Melody Himel Clarke joined the Institute in 2023 and is the Election Integrity Network’s deputy director for the eastern states.
She also serves as the director of government affairs at Virginia Institute Action where she is essential in coordinating advocacy efforts such as in-person testimony, media campaigns, and maintaining robust relations with grassroots supporters and the media.
Even before joining the Institute, Melody was known as a leader throughout Virginia for her work on public policy, advocacy, coalition building, and activist training. Melody is a lifelong entrepreneur and small business owner with over four decades of management and team-building experience. She is Christian, married, and for fun enjoys equestrian activities, recreational shooting, and is learning to bird hunt with her Wirehaired Vizslas.