Meli CEO Grant Boyd to retire at the end of the financial year 

Meli Chief Executive Officer Grant Boyd will retire in June 2025 after leading the organisation through its formation period following the merger of Bethany Community Support and Barwon Child, Youth & Family in April 2023.

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 Kindergarten Services operates 31 kindergartens in the Geelong region and surrounds, with the organisation also offering family support, out-of-home care, family violence, youth, housing, NDIS, counselling, problem gambling, financial and material support. 

“Grant has provided exceptional leadership through the complex task of the merger to form Meli,” Meli Chair Chris Bowly said.

“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.

Commenting on his time with the organisation Mr Boyd said it was a privilege as the 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,” he said. 

“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 the state government, as a management consultant and serving as a director on various sector boards.

“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,” Mr Bowly said.

“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.