Melanie S. Ford was sworn in on January 2, 2007, as St. Louis County Attorney -- the first woman ever elected to this position.
Since her election, Melanie has focused on such critical issues as curbing crime through reducing school truancy, promoting racial equality, and undertaking juvenile justice reform. She is also working with law enforcement and community representatives to reform the office’s handling of domestic violence cases. She is a strong advocate for continuance and expansion of specialty courts.
Melanie Ford began her public service career while attending William Mitchell College of Law, when she worked at the Ramsey County Public Defender’s office in juvenile delinquency and criminal arraignments. She also served as interim Executive Director of La Oportunidad, a nonprofit agency that helps Hispanic offenders and others reenter the community after prison.
Melanie rounded out her experience during law school by working at the Minnesota State Auditor’s office investigating and advising on allegations of misfeasance of public officials and by serving on the City of Minnetonka Charter Commission. She graduated magna cum laude from William Mitchell in 1995.
After passing the bar exam, Melanie worked for three years as an Assistant St. Louis County Attorney and then for the next eight years ran her own law firm.
Melanie Ford continued to serve the public, offering legal services to nonprofit organizations and holding leadership roles on numerous boards of directors of area nonprofits. For example, Melanie served as the President of the Board of Directors of the Duluth Art Institute, as the President of the Board of Directors of St. Ann’s Residence, and as a member of the Board of Directors of the League of Women Voters.
Prior to her legal career, Melanie worked in commodities trading for Cargill Incorporated, holding supervisory positions, setting budgets, and managing risk. Although Melanie had launched a promising career at Cargill, she felt drawn to public service after witnessing the adverse effects of U.S. agricultural policies on the peoples of third world countries. Melanie turned to the study of law in order to establish a solid background for work in public advocacy. See Melanie's full resume.
Melanie Ford, age 54, lives with her husband Dan in Normanna Township. She has an adult daughter, Diana, of whom she is very proud. Her beloved son, Paul, died in an accident in August of 2009.
Melanie enjoys the tranquility of country life. Her hobbies include playing the alto saxophone, curling, sailboat racing, snowshoeing, and watching the wild birds that come to her feeders.