Melissa Kaplan is a seasoned environmental professional, a mother of two boys ages 7 and 8, and a strong advocate for preserving the natural beauty and vitality of our community. With over 22 years of experience in environmental consulting, Melissa serves as the Licensing and Permitting Team Lead at BSC Group, where she leads complex projects across New England in environmental protection, permitting, and habitat restoration. A Professional Wetland Scientist with a master’s degree in marine biology, Melissa has worked on projects ranging from wetland restoration and renewable energy infrastructure to local municipal improvements—always with a focus on sustainability and long-term ecological health.
Melissa has called Rocky Hill home since 2018, where she lives with her family and is proud to raise her children in a community that values both its natural resources and the well-being of its residents. As a parent, she is deeply invested in fully funded schools, after-school programs, and recreational opportunities that give children a strong foundation to grow, learn, and thrive.
Melissa also serves on the Rocky Hill Conservation Commission, where she helps protect the town’s inland wetlands and watercourses. This role reflects her long-standing commitment to local environmental stewardship and responsible land use. She is proud to be part of a board that ensures thoughtful, science-based decisions are made to preserve Rocky Hill’s natural assets for future generations.
Beyond town service, Melissa is engaged professionally and civically across Connecticut. She serves on the Board of the Connecticut Power and Energy Society, where she leads the Membership Committee and helps guide conversations around the state’s energy and environmental future. Through her work, she regularly collaborates with municipal leaders, utility providers, state agencies, and nonprofits to develop smart, sustainable solutions to environmental challenges.
Melissa is now stepping up to bring her deep expertise and collaborative spirit to Rocky Hill’s Town Council. She is committed to protecting open space, ensuring responsible development, strengthening infrastructure, and advocating for transparent, community-centered decision-making. Whether it’s safeguarding wetlands, supporting education, or making the town more resilient to climate change, Melissa is ready to serve—and to listen—with integrity and purpose.
Why are you running?
“I’m running for Town Council because I care deeply about the future of Rocky Hill—and I believe we need voices on the Council who will champion smart, sustainable growth, protect our natural resources, and ensure every child and family in our town has the support they need to thrive.
“Over the years, I’ve become increasingly engaged in local and state politics, and I’ve felt a growing need to step up and serve. I’m proud to call Rocky Hill home, and I want to help ensure it’s a place where respect, inclusivity, and community values are not just protected—but actively promoted. I hope to bring a fresh, science-based, and community-focused outlook to the Council and to help move our town forward with transparency and purpose.
“The recent draft of Rocky Hill’s 2025 Plan of Conservation and Development made clear that residents care deeply about protecting our wetlands, open space, and natural character. With over 23 years of professional experience in environmental permitting, wetlands science, and natural resource policy, I’m uniquely positioned to help ensure the Town Council follows through on those priorities and acts in alignment with the people it serves.
“But protecting a community is about more than just land use and development—it’s also about standing up for what’s right. In recent years, we’ve seen disturbing incidents in our town, including hate-filled paraphernalia and graffiti. These acts of intolerance and intimidation have no place in Rocky Hill. I believe our local government must take a clear, vocal stance against hate in all forms. We must ensure our community remains welcoming, safe, and inclusive for all residents—of every background, faith, identity, and belief.
“Rocky Hill is a town full of potential—and I believe we can better reflect our community’s progressive values. I want to help move us toward that future, where environmental protection, public education, equity, and compassion are at the heart of every decision we make.”