Melanie Lenz was named vice president of development in December 2008.

She joined the Rays in November 2006 as senior director, and was responsible for managing the design and construction of the Rays spring training facility in Charlotte County. She came to the team from the New York City Economic Development Corporation where she had served as vice president, real estate division since 2000. During that period, Melanie directed over 50 real estate transactions within the five boroughs of New York City, resulting in over 15 million square feet of new development and several billion dollars in investment.

Melanie attended the University of Pittsburgh's Graduate School for Public and International Affairs, and received her master's degree in urban and regional planning in May 1999. She earned her bachelor's degree in English and political science from Duquesne University in 1995. Melanie is a native of Grampian, Pa., and is married to Kurt. She serves on the board of directors of the Heart Gallery of Pinellas and Pasco County.