AOII Welcomes New Executive Director
2020 Announcement
The Executive Board of Alpha Omicron Pi is pleased to share the news that Kaya Miller has accepted the position of Executive Director effective May 2, 2020.
Kaya most recently served as AOII’s Interim Executive Director. Prior to this role, she served as Assistant Executive Director (2010-2020), the Assistant Dean for Student Life at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (2007-2010), and the Assistant Director of Student Life Programs at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (2002-2007). Kaya received her Bachelor of Arts, Psychology from State University of New York at Buffalo and has a Master’s Degree of Education, Higher Education and Organizational Development from the University of South Florida.
Kaya is an initiated member of Gamma Theta Chapter and has served in various volunteer roles within AOII and her local community, including tnAchieves/Tennessee Promise, the National Panhellenic Conference, the Association of Fraternity/Sorority Advisors, and the Circle of Sisterhood. Kaya is married to Eric Miller and is the mother of two beautiful daughters, Anna and Leah.
Upon accepting this position, Kaya shared the following:
“I am humbled and honored to accept this leadership role for our beloved Fraternity, and to continue to work alongside our exceptional members, volunteers, and professional staff. Since my initiation, AOII has always enhanced my life with close friendships and encouragement towards my personal and professional goals. I am proud to serve an organization founded by, lead by, and exclusively for women, and to support our meaningful and relevant work to Inspire Ambition across North America and the world.”
Earlier this year, the Executive Board of Alpha Omicron Pi launched the search for a new Executive Director. As part of that process, we engaged members of our professional staff and our Fraternity Leadership Committee to review and revise the position description so that it would best reflect the expectations of our members, volunteers, and staff partners.
Collectively, it was determined that our Fraternity was in search of an Executive Director to partner with our Executive Board and Properties Board in formulating and setting policy; developing and implementing strategic planning with the boards, professional staff, and volunteer workforce; and managing the daily operations of the organization. It was further determined that our Executive Director will work collaboratively with multiple stakeholders to achieve organizational goals that enhance the collegiate and lifetime experiences of our members; serve as an Ambassador of the Fraternity at events, official meetings, conferences, and through positive public relations; and work to develop collaborative relationships with the AOII Foundation and other key stakeholders. In addition, the Executive Director must perform these responsibilities within the framework of the Carver method of Policy Governance® adopted by our Fraternity in 2019 and while adhering to the Culture Principles of our organization.
The selection process included an initial screening and two rounds of interviews. The Executive Board engaged 24 individuals to participate in the final round of interviews. These individuals represented the Executive Board, Past International Presidents, AOII Properties, the AOII Foundation, Network and Standing Committee leadership, and members of our professional staff team. We extend our most sincere appreciation to all who participated.
In Alpha Omicron Pi, we seek to Inspire Ambition. As we look to the future of our Fraternity, we are confident that Kaya will successfully lead our Fraternity forward. Please join us in congratulating Kaya and welcoming her as AOII’s Executive Director!
Fraternally,
Crystal Grafton Combs, International President
Susan Bonifield, International Vice President – Finance
Jaynellen Behre Jenkins, International Vice President
Ashley Dumat, International Vice President
Lee Gray, International Vice President
Lisa Niedenthal, International Vice President
Koren Phillips, International Vice President
Jessie Wang-Grimm, International Vice President
Gayle Fitzpatrick, Past International President