Mel was an administrator with the Federal Bureau of Investigation. After Jack Bauer stole an FB subcircuit board intending to rescue Audrey Raines from Chinese agents, Tom Lennox suggested bringing other agencies in to assist with CTU Los Angeles' capture of Bauer and the component. Lennox told Karen Hayes that he planned to call Mel and have him direct the FBI to assist Bill Buchanan. ("Day 6: 12:00am-1:00am")