Melvin Norris, Director of Government Affairs at The Durst Organization, leads government relations efforts, establishing and maintaining relationships across federal, state, and local levels. He is responsible for devising government affairs strategies that advance the Organization’s mission and goals. Melvin advises the Chairman and senior leadership on legislative issues, external factors, and policy proposals. He also oversees government relations for Durst's various departments and manages the company’s philanthropic endeavors.

Before Melvin joined The Durst Organization, he served as the Senior Director of Government Affairs for The Business Council of New York State, where he specialized in monitoring and analyzing legislation related to construction, transportation, small business, economic development and Minority and Women’s Business Enterprises.

Melvin was also previously appointed by Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to senior positions in New York State. This included Executive Vice President at the Harlem Community Development Corporation (HCDC), where he implemented the THINK initiative which provided guidance to small businesses on marketing, lending, and technical assistance.

Melvin graduated from Syracuse University’s Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, where he majored in Policy Studies. He has since spent over 20 years in the public and private sectors. He currently serves on Westchester County’s Local Development Corporation (LDC) Board and is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., where he has mentored in the Alpha G.E.N.T.S. (Gaining Essential Networking Tools for Success) program.