MS

Melinda Smith

Chief Operating Officer

Introduction


Melinda Smith has recently been appointed as the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Goodstart Early Learning, Australia's largest not-for-profit early learning and care provider. This appointment, effective early March 2024, underscores her extensive background in senior leadership roles across diverse sectors.

Professional Background


Melinda Smith's career spans over 30 years in senior leadership and executive roles within notable organizations. Her prior positions have included:
  • Chief Service Delivery Officer at the Australian Tax Office

  • Chief Operating Officer at Masters Home Improvement

  • General Manager Buying and Merchandising at Big W


Before her role at Goodstart, Melinda contributed significantly as a Faculty Member at the Australian Public Service Academy and served on the board of the Australian Census at the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

Role at Goodstart Early Learning


In her role as COO, Melinda Smith leads the strategic and operational direction of Goodstart, which encompasses:
  • Supporting a network of 654 early learning centers

  • Empowering center leaders and their teams to deliver high-quality early learning experiences

  • Driving innovation and cultural change

  • Overseeing business transformation and customer service enhancement.


Melinda's appointment coincides with Goodstart's strategic roadmap aimed at enhancing the social impact and operational efficiency of its services across Australia.

Key Achievements and Contributions


Melinda is recognized for her dynamic leadership, particularly in:
  • Operations Management: Proven track record of steering organizational growth through effective operations management.

  • Cultural Change: Successfully fostering an environment of innovation and results-driven culture.

  • Business Transformation: Instrumental in implementing large-scale changes and transformation projects.

  • Customer Service: Enhancing service delivery models to ensure stakeholder satisfaction.


Educational Background and Certifications


Melinda holds several academic qualifications and certifications that bolster her extensive expertise:
  • Bachelor of Economics (BEc)

  • Bachelor of Retail Management (BRM)

  • Master of Business Administration (MBA)

  • Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD)


Notable Insights from Leadership Previous Roles


  • In her tenure at the Australian Tax Office, Melinda played a key role in national service delivery and implemented major transformation initiatives.

  • Her strategic leadership at Woolworths and Big W demonstrated her ability to effectively manage customer-centric operations and enhance procurement processes.


Current Objectives at Goodstart


As the Goodstart COO, Melinda aims to:
  • Achieve broader organizational objectives in collaboration with other senior executives.

  • Ensure continuous improvement of operational performance.

  • Drive the organization’s focus on delivering impactful early learning experiences.

  • Foster a supportive environment for children, families, and the Goodstart workforce.


Public Statements and Media


Melinda’s appointment has been widely covered in various media outlets, highlighting her significant experience and her strategic vision for Goodstart. Notable sources include:



Conclusion


Melinda Smith's extensive senior leadership experience and her strategic acumen position her uniquely to spearhead Goodstart Early Learning's ambitious goals. Her innovative approach and results-driven mindset are set to underpin the organization's continued growth and enhanced social impact in the early learning sector.