Peter Evans (US)

Trusted Adviser to Legacy Families, Laird Norton Family

Peter Evans is someone who has lived the multigenerational journey from the inside out. His years of leadership within Laird Norton Company—an 8th-generation family enterprise—give him a uniquely authentic understanding of continuity, governance, and the human dynamics that shape legacy families. As a personne de confiance to families across six continents, Peter has dedicated his life to strengthening the human, intellectual, social, natural, spiritual, and financial capital that enable families to flourish across generations. His presence sets a tone of humility, wisdom, and lived experience, aligning perfectly with our PWN’s themes of unity, connection, and collective stewardship.

 

Melissa Evans (US)

Laird Norton Family

Melissa Evans is a 5th Generation descendant of the Laird Norton family and has served on the Governing Board, the Foundation Board and the Family summit committee. Her unconventional life has followed passions in the arts, psychology and architecture. Melissa grew up with the promises and pitfalls of generational affluence and was free to pursue many interests. While raising two children, she worked in commercial real estate development utilizing her master’s degree in urban design and planning. With her subsequent master’s degree in Jungian and Archetypal Psychology, she follows her keen
interest in depth psychology, by navigating the conventional and esoteric in attending to the alchemy of inner work. As an abstract process painter, she says: “In sharing my works, I share my deepest self; to myself and others.” An avid traveler, Melissa has been to over 120 countries and is always looking for her next adventure.