![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/i.imgur.com\/w4X8rJY.jpg?resize=600%2C600\")
<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"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.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Again, this is from Sheila Williamson-Branch.<\/p>\n
\u201cPositive Changes for an Extraordinary Community\u201d<\/p>\n
The treasurer\u2019s 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.\u00a0 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\u2019s role is indicative of integrity, accountability, and responsibility.<\/p>\n
My background in accounting\/finance began in 1980 when I was given a scholarship from the Womack Foundation by Lalor Earle. \u00a0The 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.<\/p>\n
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. \u00a0In 2000, I became the first female executive at First State Bank after being promoted to Vice President \/Chief Financial\u00a0Officer. 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\u2019s Association Dan Valley Chapter. I also serve as National Treasurer for the National Epicureans, Inc., and I am a licensed Notary Public.<\/p>\n
Many have asked, \u201cWhat made you decide to run for Treasurer\u201d? 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\u2019s 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, \u201cwhat made me decide to run\u201d, 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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cPositive changes for an extraordinary community\u201d 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.<\/p>\n
Humbly,
\nSheila A. Williamson-Branch<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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.<\/p>\n
[…]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[58,20,28,105],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-17703","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-danville","category-newscentral","category-politicscentral","category-youcentral","odd"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/pwqFk-4Bx","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_likes_enabled":false,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":8040,"url":"https:\/\/www.southsidecentral.com\/wordpress\/2013\/10\/28\/endorsement-lyn-barbour-for-danville-treasurer-2\/","url_meta":{"origin":17703,"position":0},"title":"Endorsement: Lyn Barbour for Danville Treasurer","author":"SouthsideCentral","date":"October 28, 2013","format":false,"excerpt":"We're continuing the series of unopposed election endorsements, and we're staying in Danville for the city's Treasurer election this time. Lynwood \"Lyn\" Barbour is running for his second full term of City Treasurer and running unopposed again. If the job of City Treasurer is being performed correctly, most people will\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Danville"","block_context":{"text":"Danville","link":"https:\/\/www.southsidecentral.com\/wordpress\/category\/locations\/danville\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":17298,"url":"https:\/\/www.southsidecentral.com\/wordpress\/2016\/03\/09\/susan-davis-treasurer-announcement\/","url_meta":{"origin":17703,"position":1},"title":"Susan Davis’ Treasurer Announcement","author":"SouthsideCentral","date":"March 9, 2016","format":false,"excerpt":"Susan Davis 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 Susan Davis. Susan L. Davis for City Treasurer - Danville Born, Raised, and Educated Per the Danville\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Danville"","block_context":{"text":"Danville","link":"https:\/\/www.southsidecentral.com\/wordpress\/category\/locations\/danville\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/i.imgur.com\/vaQO1ln.jpg?resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":5643,"url":"https:\/\/www.southsidecentral.com\/wordpress\/2009\/10\/19\/endorsement-lyn-barbour-for-danville-treasurer\/","url_meta":{"origin":17703,"position":2},"title":"Endorsement: Lyn Barbour for Danville Treasurer","author":"SouthsideCentral","date":"October 19, 2009","format":false,"excerpt":"The Danville Treasurer's election is an unopposed race, but SouthsideCentral believes that a worthy candidate deserves the endorsement. Lynwood Barbour is running in his first general election after winning the unexpired term of the previous City Treasurer in a special election. Barbour has done a very good job in making\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Danville"","block_context":{"text":"Danville","link":"https:\/\/www.southsidecentral.com\/wordpress\/category\/locations\/danville\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":17248,"url":"https:\/\/www.southsidecentral.com\/wordpress\/2016\/03\/04\/kate-bergers-election-withdrawal-letter\/","url_meta":{"origin":17703,"position":3},"title":"Kate Berger’s Election Withdrawal Letter","author":"SouthsideCentral","date":"March 4, 2016","format":false,"excerpt":"Danville Treasurer candidate Kate Berger withdrew from the election today. SouthsideCentral is glad to print her campaign's withdrawal letter in its entirety for our viewers to read. Again, this is from Kate Berger. Citizens for M. Kate Berger for Treasurer announced today that Kate withdrew as a candidate for the\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Danville"","block_context":{"text":"Danville","link":"https:\/\/www.southsidecentral.com\/wordpress\/category\/locations\/danville\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/i.imgur.com\/A1hd6ux.jpg?resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":6828,"url":"https:\/\/www.southsidecentral.com\/wordpress\/2010\/04\/25\/breaking-former-south-boston-treasurer-killed-in-farming-accident\/","url_meta":{"origin":17703,"position":4},"title":"UPDATED – BREAKING: Former South Boston finance director killed in farming accident","author":"SouthsideCentral","date":"April 25, 2010","format":false,"excerpt":"Our sources have just got this story in to SouthsideCentral. Former South Boston finance director Vandie Saunders was killed on Sunday afternoon in a farming accident. Saunders (62) was apparently operating a piece of farm machinery when the accident occurred. We'll have more details on this breaking news story as\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Breaking News"","block_context":{"text":"Breaking News","link":"https:\/\/www.southsidecentral.com\/wordpress\/category\/newscentral\/breaking-news\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":14883,"url":"https:\/\/www.southsidecentral.com\/wordpress\/2016\/01\/11\/rifa-live-11116\/","url_meta":{"origin":17703,"position":5},"title":"RIFA – LIVE! (1\/11\/16)","author":"SouthsideCentral","date":"January 11, 2016","format":false,"excerpt":"SouthsideCentral was at Monday's RIFA meeting and almost nothing happened! But hey, that didn't stop us from getting some photos. Let's take a look at what did happen in this article... We're at Danville Regional Airport for today's meeting. 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