West Seattle Junction Association executive director Susan Melrose leaving after 9+ years

You might not ever have met Susan Melrose – but if you’ve been in West Seattle any length of time, you’ve probably enjoyed the results of her work, maybe without realizing it. She is the executive director of the West Seattle Junction Association – which in addition to being the merchants’ association also deals with events and issues big and small, in and affecting the heart of WS – and it’s just been announced that after almost a decade, she’s leaving WSJA:

It is with great appreciation that the West Seattle Junction Association announces the resignation of Susan Melrose, Executive Director. Susan provided more than 9 years of service to the organization, during which her steadfast leadership and strong sense of community helped the business district to flourish. The West Seattle Junction Association wishes her well in her future endeavors and thanks her for her dedication and guidance.

Susan has lived in West Seattle since 1998 and has brought her passion for the neighborhood into every aspect of her work. Her accomplishments include building Junction Plaza Park, creating the Harvest Festival, producing ten years of West Seattle Summer Fest, defining The Junction’s brand and increasing its reach, contributing to the creation of new public art, and acting as a conduit between The Junction businesses and greater community.

“Working with the community and touching on so many exciting projects has been a tremendous opportunity. West Seattle is a neighborhood of passionate and action-oriented people. I’ve enjoyed learning from the community and will continue to admire the dedication of our neighborhood.” Susan says. “While I am taking a new job, I will continue to enjoy The Junction on my days off!”

Susan will stay with the Junction Association through West Seattle Summer Fest. Her past professional background in environmental conservation will be put to work in her new position as the Director of Operations at Washington Wild.

Having worked with Susan while co-sponsoring many Junction events in the past eight-plus years, including Summer Fest (July 8-10 this year!) and Hometown Holidays, we will miss her, and we wish her much success in her new adventure. (WSB photo at above left, from Summer Fest 2014)

kg May 27, 2016 (1:56 pm)

Susan,

You were great to work with and your impact in the community will be missed.

Edie Neeson May 27, 2016 (3:19 pm)

How lucky the Junction is we hired Susan 9 years ago! And that with Susan’s passion, creativity, energy, and collaborative style across those years, our business district is shining and thriving . As an arts and culture advocate, I will miss her hands-on leadership, and know she’ll do well in her new venture.

Junction Lady May 27, 2016 (5:44 pm)

Susan is great for the Junction! She will be missed tremendously-talented, hard worker.

Ellen May 27, 2016 (9:03 pm)

With many thanks to you Susan for your help in getting the Junction Emergency Hub close to being a reality. You have been a fantastic advocate for the Junction and your work will be reflected in the health and growth of the neighborhood for many years to come. Thank you.

Judy May 29, 2016 (12:54 pm)

Susan – I have been away, and have just learned of your upcoming move. While Washington Wild is fortunate to have you stepping into that realm, we in West Seattle will miss your vision and leadership. As a member of the ArtsWest board, but mostly as a concerned community member from the North Admiral area, I thank you deeply for all your efforts and accomplishments to bring us together!

Deb B May 30, 2016 (8:25 pm)

Susan Melrose is an amazing force for all things related to The Junction. I was amazed to find her brainstorming ideas for one Junction project, while awaiting City Council recognition on a completely different Junction project. I will really miss her insightful commentary and energetic passion. Best of Luck at Washington Wild.

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