Melva has enjoyed a long career in public service developing and implementing several innovative data-driven strategies to address critical social and economic issues impacting underserved and under-resourced communities. She is professionally and academically trained in non-profit management, public health practice, and community economic development. She is skilled in strategic planning and operations, program development and implementation, research, and data analysis. Her efforts have been focused on root causes that impede access to basic needs and that create barriers to equitable economic opportunity. Melva's work has been applied across multiple disciplines and quality of life issues including, housing, public safety, crime abatement, healthcare and expanding the healthcare provider pipeline, and, post-secondary education completion. She has developed and managed programs within local, state, and federal government systems, major universities, a national foundation, and community-based initiatives. At the Alliance, her focus is increasing workforce housing, and, stabilizing and sustaining small businesses in our local communities. Melva received a Bachelor’s degree from Oklahoma State University, a Master’s degree in Public Health, Administration, and Policy from Oklahoma University Health Sciences Center, and a post-graduate certification in Community Economic Development from Southern New Hampshire University.