04481
October 28, 2004

Interim controller named

‘It’s important to do work wisely and efficiently,’ Golliher says

by Jerry L. Van Marter

LOUISVILLE — Judy A. Golliher, a CPA with 20 years experience in accounting and financial management, has been named interim controller for the Presbyterian Church (USA). She began her work Oct. 21.

      Golliher, a Catholic, says working for the PC(USA) “has opened up a whole new world to me. Most Louisvillians don’t appreciate the influence of the PC(USA) all over the world. I’ve been amazed.”

      A graduate of Ball State University in Muncie, IN, with postgraduate academic work at the University of Kentucky, Golliher served for 13 years with PNC Bank before spending three years, 1999–2001, with the Louisville Real Estate Development Company, which worked closely with the city to develop urban housing and neighborhood revitalization. Prior to coming to the PC(USA), for three years she was chief financial officer for The Glenview Trust Company.

      “I’ve always been intrigued by the PC(USA),” Golliher told the Presbyterian News Service in an Oct. 27 interview. “I’ve had an increasing interest in the nonprofit sector and thought the Presbyterian Center would be a fabulous place to work.”

      Golliher, who has known several PC(USA) financial staffers over the years, was recruited by Mission Support Services (MSS) director Joey Bailey, whom she has known for many years, dating back to when they both worked in the local banking industry. “I have tremendous respect for Joey,” she said.

      Golliher stepped into a somewhat unsettled situation. Previous controller Nagy Tawfik was terminated this summer for what church officials said was the mishandling of the bidding process for this year’s external audit. On Oct. 28 Tawfik sued the church, claiming his firing after working for the church for 23 years was the result of discrimination because he is from Egypt.

      “Part of my role to help the healing and to help MSS move on,” Golliher said. “Because Nagy’s departure was so abrupt, people tell me they’re just glad to see the lights on and the door open.”

      She said she hopes to lead the MSS staff “through some evaluation and reevaluation. It’s important to do our work wisely and efficiently.”

      Golliher said she’s impressed “by the thorough understanding and appreciation here that there are a lot of Presbyterians out there who are giving their $1 or $5 a week or month because they want the church to do good in the world. We owe it to them to do the very best we can.”