⭐️ Team Brock

In 2016, Melissa’s 7-year-old son Brock was diagnosed with Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma, DIPG. He passed away seven months later. They chose to turn their pain into purpose. Together with her husband, James, they formed The Cure Starts Now Austin-Round Rock (Team Brock) Chapter to raise money for pediatric brain cancer research to find a cure for all cancers. To date, they have raised nearly $2 Million and helped pass legislation recognizing May 17th as DIPG Day in Texas. She is Director of Partnerships for The Cure Starts Now building relationships with corporations, nonprofits, and the medical community to join their efforts.

It has been important to Melissa to unite local cancer families, to provide support helping them navigate hospitals and treatments, and to honor their children in efforts for cancer kid warriors to feel accepted. Her proudest accomplishment is forming a Team Brock Junior Committee comprised of Middle School and High School Student focused on kid initiatives to create awareness of childhood cancer. They enlisted Round Rock schools to host Gold Out games at sports events in recognition of September Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Through these continued efforts, Melissa has witnessed first-hand the impact of the entire Round Rock community coming together to help raise money and awareness. The overwhelming generosity and actions taken by the Round Rock community has inspired Melissa to keep going and to give back.  In fact, she chose her campaign logo colors of blue and yellow because they are the colors Brock chose for Team Brock.  

⭐️  Community Involvement 

Melissa has been an investor of the Round Rock Chamber since 2013 serving as a Board Member and many other capacities. As Ambassador Chair, she welcomed new business members into the community and helped connect them to resources. She has served as Vice Chair on the Leadership Round Rock planning committee preparing curriculum and key speakers for aspiring Leaders. Melissa was awarded 2023 “Investor of the Year” by the Round Rock Chamber.

Additionally, Melissa is a firm believer in the power of volunteer work. She has donated her time serving on the Board of Girl Scouts of Central Texas and currently her daughter’s Troop Leader. She was recognized as a Women of Distinction in 2019. Melissa currently serves as a member and corporate sponsor of Professional Women of Williamson County focused on encouraging, empowering, and educating women. They provide scholarships to women seeking to further their career with continuing education or advanced certification.

Her success and experience bringing community and business leaders together and connecting others of all backgrounds has been instrumental to the future growth and common interests of our great city.

⭐️ Family

Melissa and her husband, James, are Native Texans and have been married for 24 years. They have lived in Round Rock for 18 years with their two daughters, Jenna and Blair, son (Brock), three cats, and a German Shepherd. James, is an honorably retired, second-generation, Austin Police Officer after nearly 22 years of service. Melissa and her family are active members of Westside Church of Christ.