LIBRARY FOUNDATION OF LOS ANGELES NAMES MELISSA KHAM AS CHIEF DEVELOPMENT OFFICER

(Los Angeles, CA – May 15, 2024) The Library Foundation of Los Angeles (LFLA) announced today that fundraising leader Melissa Kham has been appointed Chief Development Officer (CDO). She joins LFLA after serving as vice president of strategic relations at the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC) since 2021. An accomplished development professional, Kham has held senior positions across an array of non-profit organizations throughout Los Angeles for nearly twenty years, including at Alzheimer’s Los Angeles, PATH (People Assisting the Homeless), and Youth Speak Collective.

“I’m thrilled to welcome Melissa to the Library Foundation of Los Angeles,” said Stacy Lieberman, President and CEO of the LFLA. “Melissa’s extensive experience enhancing the work of non-profits dedicated to serving the critical needs of Angelenos, coupled with her deep commitment to the mission of our public libraries, will play a pivotal role in strengthening our capacity to support the dynamic and life-changing work of the Los Angeles Public Library. The LFLA Board, staff, and I are looking forward to collaborating with Melissa to increase the impact of the Library Foundation of Los Angeles.”

As Chief Development Officer, Kham is responsible for the management and strategy to secure philanthropic support for the LFLA, which advances the Los Angeles Public Library through fundraising, advocacy, and innovative programs that promote greater awareness of the city’s 73 libraries. The Library Foundation supports LAPL system-wide initiatives like We Read Together, Get Ready for College, and Adult Literacy Services, and presents a range of free programming, including the award-winning ALOUD public program series of conversations, readings, and performances, and exhibitions like No Prior Art: Illustrations of Invention, opening in September 2024 at Central Library as part of the PST Art initiative, presented by Getty, which will explore the intersections of art and science, both past and present.

Prior to joining the LFLA, Kham served as the Vice President of Strategic Relations for the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC), a nonprofit organization that champions equitable economic growth through economic research, business assistance, and workforce development. At LAEDC, Kham was the driving force of the organization’s fundraising and external relations strategy in the business, government, education, and philanthropy sectors, overseeing membership, events, grants, marketing and communications, policy, and external relations.

Before her tenure at the LAEDC, Kham was the Sr. Director of Giving and Strategy at PATH (People Assisting the Homeless) from 2016 to 2020. At PATH, she successfully expanded the development and communications team from six to fourteen members, spearheaded a capital campaign, and led several groundbreakings and ribbon-cuttings for permanent supportive housing projects. She also led efforts to increase private funding, with a specific focus on foundation, corporate, and individual donors.

Kham began her career with Southern California Grantmakers, a membership organization that represents regional philanthropy. She serves on the board of the Community Foundation of the Valleys and sits on the Visionary Women planning committee for Alzheimer’s Los Angeles, and is an active Association of Fundraising Professionals member. She received a master’s degree in Public Administration in Nonprofit Management from California State University, Northridge, and a B.A. in Spanish and Chicana/o Studies from Loyola Marymount University.

The search was handled by Kevin Chase Executive Search Group.

###

About the Library Foundation of Los Angeles
For more than 30 years, the Library Foundation of Los Angeles has partnered with the Los Angeles Public Library in its effort to provide all 3.8 million Angelenos with equitable access to thousands of free programs, resources, and services. Through fundraising, advocacy, and innovative programs, the Library Foundation strengthens the library’s commitment to educate and empower every individual in our city’s diverse communities. At the Foundation, we are committed to keeping the library thriving for generations to come and to providing all Angelenos with the tools to enrich and improve their lives. For more information, please visit lfla.org.

About the Los Angeles Public Library
A recipient of the nation’s highest honor for library service—the National Medal from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the Los Angeles Public Library serves the largest and most diverse urban population of any library in the nation. Its Central Library, 72 branch libraries, collection of more than six million books, state-of-the-art technology accessible at lapl.org, and more than 18,000 public programs a year provide everyone with free and easy access to information and the opportunity for lifelong learning.