Melvin Tabilas is the Membership and Policy Associate for the National Coalition for Asian Pacific American Community Development (National CAPACD) where he is responsible for developing federal policy positions and advocacy strategies, overseeing communications strategies and managing member engagement efforts. Prior to working at National CAPACD, Melvin worked as a Legislative Assistant for Congressman Neil Abercrombie of Hawaii, advising the Congressman on legislative matters pertaining to transportation, agriculture, taxes, budget, appropriations, trade, immigration, tourism, labor, small business, and the Asian American and Pacific Islander community. Additionally, he also managed the Congressman’s responsibilities as the Immigration Taskforce Chair for the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus. Melvin also worked previously as a Field Deputy for Congressman Xavier Becerra of California, where he handled district issues related to housing, health, military, poverty, economic development, appropriations and the Asian American and Pacific Islander community. He was also formerly a Field Representative for California State Senator Debra Bowen. Originally from Guam, Melvin has a Master of Public Policy from the University of California, Los Angeles School of Public Affairs and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Hawaii at Manoa.