The University of South Florida Board of Trustees today appointed Melissa Seixas to a four-year term to the USF St. Petersburg Campus Board.
Seixas is the Vice President of Government and Community Relations for Duke Energy Florida. She earned her master’s degree in history from USF and served as co-chair for the university’s 50th anniversary celebration in 2015-16.
“We are delighted to welcome Melissa Seixas to our board,” said Stephanie Goforth, chair of the USF St. Petersburg Campus Board and a USF trustee. “Her deep ties to USF St. Petersburg as well as her demonstrated commitment to the Tampa Bay community make her a very valuable addition to our team.”
In 2018, Seixas served as a member of the USF Consolidation Study Planning & Implementation Task Force, which provided recommendations to the Board of Trustees related to the merging of the University of South Florida Tampa, USF St. Petersburg and USF Sarasota-Manatee under one accreditation.
“The University of South Florida is committed to further strengthening our strong relationships with the communities we serve,” said USF President Steve Currall. “Melissa Seixas is an impressive advocate for the continued prosperity of our region, and I know that she will make a valuable impact on our university and the city of St. Petersburg.”
The USF St. Petersburg Campus Board was established by the Florida Legislature in 2001. Members are appointed by the USF Board of Trustees upon recommendation by the USF President. The board consists of five members residing in Pinellas County who serve staggered four-year terms.
“I am thrilled to join the USF St. Petersburg Campus Board,” said Seixas. “As a proud graduate, I’m deeply honored to play a role in the continued development of a campus I love.”
In her role at Duke Energy Florida, Seixas directs the company’s efforts to strengthen relationships with municipal, community and civic organizations and business leaders throughout the company’s 35-county service area. Her responsibilities also include oversight of strategic partnerships with emergency management agencies and directing of the company’s corporate social responsibility initiatives.
Seixas is dedicated to helping her community and has served as a board member on a variety of organizations, including the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Ruth Eckerd Hall, Pasco County Economic Development Council and the Pinellas County Urban League. She is also the current board chair of the St. Petersburg Downtown Partnership.
In addition to her master’s degree from USF, Seixas also has a bachelor’s degree from Eckerd College and a professional certification in Corporate Social Responsibility from Johns Hopkins University.
Seixas will serve a four-year term, ending June 30, 2023, and will be eligible for a four-year reappointment.