Expertise
Melanie Schmees is the Manager of Sponsored Programs at the Regional Economic Research Institute (RERI) at Florida Gulf Coast University’s Lutgert College of Business. Prior to starting at the RERI, she served as the Director of Business and Economic Research at the Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce where she managed the initiatives under the economic development partnership between the chamber and Collier County Government. She obtained her MBA from Florida Gulf Coast University, where she previously obtained her B.S degree in Finance and Economics. She is a graduate of Associate Leadership Collier class of 2020, Leadership Collier class of 2023 and serves as the Southwest Florida Regional Director for the Florida Economic Development Council. She is an active member on numerous other workforce and economic development committees across the SWFL region and the state.
As Manager of Sponsored Programs at the RERI, Melanie oversees grant coordination efforts for the $22.9 million Southwest Florida Equitable Jobs Pipeline grant, including various aspects of due diligence, reporting and data collection. Melanie also serves as a liaison to the public and private sector, presents pertinent economic data to various community groups, and identifies and participates in research projects.