Sheila Willamson-Branch has officially announced her candidacy for Danville City Treasurer. SouthsideCentral is glad to publish her statement unedited so that our readers can see it in its entirety.
Again, this is from Sheila Williamson-Branch.
“Positive Changes for an Extraordinary Community”
The treasurer’s role is to collect and deposit the funds of the taxpayers in an ethically responsible manner into financial institutions that are safe, solid, and secure. In order to do this, the treasurer has to have a working knowledge of finance, accounting, compliance, internal audit, investments, and banking overall. Accounting and Finance work together, and there is no separation of the two. In order to be an effective treasurer, one has to know accounting, understand financials, create and manage budgets, and understand the importance of compliance with regulatory oversight. The Treasurer’s role is indicative of integrity, accountability, and responsibility.
My background in accounting/finance began in 1980 when I was given a scholarship from the Womack Foundation by Lalor Earle. The Womack Foundation gave this first generation student the opportunity to enter Hampton Institute. I was raised by a single parent who worked hard to ensure her children went without while sacrificing her own education. An opportunity was what I needed then, and is what I am asking for now of the registered voters of Danville, VA as a candidate for City Treasurer and your vote on May 3, 2016. I have been a life-long learner graduating in 1984 from Hampton Institute (University) with a BS in Finance, from Averett University in 1991 attaining a MBA, and from Strayer University in 2009 attaining a Masters of Science in Accounting. In 2012, I received a Certificate of Advance Graduate Studies from Capella University after completing my final coursework towards a PhD in General Business from Capella University. In 2015, I continued my educational endeavors in pursuit of a Doctorate of Education in Higher Education Leadership from Walden University. Recently, I was inducted into the Golden Key International Honor Society at Walden University. I have over 25+ years in the banking industry between two financial institutions, First State Bank, Danville, VA and Square One Bank in NC.
My banking career began in 1989 with First State Bank as a Manager Trainee working in the Data Processing Department. In 1995, I was promoted to Assistant Vice President/Compliance Officer/BSA Officer managing the compliance department and internal audit department. In 2000, I became the first female executive at First State Bank after being promoted to Vice President /Chief Financial Officer. In 2007, another opportunity came my way and I joined Square 1 Bank in North Carolina serving as an Accounting Manager, and as AVP/Corporate Compliance/CRA Officer before returning to First State Bank as Controller in 2013. I have been teaching since 1985 in the area of accounting/finance and business for well over 20+years as an adjunct business professor at American National University (formerly National Business College), Danville, VA. In 2014, I joined Averett University as an adjunct business professor for the Graduate Professional Studies Program teaching accounting and business courses. I am very active in the Danville community, serving on the Finance Committee and board of the Boys and Girls Club of the Danville area, serving as Finance Chair and board member of the Gloria Corporation (WKBY), treasurer and board member of The River District Festival, Inc., and treasurer and board member of Haven of the Dan River Region. My children and I help with the Annual Community Christmas Dinner. I am a member of the Danville Alumnae Chapter Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., The Danville Chapter National Epicureans, Inc., and The American Business Women’s Association Dan Valley Chapter. I also serve as National Treasurer for the National Epicureans, Inc., and I am a licensed Notary Public.
Many have asked, “What made you decide to run for Treasurer”? I gave this careful consideration and prayed about it. It became clear to me that it was my duty to use the talents and knowledge I have obtained to give back to my community. This opportunity came at the right time when I least expected. When I entered college in 1980, I was excited like most college students looking to attain a career. Once I graduated in 1984, I returned home looking to begin my career in accounting. I was blessed with a lot of things growing up in Danville, one was my mother’s love and spirit of determination, another was the guidance and influence of a wonderful Pastor, Apostle Lawrence G. Campbell, Sr., who taught the young people under his leadership to believe beyond our current state of being and that for me was growing up in Liberty View. His mentorship played an important role in my life. I chose to take every opportunity as another chance for me to be obedient to the calling I know my God has on my life in addition to being a role model to others. Over the years, I have served in the capacity as Treasurer for many organizations within the City of Danville. I have given of my talents of managing the finances of several non profits such as Haven of the Dan River Region, the River District Festival, Inc., and WKBY as well as serving as treasurer or financial secretary for other organizations. Finances and education have always been a passion in my life. So the answer the question, “what made me decide to run”, I respond by saying, I genuinely want to make a realistic difference in the record keeping efforts in the City of Danville. The citizens can be assured that I will consider their confidentiality, serve them with dignity, respect their opinions and do my best to maintain an efficient treasurer’s office. Our City is growing and changing and I want to be a positive part of that growth and change. I believe that by working together we can make good things happen here in the City of Danville, and leave a wonderful legacy for our youth.
“Positive changes for an extraordinary community” is what I wish for Danville, and as Treasurer I plan to be a servant in this role entrusted in me. I ask that you give me the opportunity to serve Danville on May 3rd, and you can be assured I will uphold this office with trust, integrity and commitment to the citizens. I humbly solicit your vote.
Humbly,
Sheila A. Williamson-Branch
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