As a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), Michele brings vital experience to our board.  Her know-how has helped put new budgetary and accounting procedures in place, and the organization and its finances are much stronger for it.

Michele points out, “When asking donors for contributions and mentors to volunteer their time, it’s important for an organization to have strong internal controls and demonstrate responsible spending.  Even in a economy where charitable dollars are shrinking, an organization like BEST Kids can really shine by showing its current and prospective donors that each dollar is spent prudently.”

“My consulting background,” says Michele, “provided experience in a variety of industries, which helps me to identify strategies to employ and risks to mitigate.  It also helps me to focus on the initiatives best aligned with our mission, and what can be successfully undertaken within the limited resources available to the organization.”

Finally, Michele notes, “The most important element that attracted me to BEST Kids, besides the opportunity to help many DC foster children achieve personal and academic goals, was our dynamic executive director, John Palinski.  He is highly motivated, capable, resourceful, and efficient.  I look forward to working with John and my fellow board members to help BEST Kids reach out to more children.”