About Melbamorph
Hi, I’m Melanie McDonough.
I’m a values-driven innovator and technologist committed to modernizing local government through practical solutions and responsible AI—always keeping community well-being at the forefront. By day, I serve as the Chief Innovation and AI Officer for the City of Lebanon, New Hampshire.
By night, I’m a full-time Data Analytics student at Southern New Hampshire University, expanding my understanding of emerging technologies that can reshape how local governments serve their residents.
But beyond the career titles, I’m also a mother, grandmother, and wife—roles that ground me in the everyday moments that matter. It’s this blend of professional focus and personal life that shapes how I see the world and how I approach civic innovation.
About This Blog
I created melbamorph as a space to share both my professional insights and personal reflections. The name is a playful mix of my high-school nickname (Melba) and the concept of metamorphosis, symbolizing my ongoing journey of growth and transformation.
- Innovation: Here, you’ll find explorations of how technologies—like AI, data analytics, and web tools—can enhance government processes to be more efficient, transparent, and inclusive. While my ideas often originate from real-world experiences in my role, they are my own, and this platform is my workshop for experimenting before proposing changes in municipal practice.
- Personal Reflections: Whether it’s family life, social justice advocacy, backyard chicken adventures, or creative writing, I believe personal experiences shape how we think about community and technology. My son recently reminded me, “If you’re not writing, you’re not thinking”—and this sentiment fuels my desire to capture reflections on these pages.
Through both streams of content, I aim to highlight the intersection between ethical, forward-thinking tech solutions and a deep commitment to human connection. I hope my posts inspire you to think differently about how local government can evolve while remaining accessible to all.