Harriet James Melvin has more than 20 years of experience in Washington government relations and public affairs which has culminated in the founding of her own firm, The Capitol Group. With a career spanning two decades, Melvin has successfully provided guidance to some of the country's top companies and associations on federal legislation providing counsel and advocacy on a wide range of issues. Her guidance and advocacy for corporations, consortiums, coalitions and trade associations in areas including retail, telecommunications, intellectual property, health care, transportation, anti-trust, labor and environmental sustainability have earned her a reputation as a seasoned legislative and regulatory advocate and winner on behalf of her clients in the public policy arena.

Known for her tireless work on behalf of her clients, Harriet Melvin is a bi-partisan consensus builder with a reputation for honesty and integrity in her work. It is this reputation that has opened the doors to Congressional leadership, House and Senate committees, the Administration and federal agencies. Harriet's keen ability to reach across party lines and significant background in devising and implementing legislative strategies is reflected in securing passage some of the most complex legislative and regulatory efforts in the past decade.

Melvin's professional experience also extends to corporate relations. Her expertise includes "inside the beltway" corporate positioning integrating strategic planning, CEO involvement, key employee advocacy, philanthropic giving and political action committee counsel. Harriet has a skilled understanding of the private sector born from her position as the lead lobbyist for one of the nation's top retailing conglomerates. Coupled with her experience as a congressional staff member, Harriet's intuitive knowledge enable her to navigate the labyrinth of the halls of Congress, the Washington corridors of government and regulation, and the corporate boardroom.

Melvin is active in political circles serving as a founder and executive committee member of Women Impacting the Nation (WIN). WIN is a national women's initiative focusing on increasing female voter turnout through outreach, strategic communications, national, state and local events, and fundraising. Melvin also served as a Bush appointee to the Presidential Review Board, which makes recommendations for governmental employees to receive the Presidential Rank Award. Melvin has served as an instructor at the National Republican Congressional Committee's (NRCC) Campaign School and has provided legislative and political advice as a member of NRCC's prestigious "House Incumbent Retention Group." She was named one of the "Rising Stars under 40" by National Journal. Melvin is a graduate of the University of Georgia and serves on the Board of the University's School of Public and International Affairs.