About Melissa
Melissa’s path to becoming the Collier County Supervisor of Elections took shape when Governor Ron DeSantis appointed her to the position in May 2023. This opportunity arose following the retirement of her predecessor, Jennifer J. Edwards. Having served in the position for over two decades, Edwards herself recognizes Melissa as a “true elections professional.”
With an impressive 18-year tenure at the Collier County Supervisor of Elections Office, Melissa has accumulated a wealth of experience and is now running to retain her well-deserved role.
During her time at the Supervisor of Elections Office, Melissa played a crucial role in enhancing the office’s cybersecurity network, ensuring the safety and security of our elections. She has successfully conducted over 20 post-election manual audits with 100% accuracy. Additionally, Melissa efficiently managed day-to-day administrative duties and oversaw the installation of new voting system software.
Melissa’s dedication to her profession is undeniable. She has earned the distinguished title of Certified Elections/Registration Administrator (CERA) from the National Association of Election Officials (Election Center) and holds the status of Master Florida Certified Elections Professional through the Florida Supervisor of Elections.
Beyond her professional achievements, Melissa has proven her commitment to Collier County in various ways. As a graduate of Leadership Collier and Leadership Marco, she possesses a deep understanding of the county’s greatest challenges and opportunities, allowing her to serve the community more effectively. Melissa also serves as the President of the Kiwanis Club of Naples, an organization dedicated to providing shelter for the homeless, feeding the hungry, mentoring the disadvantaged, and caring for the sick.
Melissa’s remarkable track record in public service, combined with her genuine passion for serving the community, make her the ideal choice for Supervisor of Elections. With her at the helm, the electoral process will be in capable hands, ensuring fairness, transparency, and a brighter future for Collier County.
Melissa grew up in Naples and graduated from Naples High School. She has been married to her husband, Devon, for 24 years and has one son, Dylan. They live in Logan Woods with their two rescue boxers.
