The Thomas University Division of Business will hold “‘Big Business’ Nonprofits: Working for Those They Serve in South Georgia and North Florida,” the second event in a three-part business series, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 1, in the Campus Center Classroom on TU’s Forbes Campus.

“Each speaker selection was based on recommendations from community leaders,” said Dr. Melinda Piller, Chair of the TU Division of Business and series coordinator. “The goal is to provide TU students, faculty, and guests, with the most current business topics and access to the most active and engaged business experts in specific fields.  These speakers represent the best and brightest in their industries.”

The event is open to the public. Speakers will include Lisa Billups, Executive Director of the Thomasville Community Resource Center; Eliza McCall, Chief Marketing Officer of Second Harvest of South Georgia; and John W. Keillor, Audit Partner at Lannigan & Associates in Tallahassee.

“When we think of a nonprofit, we typically think of a local volunteer organization and not much more,” Piller said. “However, the social sector of the United States, as compared to private and public sectors, represents the fastest growing economic impact on local communities. What used to be the responsibility of government and big business, is now the responsibility of nonprofit organizations.  There is no doubt today’s nonprofit is conducting ‘Big Business’ and we all benefit from their work and expertise.”

Billups holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting and a master’s degree in social work. She has extensive nonprofit experience, which include implementing a $4.9 million early childhood systems program, leading an early childhood statewide initiative supporting parental engagement, and establishing partnerships with Head Start, Redlands Christian Migrant Association, and Healthy Start Associations in key regions of Florida.

McCall holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a master’s degree in business administration.  She has been involved in a wide variety of projects including advocating for tax reform for small grower food donors, participating in a White House Rural Council Roundtable on Child Poverty in South Georgia, to instituting a military/veteran hunger-relief program, and quadrupling the scope of the food bank’s free school supply program. 

Keillor earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting. He is a registered certified public accountant (CPA) and certified internal auditor.  Keillor has a specific interest and dedication in not-for-profit accounting and auditing.  His expertise includes internal control structures; compliance with grants, laws, federal guidelines; financial reporting; and cost allocation. Keillor is a lecturer on accounting, auditing, fraud and other related topics.

“TU students and other participants will be amazed as to the far-reaching scope each of these nonprofit organizations are engaged in daily. This is an opportunity for students to see how they might build a career in the nonprofit world,” Piller said. “Everyone will be impressed with the use of big data and digital information tracking utilized by Second Harvest of South Georgia.  They will be stunned at the financial strength and business savvy of Goodwill Industries. Participants will appreciate the work Thomasville Community Resource Center conducts on behalf of children and families from all backgrounds and in all communities.”