Starting her career in ASX listed companies spanning across Insurance, FMCG and Energy, Melissa transitioned into the Sports and Entertainment Industry where she has had the opportunity to build her leadership and commercial capability while driving transformational change and partnering with the business to support the most successful sporting events in Australia.  Melissa stepped into her first CFO role at Tennis Australia in 2018 focused on setting a clear vision to transform the finance function and introduce capability to support the dynamic growth of the organization. Melissa played a key role in risk management and scenario planning that would underpin the delivery of the Australian Open during a pandemic. Melissa moved to the AFL in 2021 as GM Finance where she oversees the finance activity for the AFL and is charged with driving the strength of the Industry financials, supporting the growth of investment across the game, both at the elite and grass roots levels, and Marvel Stadium. Melissa’s most rewarding experiences as a Finance leader have focused on the development and leadership of high performing finance and commercials teams. Through planning and delivering transformational change this has enabled Melissa to build a culture of continuous improvement and true business partnering. Since joining the AFL, Melissa enjoys playing a key role in an industry that ignites so much excitement, inclusion and passion from grass roots community participation through to the elite game of Australian Rules Football.