Duet: Partners In Health & Aging announces Dr. Melissa L. Boydston has been hired as executive director.

“We are thrilled to welcome Melissa as Duet’s new executive director,” said Cheryl Plewa, board president. “Her personal connection to caregiving and her proven record of leading with both heart and strategy embody the essence of Duet’s mission. Melissa brings the vision, energy, and collaborative spirit that will guide us into an inspiring new chapter of growth and community impact.”

Boydston brings extensive experience in education, philanthropy and community development. Most recently, she served as senior vice president of Community Impact and Engagement at Valley of the Sun United Way, where she led regional initiatives designed to strengthen outcomes across Maricopa County. In this role, she worked closely with nonprofit organizations, public agencies, and private-sector partners to align efforts, share resources, and drive measurable results in health, housing, education, and workforce development. Her work included efforts to improve quality of life and access to resources for seniors, supporting their independence, dignity, and overall well-being.

“What first drew me to Duet was how genuine this organization is in the way it lives its mission,” said Boydston. “There’s something really powerful about the idea of partnering; partnering with older adults, caregivers, and communities, walking alongside them in a way that’s grounded in dignity and connection. I’m excited to work with such a compassionate team and community and to contribute to the meaningful impact Duet makes every day.”

Earlier in her career, Boydston worked in higher education, focusing on access, student success and leadership development. Her professional journey reflects a lifelong dedication to expanding opportunity and fostering collaboration across sectors.

Boydston earned her Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership and Master of Education in Community College and Higher Education from Northern Arizona University, along with a Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Communication from Arizona State University. She also holds a Certificate in Nonprofit Executive Leadership from ASU’s Lodestar Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Innovation.

Plewa added, “Throughout her career, Melissa has remained committed to helping communities imagine and build stronger, more connected systems of support and where every person, including older adults, has the opportunity to live with health, independence and dignity.”

Duet is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to promote health and well-being through vitally needed services to homebound adults, family caregivers and grandfamilies. Duet’s free-of-charge services are available in the greater Phoenix area. To volunteer, donate or ask for help, go to www.duetaz.org or call 602-274-5022.