Mel Raines is Vice President of the Committee on Arrangements (COA) for the 2008 Republican National Convention. As Vice President of the COA, the RNC body responsible for planning the convention, Raines will play a critical role in organizing, managing and producing the Republican Party's 39th quadrennial convention. The 2008 Republican National Convention will be held September 1-4, 2008 in Minneapolis-Saint Paul with an expected 45,000 delegates, guests, and members of the media in attendance.

Prior to joining the staff of the 2008 Republican National Convention, Raines served as Assistant to Vice President Dick Cheney for Political Affairs. Previously, she served as the Director of Government Affairs Outreach and Communications for Altria Corporate Services, Inc. In this capacity, Ms. Raines managed the company's political action committee, party contributions, grassroots activities, and stakeholder outreach.

Raines has also held positions at the 1996, 2000 and 2004 Republican National Conventions, the Republican National Committee, and in the office of United States Senator Daniel Coats (R-IN). 

Ms. Raines received her bachelor's degree in telecommunications from Indiana University - Bloomington and is a member of Phi Beta Kappa.