David Melly

David joined ELM in 2022. As Senior Policy Director, he contributes detailed policy knowledge, significant legislative experience, and organizing and management skills to ELM’s state, local, and federal advocacy efforts. David coordinates with the ELM political team to develop and advocate for effective, thoughtfully-crafted policies that meet our organizational mission of environmental protection, move the Commonwealth toward its climate goals, and prioritize equity and justice in vulnerable communities.

David leads ELM’s work on transportation and natural resources policy, as well as supporting the organization’s leadership on clean energy policy and public health. Prior to joining ELM, David worked in the Massachusetts House of Representatives for over six years on issues related to energy and the environment, transportation, and infrastructure.

David is a fourth-generation Massachusetts native with deep family roots in the communities of Newton, Arlington, Concord, and Roslindale. He graduated summa cum laude from Cornell University with a degree in Government. As an avid runner, part of David’s passion for environmental protection comes from years of logging miles on Massachusetts’s beautiful trails, state parks, and conservation areas.