Ana Jovel Melendez, Deputy Secretary for Legislative Affairs
Ana Jovel Melendez was appointed by Governor Gavin Newsom in February 2024 to serve as Deputy Secretary for Legislative Affairs at the California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA). Ana previously served in various positions in the Office of U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer from 2005 to 2014, as Deputy Director of the Kenneth L. Maddy Institute from 2014 to 2016, and as legislative staff in the California State Assembly from 2016 to 2021. Directly prior to joining CalEPA, Ana was Director of Legislative Affairs at the State Water Resources Control Board.
Ana is a member of Hispañas Organized for Political Equality and an alumni of the HOPE Leadership Institute. Her accomplishments include being a Ronald E. McNair Scholar, a Sally Casanova Fellow, a Leon & Sylvia Panetta Scholar, and a 2022 Fresno State Top Dog Alumni. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science from California State University, Fresno.