Executive Director, Ohio Assisted Living Association
Melissa Shanmugam serves as the Executive Director of the Ohio Assisted Living Association (OALA), where she leads statewide advocacy, regulatory interpretation, member education, and strategic initiatives that strengthen Ohio’s assisted living sector. A registered nurse with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a minor in Nursing Management from Oklahoma Wesleyan University, Melissa brings more than two decades of clinical, operational, and regulatory experience to her role.
Melissa is widely recognized for her subject‑matter expertise in Ohio’s Residential Care Facility (RCF) rules and regulations, including Assisted Living Medicaid Waiver operations, compliance requirements, and survey readiness. She is a leading voice in assisted living advocacy, representing providers in legislative and regulatory discussions and ensuring that OALA members receive clear, actionable guidance on emerging policy issues.
Her professional background spans Surgical, Trauma, Skilled Nursing, and Behavioral Health, including serving as Clinical Director for a 90‑bed inpatient acute behavioral health hospital for adolescents. Since 2014, Melissa has held key leadership roles in assisted living as a Nursing Director and Operations Director, and she has also served as Corporate Director of Operations for agencies supporting individuals with developmental disabilities.
Melissa holds multiple advanced certifications, including National Wound Care Certification, Executive Assisted Living Certification, Assisted Living Nurse Certification, and the Train‑the‑Trainer credential through the National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners. Her combined clinical expertise and operational leadership uniquely position her to guide Ohio’s assisted living providers through complex regulatory environments and evolving care expectations.
Outside of her professional work, Melissa enjoys boating, flying, and spending time with her husband, three children, and their many pets. Originally from Tennessee, she divides her time between Columbus and the surrounding region, where she remains deeply connected to both family and community.