Melissa Figueroa Joins Calkin Public Affairs to Lead Transportation

Figueroa joins the Sacramento-based firm after a two-year tenure at Shaw Yoder Antwih Schmelzer & Lange. Her background is deeply rooted in state government, having served in both the Brown and Newsom administrations. Her most recent public sector role saw her acting as Chief of Strategic Communications for the California High-Speed Rail Authority, where she spearheaded efforts to secure 3.1 billion dollars in federal grants—the largest award in the project’s history.

Her resume includes pivotal work at the California State Transportation Agency, where she managed communications for the 2017 passage of Senate Bill 1, a landmark measure that delivered the first stable increase in state transportation funding in over twenty years. She also oversaw major operational milestones, including the replacement of the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge eastern span. Richard Stapler, Chief Client Officer at Calkin PA, noted that Figueroa’s ability to remain focused during crises makes her a vital addition to their expanding team. The firm has more than doubled its headcount over the past year to accommodate a rising client demand.