RUMFORD — The board of the River Valley Healthy Communities Coalition announces Tavia Melhus as its new, full-time executive director.

She is taking over from part-time interim Executive Director Allie Burke, who remains with the agency as project director for River Valley Rising.

Melhus, who has recently moved to Norway from Nashville, Tennessee, has an extensive background in nonprofits, including Corgi Rescue of Middle Tennessee, which she founded and has directed since 2009. Her recent positions include account specialist and account manager for the American Red Cross of Nashville.

The public is invited to meet Melhus at an open house at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 6, at Rumford Hospital.

Tavia Melhus, center, newly hired River Valley Healthy Community Coalition executive director, meets with board members and employees. From left are Nick Waugh, Rebecca Record, Paul Jones, Melanie Babb, Dick Lovejoy, Kim Sequoia, Melhus, Becky Hall, Laurie Windsor, Jill Bartash, Allie Burke and Melissa Harding.