The Asian Opera Alliance has announced Melody Chang Heaton as its first-ever Executive Director.

In her new role, the mezzo-soprano and Director of Marketing at Inland Northwest Opera will organize and monitor daily activities and provide planning for fundraising and growth. She will also work with the Asian Opera Alliance’s Board of Directors.

Chang Heaton was an advisory member of the Spokane Symphony and Asian Pacific Islander Coalition in Spokane. Finally, she was also the Director of Marketing and Communications for Canto Vocal Programs.

Per Asian Opera Alliance Founder Nina Yoshida, Chang Heaton brings “expertise in non-profit strategy to help us grow further.”

The Asian Opera Alliance aims to provide broader equity and uplift Asian representation in opera. The organization is comprised of Asian-identified industry professionals.