The University of Washington, Bothell has named Melissa Arias as its new associate director for advancement.

“We are delighted to have Melissa join our team. She brings an impeccable record of development, fundraising and policy experience, which will certainly benefit our institution,” says Richard Penny, vice chancellor for advancement and external relations.

As associate director, Arias will focus on campus’ development activities, working to secure major gifts and broaden constituent support for the institution.

Arias’ most recent position was as development director for the Domestic Abuse Women’s Network. In this role, she was responsible for developing and executing fund-raising and communication plans. In four years, through her fund-raising activities, she was able to increase the Network’s annual budget from $950K to $2.1 million. She also developed and implemented a successful major gift strategy that culminated in a 300-percent increase in unrestricted individual support over four years and the securing of more than $500,000 in restricted capital funding.

Prior to her experience with the Women’s Network, Arias was an attorney for Gendler & Mann LLC. Previous roles include work at the Center for Environmental Law & Policy and the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center.

Arias received her juris doctor from the Seattle University School of Law and her bachelor of arts from the University of Washington. She also received a certificate in nonprofit management from Highline Community College. Additionally, she is a member of the Association of Fund-raising Professionals, National Development Officers Association, Washington State Bar Association, King County Bar Association and the Southcenter Rotary where she also served as secretary.

To learn more about UW-Bothell’s development activities, visit http://www.uwb.edu/chancellor/development/.