Melissa Cundari

Overview

Melissa Cundari is a Principal Research Associate for Social Policy and Economics Research with over 20 years of experience in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) policy research. Her experience includes organizational development, strategic planning, grant-making, program evaluation, policy development, relationship management, and outreach efforts at the state, local, and federal levels. She has helped develop an interview tool for the SNAP Call Center Toolkit and developed case review tools, designed and implemented eligibility worker training, and made recommendations for process improvement for DC SNAP policy.

Prior to joining Westat, Cundari was a SNAP program director at USDA FNS and worked for Feeding America and the State of Illinois Department of Human Services. At FNS, she directed the SNAP program for 7 Midwest states and oversaw research projects in data analytics, policy analysis, and program evaluation. She focused on meeting the agency’s strategic plan, improving efficiency and business processes, ensuring compliance, and refining customer service performance.

Education

• MS, Human Services Administration, Spertus College
• BA, Psychology, Illinois College