Manager, Local Government Relations - Houston & Harris County

Ben Melson is a seasoned strategist and civic leader who has spent his career connecting business, government, and policy to drive meaningful impact across the state of Texas and Houston region. As Manager of Local Government Relations for Grace & McEwan Consulting, Ben leads the firm's greater Houston region operations, guiding clients through the complex landscape of local government, infrastructure, economic development, and workforce strategy.

Before joining Grace & McEwan, Ben was part of the senior leadership team at the Greater Houston Partnership, where he worked directly with Houston's top CEOs, civic leaders, and elected officials to advance regional priorities in economic development, innovation, education, healthcare, disaster and flood resiliency, and workforce readiness. His portfolio connected him to a critical network of regional leadership and gave him a front-row seat to the intersection of policy, business, and community growth.
During this time, Ben also served as Chief of Staff to former Shell Oil President Marvin Odum, where he directed citywide operations for Houston's COVID-19 relief and recovery, overseeing more than 180 programs and $405 million in aid. His leadership helped unite public, private, and nonprofit partners during one of the most challenging chapters in Houston's history.

A former legislative staffer and political advisor, Ben has built coalitions that bridge local and state government, shaped policy initiatives that strengthen Texas communities, and advised leaders across sectors on how to turn strategic goals into actionable results.

At Grace & McEwan, Ben brings this unique blend of policy insight, operational precision, and business fluency to help clients achieve impact where it matters most - on the ground, in the community, and with decision-makers who can move the needle.

Outside the firm, Ben and his wife, Malorie, have two boys, Rhett and Hank. He enjoys the outdoors, building civic tech applications, and being active as a community leader in Jersey Village, Texas. His work is driven by a belief that collaboration, transparency, and trust remain the foundation of a stronger, more resilient Houston.