Deirdre Bates has over 30 years’ experience in accounting and financial management for small businesses and nonprofits. Ms. Bates was the Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President for 18 years at a nonprofit fiduciary that identified and supported entrepreneurs. Deirdre has managed and oversaw annual budgets over $2 million. She has helped launch over 100 startup nonprofit organizations. She is currently a principal at Blackwell-Bates and Associates, an accounting firm that works with small businesses and nonprofits.