmental Studies. While at IU, Melina was a member of the Varsity Cross Country and Track and Field teams, was Academic All-Big 10 each year, participated on three Big 10 Champion teams, was awarded the IU Varsity Club Scholastic Achievement award in 1990, and received the IU Track and Field Coach’s Award in 1991. She also participated in the IU Washington Leadership program in 1990, where she interned at the National League of Cities.
Community Involvement: Melina is a member of the Board of Directors of the Indiana Health Industry Forum, a member of the IUPUI Jaguars Athletics Board, and a member of the Board of Directors for the YMCA of Greater Indianapolis.
Awards/Honors: Selected as Indianapolis Business Journal “Women to Watch” Award in 2000. Recipient of IUPUI “Spirit of Philanthropy Award” in 2001. Named 40 Under 40 in 2002 in Indianapolis Business Journal.
