MelanieDesjarlais-scaled

Melanie Desjarlais

Finance Director

Melanie Desjarlais has over 25 years of experience in accounting and finance. She received her CAFM Designation from AFOA Canada in 2016, and one of her greatest professional achievements was receiving her MBA from Athabasca University in 2021.

Melanie has worked with Indigenous organizations for over 17 years. Before NGN, she worked in finance at Manitoba Association of Friendship Centres for 7 years. Melanie then moved to Sagkeeng First Nation for 10 years, first as their Chief Financial officer and then was promoted to Chief Administrative officer, combining the CEO and CFO positions.

Melanie is known for her ability to navigate complex financial situations. She has a proven track record of cleaning up financial messes, devising robust policies to prevent their recurrence, and maintaining a vigilant watch over financial monitoring. Her passion for numbers is evident in her commitment to improving financial policies and procedures, making them more effective and efficient. Her ultimate goal is to empower First Nation communities through sound financial management.