Melissa Maitin-Shepard, MPP, is a food, nutrition, and public health expert with nearly two decades of experience in U.S. federal, state, local, and global public policy and strategy development and execution, research translation, and writing for policy, scientific, and consumer audiences. As Founder and Principal of MMS Health Strategies, LLC, she provides advocacy, analysis, stakeholder engagement, writing, project management, and advisory services to leading nongovernmental organizations, academic institutions, think tanks, and others committed to advancing public health, strengthening food systems, and improving the well-being of individuals and communities. Melissa has worked on diverse public health and food systems issues and has particular expertise in nutrition, physical activity, obesity, tobacco control, alcohol, cancer, and other noncommunicable diseases.

In addition to her consulting work, Melissa serves as an adjunct faculty member at the George Washington University (GWU)’s Global Food Institute, having previously served as an adjunct faculty member in GWU’s Milken Institute School of Public Health. Prior to beginning consulting work in 2018, Melissa held U.S. national policy positions at the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network; Global Policy Solutions LLC, where she supported a national Robert Wood Johnson Foundation childhood obesity prevention program; the American Heart Association; and Trust for America’s Health.

Melissa holds a Master of Public Policy degree with a health policy concentration and a Bachelor of Arts degree, summa cum laude, from the George Washington University.

Melissa is based in the Washington, DC area, where she enjoys access to the epicenter of federal policymaking and the region’s diverse cultural and recreational activities.