Melissa Callanan is an MBA-qualified executive leader and admitted legal practitioner with a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Education and extensive experience across business development, philanthropy, the arts sector, and community leadership. Working in business development roles within the arts sector and for UWA Business School, Melissa secured significant funding and partnership support for community and cultural initiatives.

As the Manager of Warmun Art Centre on Gija Country, she worked closely with Aboriginal artists, Elders, and community leaders to strengthen cultural enterprise and community-led economic outcomes. Later, as CEO of Sussex Street Community Law Service and Waratah Support Service, Melissa led multidisciplinary regional services, overseeing strategy, governance, funding, workforce leadership, and stakeholder engagement across the not-for-profit sector.

She has joined Many Rivers as the Community Economic Development Manager in the South West Regions.