FINANCE TEAM’S FORMULA FOR SUCCESS

Deeply intertwined in the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation is the Finance team, supporting day-to-day operations and procurements to ensure the two museums and employees have resources and run efficiently.

A tightknit team of 10 manage the state agency’s budget of $22 million. Whether processing payroll to ensure nearly 325 staff receive their pay or procuring frozen iguanas for historic foodways programming, there is nothing that the museums do that our Finance team does not support in some way.

Will Nixon leads the team as director and beams with pride at the breadth of work that comprises the five entities that the team manages—from budget and payroll to acquisitions and procurement. When talking numbers with Will, he could not stress enough that it really comes down to the people. “At the end of the day, we are here because we are invested in our mission and helping our frontline people succeed when interacting with the general public,” he said.

Nixon’s tenure with JYF dates to 2012, when he served as a volunteer intern tasked with evaluating capital expenditures and request for proposals for the future American Revolution Museum at Yorktown. He transitioned from intern to employee in 2014, working his way to director in 2022.

Despite challenges that come with state and federal budget deadlines, differing priorities, adhering to laws and policies that govern their work, and meeting a range of customer needs, the team remains nimble and steadfast in its mission while supporting one another personally and professionally.

“Everyone works well together and cares about what is going on at work and in life,” noted Tammy McCormick, small purchasing specialist, who referenced popular staff potlucks.

Beyond the spreadsheets, providing service that is customer-forward, transparent and empathetic is paramount to each Finance team member’s work, noting that they try to imagine what their customers are experiencing and treat them as they would wish to be treated. “We strive to take the best care of our customers whether they be internal or vendors,” shared Ed Caldwell, financial services specialist.

Since 2021, the team of 10 has welcomed five new members, each bringing with them fresh perspectives and a wealth of experience and knowledge. Collectively, they have nearly 62 years of JYF finance experience alone, not to mention the depth and range their additional expertise provides.

While the past year has been full of change, most feel it has only made them stronger, which is expertly reflected in their work.

—Lee Ann Shelhorse, Talent Acquisition Manager Human Resources and Professional Development