Melanie D. Calhoun is the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Operations for the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA). In this role, Ms. Calhoun oversees MSHA Enforcement and personnel divisions. Ms. Calhoun comes to this position from her former role as the Director of MSHA Technical Support.
Ms. Calhoun joined MSHA as a Chemical Engineer in 2005 where she served as a first responder on MSHA’s mine emergency operations team. She was a first responder during several significant mine disasters including the Upper Big Branch Mine, Sago Mine, Crandall Canyon Mine, and Aracoma Mine events. Ms. Calhoun was also a first responder during the Hurricane Katrina response in New Orleans, Louisiana.
As Ms. Calhoun was recognized for her dedication, innovation, and leadership skills, she advanced through supervisory positions in the MSHA Pittsburgh Safety and Health Technology Center before permanently relocating to MSHA’s headquarters in the Washington, DC area in 2016.
Throughout her tenure in MSHA, Ms. Calhoun has been recognized with several awards including Secretary’s Honor and special act awards.
Ms. Calhoun holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University.
