Douglas County PIO moves up into Chief of Staff position

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Nev. - Douglas County announced this week that Melissa Elges-Blosser has been promoted to the position of chief of staff. She will start in the new role on June 11.

Her new responsibilities include a full range of varied professional management services in support of the county manager’s office, the Board of County Commissioners, and other departments as directed. The position will also oversee the preparation of the agenda for the commission. The role includes oversight of the Community Relations and Public Information Division. Melissa will also continue to serve as the public information officer until the role is actively filled.

“Melissa has some great skills, established relationships, and a strong commitment to Douglas County. I’m excited to see her take this next step in her career. In this new role, I look forward to her continued good work for the benefit of the county and our community,” said County Manager Patrick Cates.

Elges-Blosser has been the community relations manager and public information officer for Douglas County for the last eight years, facilitating communications, building efficient government-owned media channels, brand development, and strategic communications. She has served as the lead spokesperson as well as provided crisis management counsel to public officials, elected officials, and law enforcement.

She is one of two individuals to hold a Master Public Information Officer (MPIO) Certificate in the State of Nevada, which required 130 hours of residency time at the Emergency Management Institute in Emmitsburg, Maryland. Melissa has Master’s Degree in Mass Communications and a Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations.

“I am so honored to be serving Douglas County and this community in this new capacity,” said Melissa Elges-Blosser. “This new role will be vital to the management of facilitating communication, fostering existing relationships, and serving the public with integrity.”

Melissa has lived in Douglas County for eight years and is an Autism advocate and a board member of the Family Support Council. Melissa and her husband have four children. Together they also enjoy youth sports, hiking and community events.