AIA Seattle and Seattle Design Festival are pleased to announce their selection of Melissa K. Neher as their new Executive Director. They are excited to see the kind of passion and strategic vision this seasoned industry leader will bring to the role.
About Mellisa Neher
Formerly the Executive Director of Architects Without Borders Seattle, Neher joins AIA Seattle with extensive experience in using design to meet the needs of underserved communities.
In her earlier career she was a social worker, assisting adults with physical disabilities. In this role Neher witnessed firsthand the systemic inequities that presented additional challenges to her clients. As a result, she became their advocate, later attending law school to become a social justice lawyer. Afterwards, she focused specifically on advocating for asylum seekers, migrant workers, and other underserved and marginalized communities.
Neher was able to secure support for the Refugee Women’s Alliance’s facility in Rainier Valley, which aids immigrants and refugees. This work expanded their flagship facility for provide a safe space where people could connect and build a supportive community. This, in addition to her work with Architects Without Borders, allowed her to witness the transformative power of a built environment. It is this kind of side-by-side work with architects that Neher enjoys for its ability to create an equitable and thriving environment in our communities.
She has a BA in Public Relations and a minor in Art History from James Madison University as well as a JD from University of San Diego School of Law. Neher previously made her home in London, Japan, Chicago, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Sydney before settling down in Seattle with her family in 2009. She has since fallen in love with the nature, lifestyle, and community values of the greater Seattle area.
About AIA Seattle
AIA Seattle is a chapter of the American Institute of Architects that is comprised of 2,500+ architects and allied professionals across the Puget Sound region. As such, they are the 5th largest urban section of the AIA, serving 10 counties across northwest Washington. They are affiliated with the AIA Washington Council and AIA Northwest & Pacific Region.
Their membership is open to anyone with an interest (either professionally or personally) in architectural practice. They are focused on the creation and appreciation of the built environment. They have partnered with the Seattle Architecture Foundation, Seattle Design Festival, and AIA Washington Council to create Seattle’s premier public space for design, the Center for Architecture & Design. This center serves as a space for exhibits, educational programs, and architecture-related conversations that shape cities and their living communities.
About Valtas Group
Valtas Group works as Interim Executive Directors, supporting organizations in times of transition and helps organizations navigate uncertainty during leadership change. We lead the search process in partnership with the board and staff leadership, as consultants for recruiting and search to support organizations identify the ideal Executive Director or leader.
Furthermore, Valtas Group partners with board members and senior nonprofit leaders on a variety of strategic consulting assignments. We offer comprehensive resources to guide your transition needs. Contact us to learn about our executive interim and placement services.
