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 George Willie Accepts Advisory Board Position with University of the Virgin Islands FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE WASHINGTON, D.C. – May 14, 2008 – George S. Willie, managing partner of the accounting firm of Bert Smith & Company, was recently invited to join the Advisory Board of the Business Administration Division of the University of the Virgin Islands (UVI). The Board serves a vital role in setting the direction for the Division, which attracts the largest percentage of UVI students from the Virgin Islands, as well as the eastern Caribbean and the mainland. Mr. Willie, who is both a CPA and holder of the CGFM designation, has accepted the position, and looks forward to helping the Board accomplish its mission. “I’m honored by this invitation,” he observes, “and hope I can add some useful insights and perspective — especially in the areas of identifying skill sets and competencies that the business community will require of graduates, and in helping the university’s faculty implement curricula to support the development of those qualities.” In addition, Mr. Willie and the Board will help guide the Division in the coming academic year as it pursues accreditation of its academic programs with the Association of College Business Schools and Programs. UVI’s Interim Dean Eustace Esdaille, Ph.D., a CPA himself, commented, “[Mr. Willie’s] counsel as a Board member will contribute immensely as we reach for this coveted prize.” In addition to a nearly three-decade career in the accounting practice, including 28 years at Bert Smith & Co., Mr. Willie has deep connections to the Caribbean. He has been active in professional groups working to address diversity in accounting firms and other issues. Mr. Willie, who currently chairs the President’s Advisory Council of the National Association of Black Accountants, has served as an assistant professor of accounting at both UDC and Howard University. He is heavily involved in activities aimed at enhancing the educational options and resources available to African Americans pursuing careers in accounting. He previously chaired the Minority Initiatives Committee of the American Institute of Certified Professional Accountants, and is also former head of the Division of Firms for the National Association of Black Accountants. Click here to view invitation (PDF). Bert Smith & Company includes more than 70 accountants, management consultants and attorneys who serve clients in government agencies, healthcare, nonprofits, associations and education. The firm provides a full range of accounting services to commercial clients, and has provided accounting services to virtually every cabinet-level department of the U.S. Government, as well as federal government agencies and numerous cities, counties, authorities and commissions. |
   
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