WILMA’s Leadership Institute: Meet Jessica Milam
Snapshot of this year's Leadership Institute members
WILMA’s 2023 Leadership Institute, an annual nine-month program, gives area women the opportunity to learn from leaders in the region, visit a range of local companies, and serve as each others’ personal board of directors.
The program is part of WILMA’s Women to Watch Leadership Initiative, created to help develop more women leaders in our area.
Meet institute member JESSICA MILAM.
Jessica Milam
Title: Corporate Controller
Company: Villari Food Group LLC
How long have you been with your current employer? 9 years
Alma Mater: I completed my undergrad at UNC Wilmington in 2010 and received my Master’s of Science in Accounting from Liberty University in 2014.
Prior career experience: I have worked in the food industry since I started driving, whether in a corporate setting or through waiting tables. When I graduated from UNCW, I was interning at a food distributor called Nichols Foodservices that hired me full time. I worked there for four years until I joined my current company. I started at Villari’s as the staff accountant for our affiliated trucking company and worked through several positions to get to where I am today.
Current job responsibilities: I currently oversee the finance and accounting teams of my company and its 6 affiliates. I have a wonderful team of 8 accounting specialists that keep things running smoothly. I report directly to our CFO and aide in the production of financial statements, projections and financing opportunities. I also work closely with our banks and lenders to make sure our financial health stays strong.
Hobbies: When I am not working, I am usually busy with my family, especially my oldest daughter. She is in sports and horseback riding. I also am part of a weekly prayer group/Bible study. In the summer my family and I are often at the beach or fishing in the boat. We love anything outdoors, especially near the water.
To learn more about WILMA’s Leadership Institute and Initiative, go to wilmamag.com/women-to-watch.
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