Melwood Expands Leadership Team with New Chief Financial & Administrative Officer
January 19, 2022
Farhan Irshad brings strategic vision, nonprofit management experience to the growing Melwood team
UPPER MARLBORO, Md., January 19, 2021 – Melwood, a leading national employer and advocate for people with disabilities, today announced the addition of Farhan Irshad as the company’s new Chief Financial Officer & Administrative Officer (CFAO). In his role, Irshad will be responsible for helping grow Melwood’s strategic vision while overseeing and managing the organization’s financial, contract, administrative, legal, and risk functions.
With more than 20 years of global experience in finance, leadership, operations, technology and strategy development and implementation, Irshad is poised to help Melwood support current organizational needs while developing future growth. Irshad previously served as the Chief Finance & Innovation Officer at HIAS, leading the finance and technology departments during a period of explosive growth. Irshad also serves as Board Chair of NetHope, a consortium of leading global non-profits united with technology companies and funding institutions to solve complex humanitarian, development and conservation challenges.
“Melwood’s vision of a more inclusive world was an instant draw for me, and I’m thrilled to be a part of an organization that’s truly making an impact, driving conversations and solutions around an issue that has been overlooked far too long,” said Irshad. “I look forward to partnering with the entire Melwood team to maximize our reach, expand our services and ensure that our organization is set up to succeed and execute on our strategic vision.”
Prior to joining Melwood, Irshad also held several leadership roles at Save the Children and Save the Children International. Irshad holds a bachelor’s degree in finance & accounting from the University of Punjab, and an MBA from University of Central Punjab. Farhan is also a graduate of the University of Virginia’s Management Development Program.
“Farhan’s experience in the nonprofit sector and proven track record of navigating the complex world of funding, compliance and government contracts make him a perfect addition to Melwood’s leadership team,” said Larysa Kautz, President & CEO of Melwood. “We look forward to working together and continuing to modernize our operations to expand Melwood’s impact and support more people with disabilities.”
MEDIA CONTACT:
Lorianne Walker
[email protected]
(410) 688-1330
About Melwood
Melwood is one of the largest employers of people with disabilities in the country, employing more than 1,600 workers – nearly 1,000 of whom are people with disabilities. Melwood offers job placement, job training, life skills for independence, and support services to more than 2,500 people each year in DC, Maryland, and Virginia. Melwood also has an inclusive summer camp program for children and provides employment and support services to veterans and active-duty military members who have experienced service-related trauma or injury. For more information, visit www.Melwood.org.
