Mr. Phillips joined the foundation from Associated Press (AP) where he spent nearly 16 years serving as a finance director on the senior management team with a focus on budgeting, financial controls, and analysis and reporting. After earning his accounting degree at the University of Maryland, Mr. Phillips began his finance career as a CPA at an audit firm. Prior to his work at AP, John served as controller for several organizations where he managed accounting operations. His experience includes management of general accounting operations such as accounts payable and internal controls, budgeting and forecasting, performance metrics reporting, exposure to start-up ventures, audit planning,