Sigma Delta Tau

CARMEL, IN – Sigma Delta Tau Sorority’s Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment of Melissa Kish as the organization’s new Executive Director. The Sorority’s Search Committee, comprised of volunteers, students and staff, selected Kish following a thorough review which included an initial screening and three rounds of interviews.

Of the selection, SDT National President Margaux Manley Lima stated, “Melissa brings a unique set of skills and relevant experiences that will be essential to meeting our organizational needs and advancing the strategic priorities of our sorority. We are thrilled to welcome her to the Sigma Delta Tau family.”

Kish has extensive experience in higher education and the fraternity/sorority community, and currently serves as Chief Operating Officer for Zeta Beta Tau Fraternity (ZBT). In her role as Executive Director, Kish will lead the business operations of the Sorority, act as a liaison between the Board, Sigma Delta Tau Foundation, the SDT Capital Corporation, staff, volunteers and members, and represent SDT in the fraternity/sorority community. She will assume her role on November 16, 2020.

“It is humbling and a true honor to be chosen to lead Sigma Delta Tau. I look forward to working with the amazing volunteers, members and staff to create a lifelong membership experience that elevates and empowers women. I believe in the work SDT is doing and cannot wait to see what we accomplish together,” said Kish upon her acceptance.

In her current role at ZBT, Kish manages the day-to-day operations of the fraternity. This includes chapter services, communications, advisor recruitment and development, convention planning and educational programming. Prior to joining ZBT, Kish served as Director of Education and Leadership Development for the North American Interfraternity Conference. In this role, she oversaw all aspects of programming including the Undergraduate Interfraternity Institute (UIFI), Prime, IMPACT and LAUNCH. Rounding out her professional portfolio, Kish has experience at a campus level, having served as the Associate Director, Leadership & Inclusion and Fraternity & Sorority Life at Indiana University (IU). During her time at IU, she created the Hoosier Leadership Program, directed Diversity, Equity and Inclusion programs for student organizations, and oversaw the fraternity/sorority community of 75 chapters and more than 8,200 students. Kish began her professional career in Campus Recreation at the University of Alabama. While at Alabama, she received the Jack Baire Award for Exceptional Leadership and Service.

Extensive volunteer experience has also contributed to Kish’s keen understanding of the higher education environment and developmental needs of fraternity and sorority members. She has facilitated many different student leadership programs for organizations including the Association of Fraternity and Sorority Advisors, Leadershape, NIC and several other fraternal organizations, including Pi Beta Phi, Delta Gamma, Zeta Beta Tau, Sigma Phi Epsilon, Pi Kappa Phi and Phi Gamma Delta. Kish previously won the Campus Partner of the Year Award from Zeta Beta Tau and was honored with the Sigma Phi Epsilon Volunteer Excellence Award in 2013. This portfolio uniquely positions her for the Executive Director role as she is one of few professionals who has campus, headquarters, and umbrella association roles in her repertoire.

Kish is a two-time graduate of Ball State University where she earned her master’s in May 2007 and was a leader for the Indiana Zeta Chapter of Pi Beta Phi. She remains an active Pi Beta Phi volunteer as a Leadership and Nominating Committee Member and Critical Conversations Facilitator.

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About Sigma Delta Tau

Sigma Delta Tau is a National women’s social sorority, founded in 1917 at Cornell University by seven Jewish women. The National Sorority has more than 65,000 members. SDT empowers each member to reach her fullest potential by enriching the experience of women with similar ideals, building lasting relationships, promoting civic responsibility, and fostering personal growth.