Melissa James is founding president and CEO of REACH, a nonprofit coalition working to create high-quality jobs across San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara Counties. A Cal Poly graduate, Melissa worked as a capitol director in the state legislature before returning to the Central Coast, where she’s been instrumental in shaping policy and advocacy at organizations including Cal Poly’s Institute for Advanced Technology and Public Policy and the San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce. She serves as vice chair of the CaFwd Stewardship Network and a board member of the San Luis Coastal Education Foundation.
Melissa James has been a guest on 1 episode.
-
227: Never Underestimate the Power of Ceremony with Melissa James
July 13th, 2026 | 37 mins 57 secs
coalition building, eco devo, econdev, economic development, economic diversification, energy and clean technology, high-tech industries, housing affordability, memorandums of understanding, reach central coast, regional economic development, space and aerospace, workforce development
Melissa James explains how California’s Central Coast turned economic uncertainty into a regional strategy built around collaboration, durable partnerships, workforce development, housing, and the region’s strengths in energy, aerospace, and technology.