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Melissa Jones is a highly experienced event planner and community engagement manager, currently serving at Best Friends Animal Society since April 2014. In the role of Community Engagement Manager, Melissa oversees partnerships, volunteers, and community programs, ensuring strategic goals are met while managing departmental budgets and team performance. Previous roles include National Event Specialist and Event Specialist at Best Friends, where Melissa executed large-scale events and built relationships with donors and community members. Additionally, Melissa has operated as an independent event contractor since 2001 and has held various managerial positions in notable organizations, including Sundance Institute and Abu Dhabi Motorsports Management, focusing on transportation and event logistics. Melissa's educational background includes studies at Rockford University and Sauk Valley Community College.