Jennifer Willis has been named controller at The University of Olivet, according to an announcement from Jackie Looser, vice president of finance and administration. She is responsible for managing, monitoring and implementing the overall accounting, financial planning, financial management and administrative functions of the college.
“I am very pleased that Jennifer has joined the The University of Olivet community,” Looser said. “She has a vast knowledge and years of experience in finance and account management. I am confident she will serve the college well in this important role.”
Willis previously served as controller for Michigan Works! Association of Lansing. During her tenure she was responsible for all accounting functions, as well as managing payroll. In addition, she managed the organization’s financial reports and prepared all quarterly taxes for federal, state and local filing. She also served as the association’s human resources representative and maintained all personnel records.
Prior to her position at Michigan Works! Association, Willis spent the majority of her career serving as employer relations representative and benefit plan administrator for Municipal Employees Retirement System. In this role, she worked extensively with key decision makers of municipal governments on pension administration.
Willis led presentations, marketed defined benefit pension products and successfully acquired several multi-million dollar accounts. She also developed long-term relationships with clientele all over Michigan, including multiple union representatives and stewards through various levels of contract negotiation.
Willis earned a Master of Business Administration in strategic management and Bachelor of Business Administration in marketing from Davenport University. She lives with her husband and three children in Potterville.