Viviana Urdaneta Melo named EMDRIA’s next CEO

Viviana Urdaneta Melo will become chief executive officer of the EMDR International Association on January 1, 2027. EMDRIA announced the appointment at its 2026 conference.

She will take over leadership from Michael Bowers, who is retiring as executive director. The association said it plans to recognize his contributions in the months ahead.

Viviana Urdaneta Melo is EMDRIA’s deputy executive director. She oversees the association’s educational content and offerings, along with staff and programming for the EMDRIA Foundation’s Racial Equity Support Initiative.

An EMDR-certified therapist and consultant, Viviana Urdaneta Melo has worked with survivors of intimate partner violence and sexual assault in mental health agencies, a university health center and private practice. Originally from Colombia, she practices in English and Spanish.

Sources: EMDRIA’s announcement · ASAE biography · EMDRIA speaker biography