Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 1868
Athens, GA 30603

Professional Experience: Currently employed by UGA Department of Philosophy as managing editor of Ethics & the Environment, a peer-reviewed journal. Former employment includes UGA College of Education (managing editor of Reading Research Quarterly, 2004-07), Athens Banner-Herald (advertorial editor of weekly real estate tabloid & Locally-Owned Business special sections, 2000-02), Flagpole magazine (calendar editor, arts writer, features writer, 1997-2000), Athens Banner-Herald production artist (1996-97). Other past employment: freelance writer, art exhibit coordinator, caterer, baker, house painter, retail plant nursery sales, contract worker for Lyndon House Arts Center.

Civic & Community Experience: Boulevard Neighborhood Association (steering committee, Preservation/Environment chair), Athens Area Arts Council (founding board member), Georgia Climate Change Coalition Board, Boulevard Gardening Club (founding secretary and former president), Certified Master Gardener, Athens-Clarke Heritage Foundation (2013 recipient Outstanding Achievement award winner for efforts to establish Buena Vista Historic District), AthFest Board, Human Rights Festival (art auction organizer, tabloid editor), People For a Better Athens.

Government Experience: District 3 Commissioner, 2015-22, Athens Cultural Affairs Commission 2011-14 (appointed by Mayor & Commission, project manager for Rocksprings Pool public art project), Athens Bicentennial Celebration committee 2001 (appointed by Mayor Heidi Davison). Participant in public forums including: Prince Avenue Corridor Study, Downtown Master Plan, Athens Transit input sessions, Mayor’s Economic Task Force, Partners for a Prosperous Athens, SPLOST, Leisure Services Master Plan. Regular attendee at: Historic Preservation Commission, Planning Commission. Board of Elections, Athens Downtown Development Authority, Federation of Neighborhoods

Personal Information: Melissa Link has lived in Athens since 1993 and has resided in five different neighborhoods throughout District 3. She was born in southeast Washington, DC, grew up in Prince George's County, MD and attended Frederick Douglass High. Summer vacations were spent on her great-grandfather's property in rural western Massachusetts, once a stop on the Underground Railroad. A deep connection to this 18th century farmhouse and wooded acreage fostered her passion for the environment & historic preservation and helped to develop her awareness of social justice issues. Melissa’s appreciation for urban living and public transportation developed during visits with her mother's extended family in Brooklyn, NY as well as trips to see paternal grandparents in Pittsburgh, PA.

Education: Melissa attended East Carolina University (BA '93), where she double majored in Writing & Art History. She arrived in Athens as a UGA graduate student in 1993 and quickly became involved in the community as a volunteer, activist, journalist, and active participant in the local creative culture.

Her initial term began April 4, 2023

Photos: High resolution photos of Melissa Link