Melissa served as a technical advisor for the major motion pictures Salt and Hanna, as well as the indie film Secrecy.
Central Intelligence Agency Exceptional Performance Awards, 1992, 1995, 1997-2000 Department of State Meritorious Honor Award, 1993 JD Supra Readers' Choice Top Author 2023, Recognized as a Top 10 author for International Law Wrote risk assessments and warning notices to inform C-suite decisionmakers on developing situations impacting their operations and employee safety. Led a team assessing the circumstances leading to the loss of an asset in a Middle Eastern war zone in support of an insurance claim for an international energy company. Conducted an investigation into insider fraud incidents in an African country, identifying responsible individuals and recommending operational and financial mitigation best practices for an international NGO. Advised on business continuity planning in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Supported crisis management team with current intelligence for evacuation and safe harboring of at-risk personnel in a war zone. Led a team conducting reputational due diligence on a Chinese energy services company for an international energy company considering a joint venture. Edited a flagship daily risk report for an international law firm, covering geopolitics and governance; industry and markets; cybersecurity; science, health and culture; and economic and regulatory issues. Provided political risk analysis for sovereign clients from the Middle East for over 20 years. Conducted KYC risk assessments in support of new client intake, including highly sensitive cases related to individuals and entities with political exposure. Provided security briefings and assessments for VIP travelers. Assisted an international energy company in identifying and assessing companies as potential purchasers of a subsidiary located in a country under western sanctions. Designed and led training seminars for newly arrived foreign diplomats assigned to Washington, D.C. for a sovereign client. Assisted a defense industry client in conducting an internal review of potential foreign corrupt practices by a company representative in an Asian country. Conducted background investigations for a university client to inform decisionmakers on the selection of a new president.
