Melody Rodriguez currently serves as the Director of Federal Government Affairs for the Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI). In this role, she engages with policymakers, industry leaders, and stakeholders to strengthen nuclear energy’s role in achieving clean energy, economic, and national security goals. She also brings extensive experience in regulatory affairs with NEI, where she supported member companies in navigating complex regulatory frameworks and advancing policies that strengthen the industry’s regulatory environment. Prior to joining NEI, Melody was the External Relations Manager for Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station, where she co-managed the station’s external strategies to promote Palo Verde and nuclear energy’s value proposition to local, regional, and national stakeholders. Her nuclear industry experience also includes roles in Strategic and Business Planning, Enterprise Risk Management, and Communications at Palo Verde. In addition to her industry work, Melody has served as the Media & Public Relations Coordinator for the Arizona Super Bowl XLII Host Committee and has been an adjunct professor at Grand Canyon University’s Colangelo College of Business. She received a B.A. in Journalism and Mass Communication from Arizona State University with a minor in Spanish, and she earned a J.D. from Pepperdine University Caruso School of Law. Melody is a member of the State Bar of Arizona.