Melanie is a CPA, CA audit partner at BDO Canada LLP, and the Treasurer on the Board of Directors for the Chronic Pain Centre of Excellence. As Treasurer, she oversees the financial results of the organization, ensuring that appropriate accounting standards are being followed in a timely manner, reporting is completed accurately, and government filings are made on time. As Treasurer, she liaises with the auditor to ensure audited financial statements are prepared in accordance with Canadian auditing standards on a timely basis. At Board meetings, she keeps the other directors apprised of the financial condition of the organization, and provides oversight and guidance to management with respect to the financial transactions of the CPCoE.

Melanie is the co-leader of BDO’s GTA NPO industry group, where she facilitates the sharing of best practices and fosters collaboration among BDO professionals specializing in NPOs. With 20 years of experience, she specializes in serving not-for–profit and charitable organizations. Melanie has given presentations on financial literacy to help Boards understand their financial statements, fraud and prevention methods that organizations can implement, and revenue recognition methods with pros and cons of each method. She has also led Board governance training sessions.

Melanie was on the Board of Directors of The Mississauga Food Bank for 8 years, with six of those years serving as Treasurer. When asked why she joined the Centre of Excellence’s Board of Directors, she said she enjoys being able to share her skills with community organizations. Volunteering has always had an impact in her life ever since she was a child, and she feels that giving back is important. With the CPCoE, the cause is an important one, to ensure Veterans receive the care they need in return for what they have given to our country to keep Canadians safe. She is looking forward to playing a small part in helping to make sure that Veterans are cared for.