Mel joined the CHM in 2024 bringing a broad background of professional and legal experience to the team. Mel’s experience in public finance includes work as bond counsel, underwriter’s counsel, and disclosure counsel on various financing deals for cities, school districts, community college and university systems, special districts, transportation and state agencies. Mel’s legal experience includes general counsel work for municipal utility districts and work with real estate development clients. She also worked as legal advocate for children and parents involved in the child welfare arena.
Mel’s began her professional career in local government management and policy. Mel worked in the City Manager’s Office of the City of Waco and the City of Grapevine prior to earning her law degree. Mel’s primary duties in her municipal roles included leading special projects, supporting City Council, working on economic development matters, supporting municipal utility issues, monitoring legislative matters and responding to public inquiries.
The combination of her professional and legal experience offers CHM clients a unique perspective, strong communication skills and solid understanding of the public finance arena. Mel is based in our Austin Office and supports the San Antonio, Houston and Dallas offices.
Mel attended Trinity University in San Antonio and earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration – Finance/Management and a minor in Urban Studies. She earned a Master of Public Administration with honors from the University of Kansas. And, Mel graduated from the University of Texas School of Law with honors.
Mel is involved in the Austin community where she currently serves on the Board of Friends of the Children (Austin). She also serves as an Advisory Board Member for the Girls on the Run (Austin Chapter) Board of Directors. She is a member of the Women in Public Finance (Texas and National Chapters) as well as a member of the Hispanic Bar Association.
- J.D. ,with Honors, The University of Texas School of Law, Austin, Texas
- M.P.A., University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas
- B.S., Trinity University, San Antonio, Texas
