Melanie Moore

HEFN Position: 
Steering Committee Member

Melanie works for the CS Mott Foundation on grantmaking related to freshwater issues in the Great Lakes basin. She joined Mott after the Foundation expanded its grantmaking to help ensure that all people in the region have access to safe, affordable drinking water. As a child, Moore dreamed of becoming the next Jacques Cousteau. However, persistent motion sickness derailed those plans, so she turned her focus to environmental policy work. Before joining Mott, the Chicago native worked in a variety of roles in the environmental field, including as an educator and Midwest field director for the Union of Concerned Scientists. More recently, she served as an independent consultant on issues including environmental advocacy, energy equity and climate change adaptation. Moore earned a Bachelor of Science degree at Hampton University and a master’s degree in environmental science and public policy at the University of Chicago. She is a world traveler and a foodie who also enjoys yoga, cycling and genealogy. 

Fun Fact: She enjoys white water rafting!

My Grantmaking Focus Is On: 

Ensuring the long-term conservation of freshwater ecosystems by strengthening the environmental community and informing the development of sound water policy in the Great Lakes Region.

What Drew Me Into HEFN Leadership: 

The tightknit community of funders who care about health outcomes

I See the HEFN Community Making a Difference: 

Identifying the gaps, needs, and opportunities within the sector.

When I'm Not at Work You Might Find Me: 

Cycling on the wonderful bike trails in Michigan.

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