Keith Towns, a member of the National Association of Black Accountants

Keith Towns established Emerge Financial Group in 1998, providing financial services and accounting from its offices in Oakland and Suisun City, California. He also operates another office outside of Houston, Texas. Keith Towns is a member of the National Association of Black Accountants (NABA). 

NABA is an organization that strives to improve the careers of accountants and tax professionals through its national programs and local chapter events. Members of NABA enjoy networking with professionals and have access to continuing education courses. They also enjoy services such as resume writing and reference checking. Career coaching is available to professional and student members. 

There is also a network within NABA for female accounting professionals. The Women of NABA Network (WONN) hosts regional and national events that help empower female accountants in the Black community. 

Members of NABA include current accounting professionals, instructors/academics, and students. Students who are pursuing undergraduate and graduate degrees in finance and accounting join NABA for the career development and networking resources the organization has to offer. Members pay annual dues to maintain membership within the organization.

National Association of Black Accountants Scholarships

A veteran financial professional, Keith Towns brings nearly three decades of experience to his current position as the principal of Emerge Financial Group in Suisun City, California. An active member of the field, Keith Towns holds membership in professional organizations such as the National Society of Accountants and the National Association of Black Accountants (NABA).

A nonprofit organization, NABA brings together more than 200,000 African-American accountants and other financial professionals to expand opportunities in accounting and related fields. The group offers a range of professional development, networking, and continuing education initiatives such as the Women of NABA Network and volunteer tax-preparation programs. Additionally, NABA supports students through its scholarship program.

NABA has awarded more than $11 million in scholarships over the course of the program, which distributes approximately 50 awards each year. NABA offers three types of scholarships: NABA National Scholarships, valued at $1,500; Corporate Partner Scholarships, ranging from $1,000 to $5,000; and NABA Member Scholarships, from $1,000 to $3,000. 

To qualify for the scholarships, applicants must be African-American and be an NABA member in good standing. Additionally, applicants must be full-time undergraduate or graduate students at an accredited US college or university and meet minimum GPA criteria. To learn more about the NABA scholarships, please visit www.nabainc.org/scholarship.