Athena George, Director
Athena George is a versatile finance executive with more than 25 years of progressive experience in finance, operations, and business management within start-ups and global multibillion-dollar organizations. She is a proven team builder who delivers effective support to C-level executives and other stakeholders. A graduate of Newark’s acclaimed Science High School, who then went on study at New York University and earned a bachelor of science in accounting and finance. After an internship with Sony Corporation Electronic Inc., she worked with various media publications such as: Seventeen, Automobile, Parents, NASA Tech Briefs, and Marvel Comics.
George has variously functioned as Controller, Director of Finance, and Chief Finance Officer for enterprises in the United States, Australia, Canada, England, France, and Mexico. Her lifelong connection to and interest in the arts has led her to apply her financial expertise to work involving the creative aspect of media, advertising, and TV production.
Interest in societal concerns prompted Ms. George to work pro bono with Start Out Fresh Intervention Advocates, fondly referred to as (S.O.F.I.A.). She also worked as a consultant for City Green (an urban farm-and-garden organization in New Jersey, working to revitalize urban areas through agriculture & educational programming) and Newark Community Corporation, one of the largest community development corporations in the country.
Ms. George has also provided her financial expertise pro bono to art-related venues. Several involve community-based entities in New Jersey, such as Newark’s “City Without Walls Gallery,” Montclair’s “ Studio Montclair,” and the “1978 Gallery” in Maplewood. Before becoming a board member with Pen + Brush, she had volunteered since 2008, where she provided aid as an accountant and has helped with the annual audit. Using her connections in the financial sphere, she has continued to be available to assist in other related endeavors. In keeping with her penchant for contributing to non-profits and arts organizations, she is currently employed with Chamber Music America, a New York-based organization that provides small ensemble professionals with access to various development and funding resources.
Ms. George is a multi-talented financial expert with experience in Media, Marketing, Publishing, Financial Planning and Analysis, Controllership & Decision Support, Cash and Asset Management, Human Resource Management, Credit and Risk Management, Performance Measurement, Corporate Administration, Employment Relations, and Leadership Development.