Melissa Ashton-Garard is a committed and experienced non-executive director who has served on the Westhaven Board since 2018. With a background in law, governance, and sport administration, she brings a strategic and values-driven approach to her role. Melissa is passionate about Westhaven’s mission to support people with disabilities to live the life you choose, and she plays a key role in strengthening governance frameworks, supporting leadership development, and driving long-term sustainability across the organisation.
She has extensive board and committee experience, having previously served as a director of Triathlon Australia and as Chair of its Elite Selection Committee. In her professional life, Melissa is the CEO of Rowing New South Wales and has held various leadership roles across government and the not-for-profit sector. She is known for her collaborative leadership style and strong focus on integrity, inclusion, and community impact.
Qualifications
- Master of Laws, University of Technology Sydney
- Juris Doctor, University of Technology Sydney
- Bachelor of Commerce, University of Wollongong
- ACID Company Directors Course
Experience
- Non-Executive Director, Westhaven Ltd
- CEO Rowing NSW
- Non-Executive Director, Triathlon Australia
Committee Membership
- Chair, Corporate Governance Committee, Westhaven