About Melissa

Melissa Powers brings a unique combination of legal expertise, public leadership, and communication skills to the Ohio Chamber Research Foundation’s Fellows Program.

As a former prosecutor and candidate for Hamilton County Prosecutor, Melissa has built a reputation for addressing complex legal issues with clarity, integrity, and a strong commitment to public service. Her experience navigating high-stakes legal matters and engaging with communities across Ohio gives her a practical understanding of how the legal system impacts both individuals and businesses.

Melissa’s ability to translate complex legal concepts into clear, actionable insight makes her a powerful voice in conversations around Ohio’s legal climate and its role in economic growth.

Fellowship Focus

As Legal Climate Fellow, Melissa focuses on issues at the intersection of law and economic competitiveness, including:

• Crime and public safety issues impacting businesses 

• Ohio’s legal climate and its impact on business investment 

• Civil liability and tort reform 

• Litigation trends affecting employers 

• Judicial decision-making and its economic impact 

• Transparency in third-party litigation funding 

Why Melissa’s Work Matters

A fair, predictable, and balanced legal system is essential to a strong business climate.

Legal and judicial decisions directly influence whether businesses choose to invest, expand, or hire in Ohio. By bringing real-world legal experience into these conversations, the Fellowship helps ensure that policy decisions are informed, practical, and supportive of long-term economic growth.