Melanie Passons serves as Deputy Chief of Staff in the Office of Governor Bill Lee. In this role, she works closely with the Chief of Staff to ensure operational efficiency and effectiveness of the office and manages projects and staff as directed to achieve the administration’s priorities and objectives. Prior to joining the Lee Administration, Melanie served as Donor Engagement Manager for Untold, in the Office of Former Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld as Research Assistant, and as Program Coordinator for The Rumsfeld Foundation in Washington, D.C. A native of Memphis, Melanie earned her bachelor’s degree from The University of Tennessee and Master of International Affairs degree from The George H.W. Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M University. She lives in Nashville, TN.