Melissa J. Smiley, Ph.D., is Wayne State University’s chief of staff and university relations officer. An experienced leader in both the government and nonprofit sectors and in overseeing and integrating communications, advocacy and operations, she heads WSU’s University Relations division, which includes Government and Community Affairs, Marketing and Communications, and the Board of Governors office.

Dr. Smiley was previously chief of staff at WorkMoney, where she helped steer a rapidly growing nationwide startup nonprofit aimed at enhancing the financial well-being of working Americans. She also launched the Secretary of State’s Race and Equity taskforce.  Dr. Smiley previously served as deputy chief of staff to Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan.