Melissa Elliott
To help its clients address communications needs, Raftelis has hired industry-leading strategic communications specialist Melissa Elliott as a manager in its Denver Metro office.
In just the last five years, the water industry has seen an upsurge in public attention — water quality crises, affordability concerns and immense droughts have brought a mostly unseen and underappreciated service to the forefront of public attention. Add to this the public’s surging use of social media and utilities’ growing need for infrastructure investment, and effective communication has become a must for leading utilities and public-sector organizations. Having strong community relationships and informed customers is more important than ever before.
Elliott comes to Raftelis with a more than 20-year career spent almost entirely with water and wastewater utilities. Most recently, she directed the public affairs efforts at Denver Water, which included creating the public engagement strategy for large-scale infrastructure projects, developing a nationally recognized lead service line replacement program, and leading conservation efforts through the innovative “Use Only What You Need” campaign. She has extensive experience working with elected officials, stakeholders, and the public on issues as diverse as drought, water quality, potable reuse, affordability, rate structure change, impactful construction projects, customer assistance programs and demand management.
Elliot’s understanding of how to successfully approach communication for utilities and the public sector, will provide great benefit for Raftelis’ clients and to meet their goals and objectives.
Raftelis simplifies name, brand
Raftelis Financial Consultants, Inc. has also announced it is simplifying its name to Raftelis to better reflect its mission and goals.
For contractual purposes, Raftelis Financial Consultants, Inc. will remain the legal name of the company.
Founded 25 years ago, Raftelis’ primary focus was providing financial and rate assistance to the water industry. Over the years, the firm has seen its services evolve beyond finance and rates, working with utilities and the public sector to help maintain financial sustainability, ensure affordable services, plan for the future, utilize data, manage change, and engage with the public they serve.
Visit www.raftelis.com for more information.
