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Dr. Melissa Patterson Hazley, affectionately known as "MPH," is a proud Kansas City native, product of Kansas City Public Schools, and a results-driven leader serving as Councilmember for the Third District At-Large. A graduate of Mary Harmon Weeks, Southeast Middle School, and Southwest High School, she has deep roots in the community she now serves and has been a homeowner in the Third District for nearly a decade.

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Raised by a single mother and supported by a strong network of women, especially her grandmother, Dr. Patterson Hazley learned early the values of resilience, service, and leadership. Those values continue to guide her work at City Hall.

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Professionally, Dr. Patterson Hazley is an educator, researcher, and strategist. Currently, she still serves as an Adjunct Professor with Metropolitan Community Colleges and brings a data-driven, solutions-oriented approach to public service. Her work has consistently focused on expanding opportunity, strengthening neighborhoods, and delivering real results for Kansas City families.

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Before being elected to the City Council, Dr. Patterson Hazley built a strong record of leadership across Kansas City. She served as campaign manager for the major bond initiatives under Mayor Quinton Lucas’ first term and held key roles on several economic development boards, including Vice Chair of the Central City Economic Development Sales Tax Board, which oversees sales tax funds dedicated to the city's urban core, and as a member of the Enhanced Enterprise Zone Board, responsible for reviewing business projects aimed at job creation. She also served on the board of Principals Connect, supporting public school leaders across the city, and Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), a community development support organization. She is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, where she has held leadership roles within the Social Action Committee.

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Dr. Patterson Hazley holds a bachelor’s degree in American Studies with a minor in Political Science, a master’s degree in Higher Education Administration, and both a master’s degree and PhD in Educational Psychology.

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As a mother raising her daughter, a Kansas City Public Schools student studying Mandarin, Dr. Patterson Hazley brings the same commitment to education, opportunity, and community into her work every day.