Managing Partner, Public Affairs
Based in Lambert’s Detroit office, Melissa Roy leads the firm’s new public affairs division. With over 20 years of experience in public affairs for government entities, non-profits and public-serving organizations, she specializes in developing brands for companies and individuals.
Through the combination of public affairs, public relations, public policy, marketing, and economic development, Melissa has forged new paths in the public affairs field. She helps her clients expand their market, increase their brand awareness, leverage their internal communication resources, and elevate their reputation in the community. She has built integrated communications platforms that include public affairs, public relations, community affairs, government relations, media, social media, and stakeholder communications.
Before Lambert, Melissa was the founder and principal of Roy Public Affairs Management, a full-service communications and policy advocacy firm serving clients throughout Michigan. Before that, she helped create Advancing Macomb, a business and community leadership organization focused on raising the profile of and investment in Macomb County’s assets. As the organization’s founding Executive Director, she led its development to become the primary philanthropic organization in Macomb County.
Melissa also served in the public sector as Assistant County Executive for Macomb County, leading communications management and strategy; local, regional, state, and federal public policy development; and relationship management. Her contributions included leading representation for Macomb County during the City of Detroit bankruptcy, implementing a new centralized communications structure, developing the County’s digital and social media platform, and launching the Make Macomb Your Home branding campaign.
During her 12 years with the Detroit Regional Chamber, Melissa served as Senior Director in the Chamber’s government relations department, where she led federal, state, and local government relationship management with a specialty in transportation, regulatory, and geopolitical issues. This work included stakeholder development, advocacy, and monitoring emerging issues that impact business, trade, and infrastructure within Southeast Michigan.
Melissa currently serves on the boards of the Detroit Zoological Society, United Way for Southeastern Michigan, and Detroit Public Television. She is a University of Michigan graduate and a member of the University Career Alumni Network.
