Candler Park Accountant Gets Atlanta Business Chronicle Award

by Patch Staff

Matthew May, an accountant and board treasurer of Refugee Family Services, was awarded the Atlanta Business Chronicle's "40 Under 40" Award.

The awards, presented Nov. 8 at a reception at the Atlanta History Center, recognize local community leaders who have made significant accomplishments and are younger than 40.

"It is such an honor to be recognized like this, but the truly amazing stories in Atlanta belong to the refugees we work with at RFS, who the U.S. government invites to this country as they seek a new beginning for their families," May, who lives in Candler Park, said. "My hope is for more people across the metro Atlanta area to hear these stories as a result of this award.”

As board treasurer, he serves on RFS' executive committee and is chairman of its finance committee.

May, who is a rising leader in Cherry Bekaert & Holland’s technology and life-sciences practice, is the youngest-named partner at the firm’s Atlanta office.

As a board officer for RFS, a $2.2 million nonprofit that serves refugee women, children, and families throughout metro Atlanta, he shares his expertise on improving organization’s technical and operational structures.

"Our board of directors is enormously proud of Matthew," Leola Reis, RFS' board president and vice president of external affairs for Planned Parenthood Southeast, said in a statement.

"His considerable professional skills and accomplishments are a significant resource, not only for the board but for the entire organization, and his leadership has strengthened Refugee Family Services tremendously."

Refugee Family Services is a community-based non-profit that has served metro Atlanta's refugee community for more than 25 years.

RFS provides services and support for refugee women, children, and families with a focus on early learning, English literacy, youth academic support, parental engagement, and economic self-sufficiency.

RFS' 35-member staff – many of whom are resettled refugees – speaks more than 18 languages and serves more than 2,000 refugees each year.