Mr. Melendez is the Program Office Director for the Office of Legacy Management. He provides executive leadership for the department’s fulfillment of post-closure responsibilities to ensure the future protection of human health and the environment at former defense nuclear sites. Legacy Management is responsible for activities at sites across the nation where DOE’s mission has ended and active environmental cleanup is completed. LM activities include environmental engineering, long-term surveillance and maintenance, records management, benefits continuity, property management, land-use planning, and community assistance and engagement. Since LM’s inception in 2003, its responsibilities have grown steadily from 33 sites to more than 100 sites, with the expectation to manage more than 120 sites by 2030.
During his career, Mr. Melendez led the delivery of products and services covering: planning, engineering, maintenance, construction, housing, community plans and liaison, natural and cultural resources, environmental planning and restoration, contracting, budgeting, and real estate. He has served in the Departments of Defense, Energy, and State and as a Commander in the Navy's Civil Engineer Corps. He has been a career member of the Senior Executive Service, Vice Chairman of the National Academies’ Federal Facilities Council, and member of the Office of Management and Budget’s Real Property Council.
Mr. Melendez holds the following degrees: BS in Mechanical Engineering from UPR, MBA in Human & Financial Management from NHC, MEng in Civil & Environmental Engineering from UF, and EngD in Engineering Management from GWU. He completed his Executive Education at Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government and Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Management. His qualifications include: Registered Professional Engineer (PE), Certified Project Management Professional (PMP), Certified Facilities Manager (CFM), Sustainability Facilities Professional (SFP), Certified Leadership in Environmental and Engineering Design Green Associate (LEED GA), member of DoD’s Acquisition Professional Community, and Level III DAWIA Certified in Facilities Engineering and Contracting. He has held Unlimited Level III Contracting Officer Warrants for Design, Construction, Environmental Management, Real Estate, and Facilities Engineering. He led teams recognized with: San Diego Business Journal’s “Best Places to Work,” Department of the Navy’s Meritorious Unit Commendation, ACHP Chairman’s Award in Historic Preservation, SECNAV’s Energy & Water Management Award, and Secretary of Energy’s Honors Awards. His personal recognitions include several Civilian and Navy/Marine Corps military decorations.