December 12, 2022

Media Relations

Phone: 404-765-0991

Email: tandelyndaniel@federation.coop

THE FEDERATION OF SOUTHERN COOPERATIVES SELECTS

DR. FLORAN SYLER-WOODS FOR

DIRECTOR OF FINANCE

EAST POINT, GA. -

The Federation of Southern Cooperatives/Land Assistance Fund ("the Federation") is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Floran Syler-Woods, CIA, CPA, Ph.D., as Director of Finance.

Dr. Woods is responsible for finance, accounting, and human resources for the Federation. She is also responsible for coordinating a diverse team of field accountants while providing support services for our membership of Black farmers, landowners, and cooperatives. 

As a member of the FSC/LAF Executive Leadership Team, Dr. Woods reports directly to Cornelius Blanding, Executive Director for the Federation of Southern Cooperatives.                                     

Prior to accepting this role, Dr. Woods was the Associate Professor of Accounting & Data Analytics/Director of the School of Business Accreditation and Assessment for Stillman College, a Historically Black College & University (HBCU) in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. As a higher education research specialist, she focused on teaching, accounting ethics, and increasing the number of African American students matriculating as accountants. She also played a critical role in establishing the Federation's Accounting Fellows partnership with Stillman College.

Dr. Woods brings to the Federation over 30 years of management experience in finance and accounting. Her vast business background also includes experience in internal auditing and business consulting. She has provided financial services for companies specializing in hospitality, radio and television broadcasting, franchising, and not-for-profit organizations, churches, and charter schools.          

Dr. Woods' Education:

Ph.D., Mercer University, Higher Education Leadership

MACC, Kennesaw State University, Accounting

B.S. Tampa College, Accounting

B.S. University of New Orleans, Hospitality Management

Dr. Woods holds the following certifications: 

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
• Certified Internal Auditor (CIA)
• Harvard University Business School, Certificate in Executive Leadership
• Center for Creative Leadership, Certificate in African-American Leadership Development 
• IBM Certificates in Data Science Practitioner and Enterprise Design Thinking   

Contact Dr. Woods directly at: floranwoods@federation.coop

"We are excited to have Dr. Woods join our organization and lead our Finance & Accounting Department. Her education, knowledge, and experience complement our program, service-driven system, and member-focused culture. She will also play a leading role in our efforts to provide accounting and tax support to our membership while developing students and youth in the accounting field.,"

said Cornelius Blanding, Executive Director of the Federation.