Recently retired from a 30-year financial services career with major institutions like U.S. Bank and Wells Fargo, Melissa Downey is now focused on her role as chair and longtime board member for Minneapolis-based Aeon, a nonprofit developer, owner, and manager of affordable homes. Colleagues praise her leadership style as steadfast, calm, and discerning, acting as a role model for others. She’s seen the board through the transition to a new governance model and has overseen the creation of three board committees. She’s also encouraging Aeon to spearhead conversations about the housing industry navigating a complicated market. Aeon recently hosted its annual Beyond Bricks & Mortar event, which drew 450 people and raised more than $300,000.