Since 1988, Campaigns & Elections has recognized the up-and-comers of the campaign world with its Rising Star award. Past recipients include Jim Margolis, Paul Begala, David Axelrod, Donna Brazile, and Rahm Emanuel.

Melissa was recognized for her work helping Gov. Gina Raimondo become the first female Governor of Rhode Island (and the first Democrat to win the office since 1992), a successful IE that helped reelect Gov. John Hickenlooper in Colorado, and a near-upset of Gov. Sam Brownback in solidly red Kansas.

Melissa also made possible BSG’s groundbreaking work for media and institutions that has driven the national debate. She managed a major national survey of Millennials’ attitudes for Fusion.net, worked with Pete on studies for Third Way that have been used in the media to influence the Democratic Party’s economic messaging and education policy, and worked on BSG’s “Beyond the Beltway” project, which was featured in the media as one of the first looks at public opinion toward new diplomatic relations with Cuba. Additionally, she has published academic papers in Public Opinion Quarterly and in the Journal of Women, Politics, and Policy. Her findings were important in developing winning strategies for Gov. Raimondo in Rhode Island.