Melissa Rahn

Overview

Melissa has nearly 15 years of professional experience working at the Capitol. Prior to joining the private sector, Melissa worked for Minnesota House leadership on both the political and policy sides of the equation. She puts her extensive legislative and political background toward positive client results and is valued for her unique perspective and insight.

During her time as staff for the Minnesota Speaker of the House, Melissa advised on prominent initiatives that made up the legislative and electoral priorities of leadership. She worked with stakeholders to promote such initiatives inside the Capitol and in the public sphere.

In addition to her policy expertise, Melissa has led and advised numerous statewide and legislative campaigns. She was the House DFL Caucus Campaign Director, a role in which she managed election efforts that brought House Democrats to the majority and sustained that majority over four years. She served as U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar’s Political Coordinator.

At Fredrikson, Melissa has specialized in state legislative efforts around renewable energy policy, tax policy, and a variety of other policy and regulatory areas on behalf of businesses, nonprofits and trade associations. She is a disability advocate at the state, local and county level.

In addition to serving as Vice Chair of Fredrikson’s Government Relations Group, Melissa is involved in a number of civic and nonprofit organizations. She continues to provide strategic advice and support to candidates through her leadership on the womenwinning Board of Directors. She is Board Vice President of REACH for Resources, which focuses on inclusion and community integration for adults and children with disabilities and mental health challenges. She serves on the Minneapolis Community and Technical College Foundation Board, where she supports efforts to provide for accessible and affordable quality higher education for those who seek to improve their lives. She is a graduate of Minneapolis Community and Technical College and the University of Minnesota.

Melissa is not licensed to practice law. Her practice is limited to government relations consulting, which includes state and local lobbying.