Forty-four years ago this month, 20 individuals met for the first time to form the Guam Chapter of the Association of Government Accountants. Among them was charter member, John M. Phillips. Originally from New York, Mr. Phillips arrived on Guam as a United States Marine Corps Officer in March 1958. He was a Management Analyst of O&R Department Naval Air Station Alameda in 1962-1966 and was the Comptroller Officer in charge of construction on Guam in 1966-1987. Soon after, Mr. Phillips joined the University of Guam as an As-sociate Professor of Accounting.

 

During his time at the University of Guam, Professor Phillips journeyed through a 22-year career molding the minds of Guam and Micronesia’s public and private ac-countants, auditors, budget, management, and financial analysts. In 1991, he established the Junior Accountants Society and served as an advisor. Having served as the Treasurer of the UOG Board of Regents in 1982-1987, he received Resolution 87-23 for Dedicated & Outstanding Service to UOG. He also received the Distinguished Alumni Award in 2004. His tenure at UOG, his continued involvement and dedication as an AGA member, and his service overall in the accounting profession made him be recognized by his peers as an original “Godfather of Accounting” on Guam.

 

Since the AGA Guam Chapter’s establishment in September 1970, Prof. Phillips dedicated his career to AGA and the accounting profession. As an AGA member, he was an active participant in the chapter executive committee, taught courses, and attended nearly every chapter meeting and annual Professional Development Conference. He is the only AGA Guam Chapter member to have served as president of the Chapter four different times, and worked with AGA's Hawaii Chapter to establish the Pacific Rim Region. He continuously chaired the Education Committee until his retirement. He was instrumental in bringing AGA's Certified Government Financial Manager courses to Guam and helping the chapter earn the prestigious National Award for Education for Program Years 2008 and 2009 and was awarded the National Chapter Service Award in 2005. Prof. Phillips has also served as Regional Vice President and a Regional Education Coordinator. Prof. Phillips has also been a member of the Guam Society of Certified Public Accountants, Guam Chapter National Association of Retired Federal Employees, Guam Civil Service Commission, and many other organizations.

 

In Program Year 2011-2012, the AGA Guam Chapter established the Professor John M. Phillips Excellence in Government Accountability Award, an annual award recognizing a government professional who exemplifies and promotes excellence in government, outstanding leadership, high ethical standards, and innovative management, much like Prof. Phillips did throughout his career. The AGA Guam Chapter is honored to recognize Prof. Phillips for his contributions to advancing government accountability in the Pacific region.