Linda Melconian
| Linda Melconian | |
|---|---|
| Member of the Massachusetts State Senate | |
|
In office 1983–2005 |
|
| Preceded by | Alan Sisitsky |
| Succeeded by | Stephen Buoniconti |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Springfield, Massachusetts |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse(s) | Andrew J. Scibelli |
| Alma mater |
Mount Holyoke College, BA George Washington University, MA George Mason University, JD |
| Occupation | Attorney, Educator, Politician |
Linda J. Melconian is a former American state legislator who served as Majority Leader of the Massachusetts Senate. A member of the Democratic Party, she represented the greater Springfield area as its State Senator from 1983-2005.
Melconian, the only child of George and Virginia Melconian, grew up in the Forest Park section of Springfield, Massachusetts. Melconian graduated with highest honors from Springfield’s Classical High School and was a competitive swimmer in the backstroke events. A graduate of Mount Holyoke College, cum laude, Linda also earned a Master’s Degree from the School of Public and International Affairs at George Washington University, and a Doctor of Jurisprudence from George Mason University. In 2012, Mount Holyoke College honored Melconian as one of its 175 alumnae “Women of Influence”.
While in college, Melconian served as an intern for Congressman Edward P. Boland (D-MA). In 1971, she began her public service career as legislative assistant counsel to U. S. House of Representatives’ Majority Thomas P. Tip O’Neill (D-MA). After “Tip” O’Neill was elected House Majority Leader and Speaker, Melconian became the first woman staff professional to merit standing U. S. House Floor privileges in all three majority leadership offices. She held staff positions including chief legislative assistant, speechwriter, House Floor scheduling and Member assistant, advisor on domestic and foreign policy and select/special committee assignments, and Assistant Counsel to the Speaker.
In 1974, Melconian assisted then Majority Leader Tip O’Neill in his efforts to assure the integrity of the U.S. House of Representatives during the constitutional crisis of the historic Richard Nixon impeachment hearings. Melconian had a role in assisting in the passage of House Resolution 148 which created April 24 as a national day of commemorating the Armenian Genocide as “Man’s Inhumanity to Man”.
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