Greetings Pacificans!
I am Kamau Harris, Programmer at WPFW and Chair of the WPFW Local Station Board (LSB), and I am running to be your Treasurer on the Pacifica National Board (PNB).
As your Treasurer, I will ensure Pacifica upholds the standards of accuracy, accountability and transparency.
◘ Accuracy through guaranteeing our financial records and reporting adhere to Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) ◘ Accountability through written correspondence outlining why actions were taken, commitments were held and decisions were made ◘ Transparency by providing the details of financial processes and performance to build trust while maintaining a balance of privacy and confidentiality
At the foundation of any successful organization is trustworthy fiscal stewardship. I’ve learned this through a combination of formal education and real-world experience. After earning my Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from Howard University in Washington, DC, I’ve worked for non-profit organizations, and in the Banking, Manufacturing, and Healthcare industries. This varied work history has allowed me to understand what works best across industries and organizational structure.
Quite simply, the through line is trust. Does the leadership, membership, and other stakeholders have trust regarding the preparation and reporting of the organization’s finances? If not, meetings can devolve into a Petri dish of accusations, animosity and acrimony. This scenario played out at WPFW while I was the Treasurer of the LSB. Management had a very difficult time ensuring accuracy, providing transparency and taking accountability. After turnover at General Manager and the sudden resignation of the local Administrative Assistant, there was a void in processing and reporting the station’s finances.
Working closely with the new General Manager, we quickly put in place an accounting system to track all income and expenses; froze all discretionary spending; worked closely with vendors to bring our accounts current and met with the full LSB to bring them up to speed about what took place in the past and the plans to get back to a positive cash flow. All of these efforts were enhanced by the support from the Pacifica National Office. They recognized our prioritizing of the finances and allowed us to implement our plans.
This is the kind of teamwork, strategizing, and discipline I plan to implement as your Treasurer of the Pacifica National Board. I’ve worked professionally in small and large organizations, in both support and leadership roles. I have a client base of small businesses that rely on my ability to communicate complex financial issues succinctly. These are essential skills foundational to driving increased financial support for non-profits.
I humbly ask for your support. I ask that you support all other Pacificans on your ballot ready for change. Let us form a coalition of members on a mission to uphold the founding principles of Free Speech, Education and Inclusion. Together we will honor the founders of Pacifica by placing the responsibility for its future back in the hands of the people! The time is now…, Thank you!