Melanie Lesh
Gustavus
Summary
Dedicated to collaborating with teams focused on advancing legislative objectives in Alaska
Overview
41
41
years of professional experience
Work History
Legislative Aide
Rep. Neal Foster
Juneau
01.2023 - Current
- Coordinated schedules and logistics for meetings with stakeholders.
- Assisted constituents with inquiries regarding policies and services.
- Drafted legislative documents and proposals for review and analysis.
- Compiled reports on legislative activities and developments for senior staff.
Station Agent
Alaska Airlines
Gustavus
01.2011 - Current
- Seasonal station with one flight per day.
- Our team is cross-trained in all functions of the station, above and below wing.
- I am trained as: Environmental Coordinator, CSA, GSC, Departure Coordinator, Complaint Resolution Official, RSA, and Cargo Agent.
Accounting Bookkeeper
Snug Harbor Liquor LLC
Gustavus
05.2012 - 03.2025
- Assisted in budget preparation, tracking expenses against forecasts.
- Prepared financial statements, including balance sheets and income statements, for review by management.
- Conducted month-end and year-end close processes, ensuring accuracy of financial reporting.
Marketing Manager/Administrator
Gustavus Visitors Association
Gustavus
01.2009 - 01.2014
- Promotion of Gustavus and Glacier Bay National Park as a tourist destination.
- Create advertising, marketing plan, budgeting and all accounting functions for members, and trade partners.
- Coordination with local government interests.
- Sign contracts and reporting for non-profit 501c(3) corporation.
House Finance Committee Aide
Rep. Alan Austerman
01.2013 - 04.2013
- Drafted Bills and promoted passage of legislation, coordinate public notice and manage legislative hearings including testifying on bill content and intent.
- Wrote press releases and prepared reports.
Legislative Liaison/Special Assistant Legislative Director
Department of Natural Resources
01.2006 - 01.2010
- Planned and prepared key department leaders and Commissioner for legislative hearings and meetings on resource issues.
- Oversight of fiscal impact statements.
- Served as Department Ethics and Regulations Supervisor.
- Reviewed and approved disclosures and adjudicated complaints.
- After retiring, the Administration contracted with me to serve as Legislative Liaison for the next two sessions.
Community and Regional Affairs Committee Aide
Sen. Gary Stevens
01.2005 - 01.2006
- Drafted legislation and managed committee hearings dealing with Alaska community and regional statutory municipal matters, including testifying on bill content and intent.
- Arranged strategies and details for public hearings and action.
- Wrote press releases and prepared reports.
Legislative Liaison
Department of Environmental Conservation
01.2003 - 01.2005
- Responsible for research, coordination, and drafting legislation, taking all steps to assure passage through the Legislature, including arranging testimony before legislative committees.
- Coordinating and training finance employees on preparation of fiscal notes and impacts from legislation.
House Finance Committee Aide
Rep. Bill Hudson
01.2000 - 01.2002
- Coordinated two Finance Committee budget subcommittees.
- Responsible for drafting and managing Rep. Hudson’s personal legislation including testifying on his behalf.
- Administrative and research assistance to Fiscal Policy Caucus, including: coordinating all meetings, press releases, web site and final report to the Legislature.
House Finance Committee Aide
Rep. Alan Austerman
01.1996 - 01.2000
- Responsible for Finance budget subcommittee coordination and reports for three state department budgets: Labor, DCED, and University of Alaska, including Missions and Measures.
- Budget analysis and reports.
- Preparation of bills and amendments.
- Research and analysis of legislation and policy proposals.
Business Manager
Alaska Council of School Administrators
01.1997 - 01.1998
- Preparation of budget, payroll, and oversight of all accounting operations.
- Coordinated accounting and membership for associate branches: Alaska Staff Development Network, Alaska Association of School Administrators, Alaska Association of Secondary School Principals and AAESP, and Alaska Association of School Business Officials.
- Planned and managed four large statewide conferences per year, co-edited one quarterly newsletter and several regular publications.
Legal Administrator
Dillon & Findley, P.C.
01.1994 - 01.1995
- Administered all law office accounting procedures.
- Oversight of client Trust accounts and settlements.
- Human resources management for three office locations in Alaska.
Various Legislative Positions
01.1985 - 01.1993
- Legal Services Division, opening bill drafting requests and tracking.
- House Finance Committee Aide, attending meetings and preparing Minutes, amendments, and final budget actions.
- Chief Clerk's office; updating actions of the House for the public record, providing public information, assisting with Daily Journal preparation.
Education
Commercial Real Estate Appraisal Institute
University of Minnesota, School of Continuing Education
01.1993
B.B.A. - Public Administration and Law
University of Alaska Southeast
01.1985
Skills
- Policy writing
- Legislative analysis
- Report drafting
- Stakeholder engagement
- Meeting coordination
- Budget analysis
- Office management
- Legislation tracking
- Constituent services
- Media relations
- Scheduling
- Skilled in Excel
- Legislative team assistance
Timeline
Legislative Aide
Rep. Neal Foster
01.2023 - Current
House Finance Committee Aide
Rep. Alan Austerman
01.2013 - 04.2013
Accounting Bookkeeper
Snug Harbor Liquor LLC
05.2012 - 03.2025
Station Agent
Alaska Airlines
01.2011 - Current
Marketing Manager/Administrator
Gustavus Visitors Association
01.2009 - 01.2014
Legislative Liaison/Special Assistant Legislative Director
Department of Natural Resources
01.2006 - 01.2010
Community and Regional Affairs Committee Aide
Sen. Gary Stevens
01.2005 - 01.2006
Legislative Liaison
Department of Environmental Conservation
01.2003 - 01.2005
House Finance Committee Aide
Rep. Bill Hudson
01.2000 - 01.2002
Business Manager
Alaska Council of School Administrators
01.1997 - 01.1998
House Finance Committee Aide
Rep. Alan Austerman
01.1996 - 01.2000
Legal Administrator
Dillon & Findley, P.C.
01.1994 - 01.1995
Various Legislative Positions
01.1985 - 01.1993
Commercial Real Estate Appraisal Institute
University of Minnesota, School of Continuing Education
B.B.A. - Public Administration and Law
University of Alaska Southeast