The Northwest African American Museum (NAAM) recently announced the appointment of Dr. Mildred W. Ollee, former President of Seattle Central Community College, as its new Interim Executive Director.
Dr. Ollee comes from a long background in higher education and administration. From 2003 to 2010 Ollee served as Seattle Central Community College’s President. During this time, she provided strong leadership to a nationally recognized college that served 23,000 students each year with 45 percent students of color and 1,200 international students from 125 countries. She established a Bachelor of Applied Behavioral Science that began September 2009. At Seattle Central, Ollee managed a budget of over $80 million and was integral to fundraising at the school.
“Mildred Ollee brings a superior management acumen coupled with an academic and cultural passion that will strengthen NAAM’s presence and legacy,” said NAAM Board Member Norman Rice.
Prior to working as President at Seattle Central, Dr. Ollee also served as President at Portland Community College for eight years where she succeeded in helping to secure bond passage for $85 million in capital projects to build a comprehensive campus at the Killingworth site and extended the campus property for two additional blocks. Experienced in forming extensive successful collaborative projects, Dr. Ollee has established successful relationships with local, state, and national agencies that have led to increased financial support for the college and awards for excellence in workforce development programs, a contribution that was recognized with an official declaration of July 22, 2003 as Mildred W. Ollee Day by the State of Oregon Legislature.
Well known for her active community involvement, since ending her tenure at Seattle Central Community College, Dr. Ollee has been a participant and board member in an extensive number of civic organizations including, Sound Transit Citizen Oversight Panel, Seattle Central Community College Foundation, Puget Sound Advocates for Retirement Action (PSARA), Rotary Club of Federal Way, and The Links, Inc.
“Dr. Ollee brings with her a wealth of knowledge and experience,” said Debbie Bird, NAAM Board Chair. “She comes with a great passion to help realize the mission and vision of the museum. I look forward to the invaluable contribution she will add to NAAM as our Interim Executive Director.”
Dr. Ollee received her PhD. in Educational Leadership from Seattle University in 1988, an M.A. in Education from Walla Walla College and a B.A. in Education, English, and Social Science from Xavier University of Louisiana.
“I am inspired by the work of NAAM’s board and their dedicated staff to add my talents and skills to its work and legacy,” said Ollee. “I look forward to working with the museum to continue its place as an organization that provides art that reflects the rich talent and history of Northwest African American’s and beyond. NAAM provides services and programs that support the enjoyment of art as well as programs on economic empowerment, cultural pride and much more. It is an exceptional institution that is sustained by commitment from the community.”
