Marion County Democrats

As a Deputy Mayor of Economic Development, she was recognized for her efforts in job creation and economic development, including securing hundreds of new jobs at the vacant United Airlines airport facility, the Defense Finance and Accounting Service in Lawrence, numerous urban redevelopment projects like the Keystone Enterprise Park in the Martindale-Brightwood neighborhood, and helping launch long term strategic job creation initiatives like BioCrossroads.

Melina and her husband, Bob Kennedy, Olympic and former Indiana University distance runner, started a small business in 2001 that now consists of four running and walking specialty stores in the Central Indiana region. Melina supports a number of community organizations in leadership roles, including: Board member of the Jane Pauley Community Health Center; Board member of Teach for America Indianapolis; Board member of Dress for Success; Board member of the Butler Business Accelerator; and numerous other organizations. Melina and Bob are the proud parents of a son and daughter.