Melissa Johnson is Chief of Policy and State Strategies at National Skills Coalition, where she leads efforts to shape and advance state workforce policies. As a member of NSC’s Executive Team, she advises the CEO, helps guide organizational strategy, and oversees the development of NSC’s state policy agenda, research, and advocacy strategies. Melissa guides efforts to build and mobilize a network of state coalitions and leaders working toward systems change. Her thought leadership, publications, and partnerships with policymakers, workforce advocates, and community leaders have advanced policies that expand access to quality training, address equity gaps, and strengthen economic mobility.