Introducing MRSC's New Executive Director, Melanie Harding

It is an honor to join MRSC as its next executive director. While I am new to this role, my appreciation for MRSC and its 90-year history is not. In my nearly 20 years of local government service, I was often an MRSC customer who relied on and admired the organization’s top-notch resources. In recent weeks, countless people have reached out to me to share their love for MRSC and the positive impacts our services have on their day-to-day work.

In this role, I stand on the shoulders of giants — from past service-minded contributors and executive directors (including the great Tracy Burrows!) to the talented, innovative, forward-thinking team that keeps the organization humming with supportive services and research today. I am excited to support the MRSC Board in furthering our mission of service to cities, counties, special purpose districts, and government partners throughout the state. To do this successfully, we will continue building on MRSC’s longstanding tradition of evolving to meet the needs of local governments and the communities they serve.

My Road to Local Government Service and MRSC

Born and raised in Pierce County, I grew up enjoying ready access to the outdoors. As soon as I got my driver’s license, local road trips became a beloved pastime. Exploring Washington’s beauty included trips to see friends in the San Juans, hikes in the Cascades, concerts in Seattle, visits with family in Asotin, getting married in Port Townsend, and countless other adventures.

As a first-generation student, the cost of a higher education became daunting, and I initially paused my pursuit of a college degree. During the break from school, I gained valuable experience working for a fast-growing private sector company in customer service and middle management before being promoted to lead its human resources functions. I also started the wildly rewarding adventure of being a parent.

Parenthood came with a deep desire to provide for my son and ultimately propelled me to return to school. In my first quarter at Tacoma Community College, I took a political science course led by a retired public works director. It inspired an instant and enduring passion for good governance as well as a strong desire to pursue a career of non-partisan government service. One of the proudest moments of my life has been witnessing the joy of my five-year-old son cheering as I graduated with my bachelor’s in political science from the University of Washington.

After graduating, my first job was in the Puyallup City Clerk’s Office. This entry-level position was great for learning the local government ropes. Overall, I spent nearly a decade in Puyallup, holding progressively responsible roles in their city manager’s office. With a deepening curiosity and drive to serve, I enrolled at the University of Colorado Denver to earn my master’s in public administration (supported in part by being a recipient of the Washington City/County Management Association scholarship!). For my master’s capstone project, I volunteered with the City of Fife to conduct a financial analysis of the community’s swim center and project the ongoing cost of major capital maintenance.

I joined the City of Tacoma in 2015 after they became the 18th city in the nation to pass a local paid sick leave law, eager to build a well-respected program that carried out the direction of the city council while balancing the needs of workers and employers. Subsequently, I was appointed to a series of roles in the Tacoma City Manager’s office, including chief policy analyst to the mayor and the assistant to the city manager. Most recently, I was proud to serve as Tacoma's Interim Deputy City Manager with responsibilities spanning more than 67 employees and budgets totaling roughly $63 million.

Mapping the Route Ahead

While each city I worked for strived to provide outstanding service, there was no way for us to define excellence or know whether we were meeting the mark without the community’s input and guidance. I came to believe strongly that feedback is an invaluable gift, and I grew deep gratitude for each community member that took the time to share it. As MRSC’s executive director, that spirit remains with me today. Our customers and partners will remain critical to ensuring MRSC’s success. Continue to reach out, tell us about your needs, and share what is most important to the communities you serve.

I am excited to build on MRSC’s longstanding reputation and mission to provide trusted guidance and services that support local government success. Local governments today are working in a rapidly changing environment, often with increasing public expectations, and providing essential services with limited resources. I’m honored to join MRSC as a dedicated partner to you in this vital work.