Melody Neil, the firm's Founding Partner and Principal, has over 15 years of experience in federal and state government and client advocacy.  Mrs. Neil has successfully represented and provided strategic counsel to several Fortune 500 companies, non-profit entities, as well as specialized industry trade groups, enabling them to achieve successful legislative and regulatory results.

She is well versed in navigating the regulatory and political waters for startups and corporate brands within the technology, defense, transportation, energy, infrastructure, education, and public affairs arenas.

Melody excels at leveraging unique resources and attributes of her clients leading to greater public policy strategic objectives and priority relationships.

Prior to founding Neil Strategic, Mrs. Neil built and led the government affairs department for a global data center REIT.  

Mrs. Neil also has extensive public sector experience, having served on the U.S. House Appropriations Committee as a professional staff member for the Chairmen and Ranking Member of both political parties for more than six years. Ms. Neil has a thorough understanding of the federal appropriations process, including work on numerous bills and reports concerning federal funding of national defense programs and foreign operations. Ms. Neil also served as Deputy Press Secretary for former U.S. Congresswoman Karen L. Thurman (FL-05) with responsibility for hosting press conferences, writing press releases, and managing media relations.  

Mrs. Neil holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science from the University of Florida and she earned a Masters Degree in International Business from Georgetown University.