Melissa Gatewood

Melissa (Koloszar) Gatewood has more than 20 years’ government relations and federal business development experience assisting clients to successfully navigate the federal sector, pursue federal contracts, and work with decision-makers in Congress to secure support in legislation for key policy and funding priorities.

Ms. Gatewood has extensive experience and knowledge of the federal budget process and Congressional authorization and appropriations legislation. She has advised and assisted numerous clients in key sectors, notably defense, education, energy, health care, homeland security, transportation, and infrastructure. Ms. Gatewood has worked with municipalities, institutions of higher education, healthcare organizations, and private companies to inform and advance their understanding, decision-making and strategic priorities with the federal government and Congress.

During her career on Capitol Hill, Ms. Gatewood held several senior staff positions, including as Chief of Staff to U. S. Representative Jim Moran, where she served as lead advisor to the Congressman’s work as a senior Member of the House Appropriations Committee, including the Defense Subcommittee, and as a senior aide to a Member on the House Armed Services Committee. She maintains strong bipartisan contacts on Capitol Hill and expertise on a range of legislative issues to effectively advise and advocate for clients.

Ms. Gatewood earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Government/International Studies and French from the University of Notre Dame and a Master of Arts degree in International Commerce and Policy from George Mason University.