Melissa Jones-Ferguson joined CalSTRS in April 2024 as a media relations specialist. Melissa has more than 15 years of experience working in media relations and public affairs.

Before joining CalSTRS, Melissa worked for nearly 3 years as an information officer at the California Energy Commission. From 2003 to 2016 Melissa worked as a press officer for California State Senator Lois Wolk, leading media relations and other communication efforts. Before beginning state service, Melissa was a reporter for The Sacramento Bee.

Melissa earned a bachelor’s degree in both journalism and biology from California State University, Sacramento.