Melvin Ashland, Mel, was the Founder of Ashland Partners & Company LLP and retired effective January 1, 2018. His vision established the firm’s focused commitment to serving the investment management industry.

In 1992, he founded Ashland Partners to provide GIPS compliance and verification services. Under his leadership, the firm expanded to include financial statement audits, tax services, SOC 1 examinations, custody examinations, and anti money laundering consulting.

Mel began his career in 1969 in the Audit Division of Arthur Andersen & Company in San Francisco and later became a founding partner of the regional CPA firm Ashland and Richardson. From 1983 to 1991, he served as an appointed trustee of the Kern County Employees’ Retirement System, including six years as Chair of the Finance, Investment Committee.

His leadership positioned Ashland Partners as a trusted resource in the industry, a legacy that continues to guide the firm today.