Mel has over a decade of experience in the construction industry, both in the field as a carpenter and weatherization installer and in the office as a project manager and estimator. Mel came into the trades after working as a community organizer and social justice activist. Mel is a founding member of the Lost River Racial Justice Collective and an active participant in the Southern-VT based Sustainable Energy Outreach Network (SEON). In addition to a BA in Sociology from Linfield College, Mel holds a certificate in Construction Management from California State University, East Bay, has been a BPI Certified Professional, and is a Passive House U.S. Certified Builder.