Millennium Magazine_6th Ed

172 Millennium - A Marquis Who’s Who Magazine FINANCE AND INSURANCE G ifted with numbers since his youth, Michael A. Blakney, CPA, CMA, found it most appropriate to explore the world of accounting upon commencing his career. He obtained a bachelor’s degree in commerce from the University of Windsor in Canada in 1995, and five years later, became a Certified Management Accountant in 2000. Most recently serving as a senior manager of operations finance at KaVo Kerr, Mr. Blakney holds more than 20 years of experience in various industries, including automotive, plastic manufacturing and food service. He was previously a financial manager for KaVo Kerr, a medical equipment manufacturer based out of North Carolina. In a career dedicated to analysis and numbers, Mr. Blakney finds the most rewarding part of his profession is being able to watch businesses grow and witness the joy it brings to its owners. He recalls providing remediation of material weakness at the EMCON Technologies plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina, as his career highlight. Notably, Mr. Blakney has been the recipient of a Distinguished Service Award, as well as named VIP of the Year and Outstanding Professional of the Year. A listee of Elite American Executives, Mr. Blakney has been features on Live 365 Radio Network and on the front cover of Pro- Files Magazine. He attributes much of his career success to his hard work, ability to learn quickly and strong organizational skills, which are critical in his industry. Additionally, he is eager to learn, flexible and a team player. Mr. Blakney is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, and the advice he can offer to aspiring members of his industry is to be open-minded as well as a skillful business partner. In five years’ time, he hopes to take on a heavier leadership position and find a way to contribute more to organizational strategy. In his free time, Mr. Blakney enjoys music, golf and cars. MICHAEL A. BLAKNEY, CPA, CMA SENIOR LEVEL FINANCE MANAGER Charlotte, NC