Executive Director

Melissa Turnage first came to Fidalgo DanceWorks as a dance mom, later serving as Development Director before becoming Executive Director. Her professional background is widely varied, but anchored on service and relationship building. Experience as an Army combat veteran, school nurse, and Family Court Liaison for the State of Delaware’s children’s department forged an emphasis on equity and community partnerships that she is excited to continue at FDW.

Melissa holds BAs in both History and Humanities from the College of St. Benedict / St. John’s University in her home state of Minnesota, as well as a BS in nursing from Arizona State University. She received her MPA from the University of Delaware’s Biden School of Public Policy & Administration. As the mother of four children, she is a fervent supporter of youth arts, athletic, and educational programming. She and her family reside in Anacortes, where you can often find them hiking or running the trails, on the lacrosse field, or on stage or in the audience at any of FDW’s fabulous productions.