Melissa Arias recently was named president and CEO of Make-A-Wish Alaska and Washington, the nonprofit that grants wishes to children with critical illnesses. Melissa will leave her position as associate vice chancellor for advancement external relations at the University of Washington Bothell to begin her new job Sept. 1.

Arias has a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Washington, earned a Juris Doctorate from Seattle University School of Law and has a certificate in Non-Profit Management from Seattle University. She is a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, the Washington State Bar Association and the Woodinville Rotary. She resides in Bothell with her family.