Melina Kennedy Leaving Baker & Daniels to Focus on Mayoral Campaign

Melina Kennedy will leave her law practice at Baker & Daniels LLP on December 31, 2010, to run for Mayor of Indianapolis as a Democratic candidate in the 2011 elections.

"As a lawyer, I have enjoyed great satisfaction in helping businesses and clients resolve important matters and challenges," Kennedy said after focusing her legal practice in public finance, economic development and environmental matters. "And I relish the terrific relationships with friendly, intelligent and professional colleagues at Baker & Daniels. I will miss all that, but public service is very important to me, too."

Before joining Baker & Daniels in February 2007, Kennedy spent more than a decade in public service and legal practice. She served in Indianapolis Mayor Bart Peterson's administration as director of economic development from 2001-04 and deputy mayor from 2004-05. As deputy mayor, Kennedy focused on economic development and neighborhood development and helped bring thousands of jobs to Indianapolis.

"I want to make a difference in this city," Kennedy said. "As deputy mayor, I had the opportunity to see first-hand some of the great things that can be accomplished for the community. And as a parent, I am motivated to help make Indianapolis a city where my children and other young people want to stay."

Kennedy has been an active volunteer in a number of community organizations. She currently serves on the board with Teach for America, Jane Pauley Community Health Center and Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis Board of Advisors. She is a past board president with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and Legacy House, as well as former board member with the Indianapolis Visitors & Convention Association and Domestic Violence Network of Greater Indianapolis.

Kennedy earned three degrees from Indiana University — a bachelor's in environmental studies and history; a master's in environmental science; and a jurisprudence cum laude from the IU Maurer School of Law in Bloomington. She served as a law clerk in the Indiana Supreme Court for Justice Frank Sullivan from 1995-97 and as an attorney in environmental law for an Indianapolis firm from 1997-2000.

Kennedy's new e-mail address is melina@melinakennedy.com where she can be reached for further comment.