Melvin Norris Email & Phone Number

New York, New York, United States

Albany, New York

Manage legislative and regulatory advocacy on energy and environmental policy affecting the membership of the Council. Leverage government experience and existing relationships to attain positive outcomes for membership. Strengthen relationships with existing members and recruit prospective ones in collaboration with the membership services division.

Greater New York City Area

Identified, developed, and managed ongoing or proposed development projects of the Corporation in the Upper Manhattan area. Collaborated with Empire State Development’s Small Business Division and Upper Manhattan Community Development Financial Institutions, Chambers and Business Improvement Districts in order to provide services to Upper Manhattan businesses.

New York City And Albany

Served as policy advisor to the Commissioner and Executive Chamber on environmental justice matters. Recommended policy and process adjustments in state decision-making as necessary to be responsive to environmental justice concerns. Worked as the Department’s chief representative on those matters and met with community representatives, tribal and elected officials to communicate about Department policies that are responsive to environmental justice issues. Managed the day-to-day operations of the Office of Environmental Justice including the supervision of five staff members and oversight of office budget. Developed strategy for implementation of the Environmental Justice Grants program and oversaw the statewide grants awards process.

Greater New York City Area

Handled lobbying efforts including a wide variety of grassroots campaigns and project management. Provided strategic advice to clients and performed research in order to keep clients informed of any developments related to their field. Consulted with members of the New York State Legislature and other holders of public office to support or oppose legislation favorable to client’s interest. Conferred with legislators and officials to emphasize supposed weakness or merits of specific bills to influence passage, defeat or amendment of the measure. Contacted individuals and groups having similar interests in order to encourage them to contact legislators and present views. Assisted clients to secure state and city funding for projects that are in the public interest.

Greater New York City Area

Represented Verizon and influenced policy makers at the local and state government level. Maintained contacts with state and Federal legislators in the New York City area to position Verizon to be successful with its legislative agenda. Handled complaint escalations from government officials and educated them and key community leaders about important issues to Verizon. Delivered required, third party advocacy support at public statement hearings and in letter writing campaigns. Served as a liaison between Counsel's office and internal business unit representatives to identify and analyze policy issues, and draft legislation to preempt or respond to regulatory challenges. Managed corporate contributions and external affairs programs.

Greater New York City Area

Responsible for overall office functions in the absence of the Chief of Staff, including supervision of staff and advising Congressman Rangel on certain district matters and projects. Organized events on the Congressman's behalf with national organizations. Briefed Congressman Rangel on district events and updated office policy and procedures. Represented Congressman Rangel at various meetings and events. Performed research on assigned tasks by the Congressman and wrote speeches, briefing memoranda and other materials. Monitored legislative activities in committee and on the House and Senate Floor. Managed and trained office volunteers and interns ensuring efficient performance.

Greater New York City Area

Monitored policies and programs affecting the delivery of services within the juvenile justice system in order to identify New York City programming needs. Ensured monies from the U.S. Department of Justice (Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention) appropriated to New York City were effectively and appropriately utilized. Authored the Juvenile Accountability Incentive Block Grant application on behalf of the City of New York which awarded $5.7 million in federal funding for law enforcement agencies and secured $2.1 million in federal funding for community based organizations. Assured contract compliance and provided ongoing monitoring and technical assistance for community based organizations awarded federal funding. Served as a liaison from the Office of the Criminal Justice Coordinator to the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services and the Juvenile Justice Advisory Group on all matters related to OJJDP projects.