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Melissa Bailey, MPA, GISP has had a diverse and extensive work experience in the field of planning and community development. Melissa began their career as a Senior Planning Intern at the City of Florence, Alabama in 1998 and later worked as a Planner at Shelby County Alabama in 1998-1999. Melissa then joined the Northwest Alabama Council of Local Governments (NACOLG) as an Assistant Planning Director from 1999 to 2003. In 2003, Melissa became the Director of Planning and Community Development at the City of Florence, where they are responsible for overseeing the city's growth, development, and redevelopment. In addition, they direct the City's Community Development Programs, which serve low/moderate income areas and other underserved populations. Melissa has also served as an Instructor at the Alabama Planning Institute at the University of North Alabama since 2014.

Melissa Bailey holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Professional Geography, which they obtained from the University of North Alabama between 1994 and 1998. In 2018, they pursued further education at Villanova University, where they obtained a Masters degree in Public Administration and a Graduate Certificate in City Management, both of which they completed in 2020. Melissa is currently studying at Valdosta State University, where they are working towards a Doctor of Public Administration degree focused on Public Policy. In addition to their academic achievements, Melissa has also earned various certifications, including the ACCMA Local Government Professional Manager Certification from Auburn University Government & Economic Development Institute, the Certified Local Planning Official designation from the Alabama Planning Institute, and the Geographic Information System Professional (GISP) certification from the GIS Certification Institute (GISCI).