Hello friends, clients, and supporters of OnTrack WNC!

I’m so excited to have this and other opportunities to introduce myself to all of you, the ‘why’ and ‘how’ of OnTrack WNC. My name is Melinda Bullen and I’m serving as your new Executive Director. To be invited to lead such a steady, well-reputed, purposeful organization filled with staff that are laser-focused on service and equitable outcomes for our communities fills me with both gratitude and optimism.

So where did I come from? Here and there… and a little bit of everywhere! I have returned to Asheville after a 10-year absence where I lived and worked in both South America and Portland, Oregon. Additionally, I’m a rare bird in that I’m a sixth generation Floridian, but also have family roots all over the south and a few in the northeast. I come from a long line of public servants and have inherited values that orient me toward lifelong learning, compassion, optimism, and social justice. I’m a movie buff, pop culture lover, collector, maker, podcaster, traveller, roomie of two awesome cats, and have a nostalgic heart that leads me to love all buildings and things that have a little patina.

Professionally, I’ve spent a majority of my career in higher education, helping students access futures they want and deserve while supporting staff and faculty in their own development, particularly regarding learning and implementing diversity, equity, and inclusion practices. In the last decade, I’ve been working with adults mostly through the City of Portland, supporting large-scale employee programs, equity initiatives, strategic planning, and workplace wellbeing goals.

I come into OnTrack WNC ready to learn from our well-seasoned staff, generous board, and the 18-county WNC communities we serve. My immediate goals include centering the OnTrack WNC staff while we all navigate this executive-level transition through individual meetings and a staff retreat at the end of August, introducing and building relationships with regional partners, sponsors, and donors, and deep-diving into the financial, programmatic, and financial infrastructure of OnTrack WNC so that I can be an informed leader of this vibrant organization.

Now you’ve heard a bit of my story... I’d like to hear yours and how you’re connected to OnTrack WNC. Please feel free to message me at Melindab@ontrackwnc.org or call me at (828) 210-4963. Or, better yet, come to our office on August 24th for a meet-and-greet. There’ll be treats! More information on that below!

Thank you for your attention and the trust you’ve offered me in leading OnTrack WNC. I’m really looking forward to growing together and will look to all of you for your continued support, feedback, and commitment to the powerful services we provide to the great residents of western North Carolina!
 
OnTrack WNC Open House- August 24th
Join us at the OnTrack offices on Thursday, August 24th from 4:00-6:00 PM for an opportunity to welcome and meet the new Executive Director, Melinda Bullen. It’s also the actual birthday of the organization... the BIG 5-0! Enjoy birthday sweets and treats and great conversation with Melinda, staff, board members, and community friends and partners.

OnTrack WNC is in the United Way Community Services Building at 50 S. French Broad Ave. in downtown Asheville. There is ample parking in the lot adjacent to the building. We will have welcome signs to direct you to our education space on the 2nd floor.See you there!