Application for New Appointment

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From:
City of Chandler
To:
BdCommGroup
Subject:
Webform Submission From: Application for Chandler Boards and Commissions
Date:
Friday, January 16, 2026 5:21:43 PM
Submitted on Fri, 01/16/2026 - 04:55 PM
Submitted by: Anonymous
Submitted values are:
Contact Information
Select the board(s) that you wish to be considered for
Selection 1
Library Board
Selection 2
Human Relations Commission
Selection 3
Housing and Human Services Commission
Name
Melanie Dykstra
Phone
Email
Address
Chandler, Arizona. 85286
Profession
Volunteer and Community Resources Manager
Employer
Town of Gilbert

How many years have you lived in Chandler
13
Are you registered to vote?
Yes
Boards and Commissions Info
Professional Experience
I have 30 years of public sector experience, working in the City of Mesa, Gilbert Public
Schools, and the last 14 years with the Town of Gilbert. I have served in the Town Manager's
Office, Community Resources, and Parks and Recreation. In my current role, I coordinate
major recognition programs such as the MVP Community Volunteer Awards and Town
Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast, serve as staff liaison to For Our Town Gilbert, manage the
Native American Management Internship Program, provide leadership and direction to the
Community Initiatives Coordinator in developing the action plan for implementing
Community Engagement Task Force (CETF) recommendations, assist in the management of
non-profit funding, coordinate homeless solutions and have served on multiple committees,
including Vice Chair of the Human Services Initiative Committee, MAG Local Jurisdiction
Committee, and currently serve on the Dignity Health Benefits Committee, Domestic
Violence Committee, and as co-chair of the East Valley Resource Coalition. 
Board/Committee Experience
Vice Chair, Chandler Parks Recreation Board (Current- term ends in April); Secretary, Valley
Christian School Board -6 years (term ended June 2025), Gilbert Parks, Recreation Library
Services Advisory Board - 6 years; President, Chandler Christian School PTO- 6 years;
Secretary, Chandler Christian Academy School Board- 9 years Chair, Gilbert Citizen General
Plan Committee
Briefly explain why you would like to serve on the board / commission
I am interested in serving on a board or commission because I care deeply about strengthening
community connections and supporting the programs that enrich the lives of Chandler
residents. The Library Board is my first choice, as I have a lifelong passion for reading and a
strong appreciation for the role libraries play in learning, creativity, and community
engagement. As I term off the Parks Board, I would welcome the opportunity to remain
involved in the ongoing Recreation and Library Strategic Master Plan, ensuring continuity and
supporting the long-term vision that ties these services together. I am particularly interested in
helping the community better understand, utilize, and celebrate the full range of library
resources available to them. From early literacy to lifelong learning, libraries are a cornerstone
of an informed and connected community, and I would value the chance to help expand
awareness and engagement. I am also open to serving on other boards or commissions. Many
of them align closely with my professional experience and my commitment to public service. I
enjoy learning from others, sharing best practices, and contributing to collaborative solutions
that benefit the community. Serving in this capacity would allow me to continue supporting
Chandler's mission, values, and strategic priorities while bringing my background in
community resources, recreation, and civic leadership to the table.
Referred By
Erika Berry

Please check the box to the left to indicate that you have read the above statement.
Yes