Melissa Assalone joins The 51 Group as Manager of State Government Affairs
Northam policy veteran adds additional experience and depth to bolster firm’s strong Mid-Atlantic base
Jan. 1, 2024 – The 51 Group announced today that Melissa Assalone has joined its Mid-Atlantic office in Richmond, Virginia, as Manager of State Government Affairs. Assalone provides significant legislative and policy experience as the bipartisan government relations firm serves a robust roster of clients in nearly all 50 state capitals and Washington, D.C.
Assalone is former Deputy Legislative Director in the administration of Gov. Ralph Northam, where she served as a key policy advisor on healthcare, procurement, and human services related issues. More recently, Assalone served as executive director of the Virginia Food Industry Association. Assalone earned a B.S. degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a Master of Social Work degree from Virginia Commonwealth University.
“We are pleased to add Melissa Assalone’s high-level experience and proven capabilities as she joins the firm to serve our clients in both our Virginia and National and Multistate practices,” said founder and managing partner Scott Frein, who leads The 51 Group from its West Coast base in Los Angeles. “She’s a valuable addition to our team who brings us greater bipartisan depth and further strengthens our commitment to achieving results that exceed client expectations.”
“Melissa has strong, bipartisan relationships with members of the Virginia legislature and will be a real asset to the team as our Manager of State Government Affairs,” said Richmond-based founder and partner Davis Rennolds. “We are very eager to achieve even more for our clients in the new year.”
"I am excited to join The 51 Group and contribute to its continued growth and success,” said Assalone. "The firm’s bipartisan approach allows us to seamlessly collaborate with colleagues and clients in Virginia and nationally to meet their legislative and regulatory priorities. I am ready to help craft a winning path together."
The 51 Group launched in May 2023 and stands out for its truly Atlantic-to-Pacific Ocean perspective, with a unique ability to serve clients through its Federal, National, and Multistate, and Virginia government relations practices. Clients include many of the nation’s largest and most successful entities in the financial services, private equity, healthcare, education, workforce development, automotive, and technology sectors. The 51 Group also partners with several membership associations and national and regional non-profit organizations.
