Melissa Buckminster is a communications and civic engagement leader focused on shaping how people experience San Francisco through storytelling, partnerships, and large-scale public programming. She is Director of Marketing & Communications at the Downtown SF Partnership, where she leads strategy across marketing, PR, events, and stakeholder engagement to help activate downtown San Francisco and strengthen its sense of place.
Her work includes flagship initiatives like Let’s Glow SF and other district-wide efforts that bring people together, support local businesses, and re-energize the urban core.
She began her career in nonprofit direct service supporting older adults, and later served as Board President of the Montgomery County LGBT Business Council. Across her career, she’s focused on building more connected, inclusive communities and helping cities feel more alive, welcoming, and human.