Douglas County Hires Chief of Staff

Douglas County Hires Chief of Staff
Douglas County Hires Chief of Staff

Minden, NV- Douglas County is pleased to announce the position of Chief of Staff was offered to and accepted by Melissa Elges (Blosser). She will begin working in this new role effective June 11, 2022. Reporting to the County Manager, the position will be responsible for a full range of varied professional management services in support of the County Manager’s Office, the Board of County Commissioners, and other departments as directed. The position will also oversee the preparation of the agenda for the Commission. The role includes oversight of the Community Relations and Public Information Division. Melissa will also continue to serve as the Public Information Officer until the role is actively filled.

“Melissa has some great skills, established relationships, and a strong commitment to Douglas County.  I’m excited to see her take this next step in her career.  In this new role, I look forward to her continued good work for the benefit of the county and our community,” said County Manager Patrick Cates. 

Melissa has served as the Community Relations Manager and Public Information Officer for Douglas County for the last eight years facilitating communications, building efficient government owned media channels, brand development, and strategic communications. She has served as the lead spokes-person as well as provided crisis management council to public officials, elected officials, and law enforcement. She served as the lead Public Information Officer on many incidents such as wildland fires, floods, and civil unrest. She served as the Regional Joint Information Center Manger during the COVID-19 state of emergency.

Melissa is one of two individuals to hold a Master Public Information Officer (MPIO) Certificate in the State of Nevada, which required 130 hours of residency time at the Emergency Management Institute in Emmitsburg, Maryland. Melissa has Master’s Degree in Mass Communications, and a Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations.

 “I am so honored to be serving Douglas County and this community in this new capacity,” said Melissa Elges-Blosser. “This new role will be vital to the management of facilitating communication, fostering existing relationships, and serving the public with integrity.”

Melissa has lived in Douglas County for 8 years and is an Autism advocate and a board member of the Family Support Council. Melissa and her husband have 4 children. Together they also enjoy youth sports, hiking and community events.

The position was brought forward to the Board of County Commissioners for approval on February 17, 2022. This was a competitive application process and it yielded strong candidates.