
Meli has announced that its Chief Executive Officer Grant Boyd will retire this year
after leading the organisation through its formation period following the merger of
Bethany Community Support and Barwon Child, Youth & Family in April 2023.
Meli Chair Chris Bowly said, “Grant has provided exceptional leadership through the
complex task of the merger to form Meli.”
“The vision for the creation of Meli was to build on the strengths of the founding
organisations to provide exceptional client services, build a great place to work and
become a strong and respected voice on behalf of the community. Grant has
provided the drive and commitment to bring that vision to life,” Mr Bowly said.
Meli is Geelong’s largest community services and kindergarten program provider and
employs around 900 staff across the Barwon and western areas of Victoria.
Meli services include family support, out-of-home care, family violence, youth,
housing, NDIS, counselling, problem gambling, financial and material support. Meli
Kindergarten Services operates 31 kindergartens in the Geelong region and
surrounds.
Reflecting on his time with Meli Mr Boyd said, “It was a privilege as inaugural CEO to
lead Meli through its formation and create a solid foundation for its future success. I
am confident the organisation is very well placed to meet the challenges and
opportunities ahead as a recognised leader in its field.”
“Serving as Meli’s first CEO has been an incredibly rewarding and humbling
experience. I am deeply grateful to the Meli Boards, our staff, partner organisations
and supporters.”
“I will watch with interest the next chapter of Meli’s development and stay engaged
with the sector. I am incredibly proud to have played a role in the creation of
something special for the community.”
Mr Boyd, 64, moves into retirement after a 45-year career in the community and
education sectors. Prior to Meli he was the CEO of Bethany Community Support
where he led significant growth and expansion since joining Bethany in 2008.
Mr Boyd commenced his career in special education and undertook his first
leadership role at the age of 28 heading up Geelong’s first autism service. This
organisation and two others later formed Gateways Support Services where Mr Boyd
was CEO. Mr Boyd’s career has also included time with state government, as a
management consultant and serving as a director on various sector boards.
Mr Bowly said, “Grant is an inspirational and inclusive leader with a clear vision for
excellence and focus on client outcomes. As Chair of the Board, it has been my
pleasure and an education to work alongside Grant.”
“On behalf of my fellow Board Members and Meli staff, I extend our sincere thanks to
him for his dedicated leadership, expertise and commitment over the past 16 years.
We wish him well for the next stage of his life.”
Mr Boyd will conclude his role at Meli at the end of June 2025. The Board of Meli has
commenced a comprehensive recruitment process to appoint a new CEO who will
guide the organisation through the next phase of Meli’s journey.