Melanie Fisher
Port Orchard,WA
Summary
Dynamic evaluation expert with a strong background in data analysis, program assessment, and strategic planning. Proven ability to foster collaboration and drive measurable outcomes through innovative solutions. Highly adaptable and dependable, with proficiency in qualitative and quantitative methodologies that enhance decision-making processes. Committed to leveraging expertise to contribute to organizational success and continuous improvement.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Grants Evaluation Specialist
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Public and Indian Housing
04.2022 - 09.2025
- Lead comprehensive compliance assessments and performance monitoring for grants funded under IHBG, IHBG-CARES, and IHBG-ARP, overseeing multimillion-dollar housing investments to ensure alignment with HUD and ONAP regulatory requirements.
- Conduct in-depth risk assessments and follow-up reviews for over 40 Tribally Designated Housing Entities (TDHEs), identifying compliance gaps, recurring issues, and grant performance trends while recommending corrective actions to reduce future findings.
- Deliver technical assistance workshops and one-on-one consultations on federal grant writing, eligibility criteria, and reporting, resulting in measurable improvements in application quality and grantee capacity to secure and manage federal funds.
- Facilitate training sessions on budget development, narrative framing, and regulatory guidance; developed tailored materials that improved participants’ confidence in managing grant requirements.
- Advise ONAP leadership on policy effectiveness, programmatic needs, and emerging tribal housing challenges, contributing to adjustments in compliance strategies.
- Monitor HUD-funded projects involving mobile homes, single-family construction, and multi-unit rehabilitation, ensuring compliance with procurement standards and environmental regulations.
- Oversaw rehabilitation initiatives targeting affordable housing preservation, improving safety, accessibility, and habitability standards across multiple tribal communities.
- GS 12/4
Grants Management Specialist
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Public and Indian Housing
09.2021 - 04.2022
- Provided direct support to tribal housing authorities by reviewing draft federal applications, ensuring proposed activities were allowable, and aligning narratives with HUD funding priorities.
- Coordinated and facilitated informational meetings with tribal partners, clarifying federal funding processes and increasing participation in competitive solicitations.
- Served on HUD technical evaluation panels, reviewing proposals for cost realism, project feasibility, and regulatory compliance, contributing to funding recommendations.
- Reviewed subrecipient reimbursement requests, procurement actions, and supporting project documentation, verifying accuracy and consistency with Uniform Guidance.
- Supported project progress tracking by convening recurring meetings with TDHEs, resolving administrative barriers, and ensuring timely disbursement of funds.
- Assisted in overseeing rehabilitation of tribal housing stock, aligning with HUD standards for safety and long-term affordability.
- GS 11/7
Junior Associate, Environment and Climate Change Unit
The Asia Foundation
06.2021 - 10.2021
- Supported international donor engagement by identifying high-potential funding sources and assisting with development of proposals, concept notes, and capacity statements.
- Produced marketing and communication materials highlighting program impacts in natural resource management and disaster risk reduction to strengthen donor confidence.
- Researched peer organizations to analyze regional positioning and inform competitive strategy in the Asia-Pacific climate resilience sector.
- Contributed to internal cross-team planning and communications for ongoing climate and sustainability initiatives.
Disaster Economic Development Specialist
U.S. Department of Commerce, Economic Development Administration
01.2020 - 02.2021
- Evaluated, monitored, and provided oversight of federally funded CDBG, CDBG-DR, and disaster recovery appropriations to ensure alignment with EDA’s strategic economic recovery goals.
- Conducted site visits and desk reviews to assess grantee adherence to eligibility requirements, federal cost principles, and performance benchmarks.
- Prepared, reviewed, and finalized award documentation, coordinating with legal, environmental, and program offices to secure approvals before obligation of funds.
- Collaborated with grantees to address compliance deficiencies, improve reporting, and strengthen administrative processes, helping prevent de-obligation of funds.
- Oversaw closeout processes, reviewing final performance and financial reports to confirm fulfillment of all award conditions and federal regulations.
- GS 11/1
Community and Economic Development Extension Agent
Prairie View A&M University, Cooperative Extension
08.2018 - 12.2019
- Designed, implemented, and evaluated community development projects focused on youth, small business support, and community education, ensuring alignment with county and state strategic plans.
- Conducted needs assessments and outcome evaluations, producing detailed reports that guided decision-making and resource allocation at the university and county levels.
- Delivered technical assistance to entrepreneurs, homeowners, and farmers, tailoring methods to local economic conditions and improving program effectiveness.
- Organized educational workshops in partnership with local committees and volunteer leaders, reaching over 500 participants annually.
- Managed multiple concurrent projects while ensuring compliance with funding requirements and university policies.
- Reported program outcomes to Prairie View A&M administrators, increasing transparency and demonstrating program success.
Education
M.S. - Global Studies & International Development
Northeastern University
Boston, MA12.2022
B.S. - Community Development
Texas A&M University
College Station, TX08.2015
Skills
- Grant management and compliance
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe Creative Suite
- Project management expertise
- Monitoring and evaluation
- Personalized learning strategies
- Data acquisition
LANGUAGES
English (Native)
French (Novice – conversational)
Timeline
Grants Evaluation Specialist
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Public and Indian Housing
04.2022 - 09.2025
Grants Management Specialist
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Public and Indian Housing
09.2021 - 04.2022
Junior Associate, Environment and Climate Change Unit
The Asia Foundation
06.2021 - 10.2021
Disaster Economic Development Specialist
U.S. Department of Commerce, Economic Development Administration
01.2020 - 02.2021
Community and Economic Development Extension Agent
Prairie View A&M University, Cooperative Extension
08.2018 - 12.2019
M.S. - Global Studies & International Development
Northeastern University
B.S. - Community Development
Texas A&M University