Mel joined the Audit Division of Arthur Andersen and Company in the San Francisco office in 1969. From 1975 to 1989, he was a founding partner in the regional CPA firm Ashland and Richardson. From 1983 to 1991, Mel served as an appointed trustee to the Kern County Employees’ Retirement System in California. During his tenure, he served six years as chair of the Finance (Investment) Committee. Throughout his years of working with consultants, money managers, custodial banks, administrative staff, and other trustees, Mel gained a broad view of the investment community.

In 1992, Mel founded Ashland Partners & Company LLP (the predecessor firm was Ashland Accounting, LLP) to provide GIPS® compliance and verification services to the investment management industry, which has since evolved to financial statement audits, tax services, SOC 1 exams, custody examinations and anti-money laundering consulting for the investment management industry. Mel retired from Ashland Partners & Company LLP at the end of 2018.

Retired Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
Retired Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA)
Retired Personal Financial Specialist (PFS)

Bachelor of Arts (Accounting), Luther College (IA)