LOS ANGELES, CA (April 21, 2021) – Leading accounting and advisory firm GHJ and GHJ Nonprofit Partner Donella Wilson were nominated for the Los Angeles Business Journal’s (LABJ’s) inaugural 2021 Nonprofit and Corporate Citizenship Awards.
“I am very proud of the amazing talent and passion Donella brings to the table every day,” said GHJ Managing Partner Tom Barry. “Her leadership and dedication to giving back has been a driver in the creation of GHJ Foundation and increasing GHJ’s impact in the community. She has truly been a vehicle of change, and we are proud to have her as a part of our team.”
GHJ applies its #BeMore philosophy to its clients, its employees and, most importantly, its community. For over 30 years, GHJ has worked with both private foundations and public charities. GHJ currently serves 11 of the Top 30 Foundations in Southern California and plans to continue to partner with organizations that share the same values and vision to improve the world. GHJ is committed to #BeMore and leads by example in serving the people and community of Los Angeles.
COMMITMENT TO COMMUNITY
More than ever, it is important to recognize not only organizations that are doing good in the community but also individuals who are volunteering their time and resources to help improve them. LABJ’s “Business Angel of the Year” recognition goes to an individual whose leadership goes above and beyond within their organization to serve the community they do business in.
Donella has dedicated her career, time and expertise to the nonprofit industry. She is committed to the nonprofit community through her leadership in GHJ’s Nonprofit Practice and active volunteer efforts. Additionally, as a nonprofit industry leader, Donella publishes thought leadership to push the industry forward discussing issues related to board governance, diversity and women’s leadership.
Her work has been recognized by her peers and revered by the nonprofit community and others, and she is a sought-after industry speaker. She served on the Board of Directors of the Downtown Women’s Center for 13 years and is currently a member of Southern California Grantmakers Audit Committee as well as Southern California Grantmakers Corporate Leadership Council.
“It is an honor to be recognized, and I am so grateful to work for a firm that has philanthropy in its DNA,” Donella said. “GHJ supports nonprofits through both time and money and encourages its employees to become involved in community projects and purposeful giving.”
GHJ FOUNDATION
Donella was instrumental in the launch of GHJ Foundation in 2020, which is a testament to GHJ’s commitment to serving the community. As President and Chief Philanthropy Officer, Donella helped shaped the mission and lay the groundwork for GHJ Foundation. Through Firm, individual partner/retired partner and individual staff contributions, GHJ Foundation raises funds to support its “extended family” — the community. The Foundation also provides sponsorships for philanthropic events and matching gifts for employee donations, makes philanthropic contributions, supports community service days, sponsors community volunteering and provides learning and development opportunities for staff through memberships of community organizations.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, GHJ Foundation launched an internal COVID-19 matching campaign. Employees donated over $15,000, which was doubled by GHJ, to donate to support COVID-19 efforts. A special Grants Committee then met to disburse the funds raised and distribute them to COVID-19-related causes based on need.
“This is the first step in what we hope will have a long-term impact for the local community,” Donella explained. “At GHJ, we believe every day is a chance to #BeMore, and I am proud of our team for their commitment to the Firm’s values and giving back to support others.”
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ABOUT GHJ
GHJ is an accounting and advisory firm that specializes in nonprofit, food and beverage, entertainment and media and health and wellness companies. Previous recipient of the Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce Employee Champion For Life Work Harmony Award and named a “Best Places to Work” by the Los Angeles Business Journal eight times since 2008, GHJ is passionate about helping clients and its people #BeMore by focusing on building thriving businesses and creating a better future.
GHJ works as a business advocate for its clients — providing personalized service and building long-term relationships to help position our clients for growth. Through its affiliation with HLB International, a global network of independent professional accounting firms and business advisers, GHJ is able to partner with other top firms across major cities throughout the U.S. and the world. GHJ’s audit, tax and advisory teams leverage the HLB network to better serve its clients and give clients access to member firms in over 158 countries across the globe and over 775 offices worldwide.
Also ranked as a top-20 largest accounting firm on the Los Angeles Business Journal’s Book of Lists, GHJ has 15 partners and more than 160 staff members that serve over 3,000 clients. GHJ is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), the AICPA Governmental Audit Quality Center (GAQC), the California Society of CPAs and the California Association of Nonprofits (CalNonprofit).
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