2026-Oct. Spotlight: Vernon Johnson

Vernon F. Johnson is a distinguished accounting and business professional whose career spans public accounting, international development, regulatory oversight, and corporate governance.

A proud member of the Sierra Leone Grammar School Class of 1994, Vernon built a strong academic foundation before relocating to the United States in 1999 to pursue higher education and professional opportunities. He earned both his Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Business Administration, with an emphasis in Accounting, and went on to achieve the designation of Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in 2006.

Vernon began his professional career in public accounting in 2003 with Dean, Dorton, Allen & Ford, where he gained valuable experience in auditing and assurance services. Seeking broader international exposure, he later relocated to Toronto, Canada, where he continued his public accounting career with KPMG LLP.

His expertise and leadership eventually led him to the World Bank Group, where he played a key role in the development of the organization's Integrated Risk Management Framework, helping strengthen risk governance and oversight across the institution.

In 2012, Vernon joined the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) as an Inspector of Global Network Accounting Firm Audits. Over the course of a decade, he was responsible for evaluating the quality of audits performed by some of the world's largest accounting firms, contributing to the protection of investors and the integrity of financial reporting. He served in this capacity until 2022, when he transitioned to Capital One Financial as a Director within the SOX Advisory Group, providing leadership and expertise in internal controls, regulatory compliance, and financial governance.

Today, Vernon serves as an Independent Consulting Director, advising accounting firms on public company audits, regulatory compliance, and matters involving the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). His extensive experience across public accounting, international organizations, regulatory bodies, and corporate leadership positions has made him a trusted advisor in the accounting profession.

Beyond his professional achievements, Vernon is a devoted family man. He is happily married to his wife, Daphne Johnson (Awogan), and together they are the proud parents of three children, ages 15, 13, and 11. Family remains at the center of Vernon's life, and he enjoys supporting his children in their various activities and pursuits.

In his spare time, Vernon enjoys traveling, stock trading, and spending quality time with his family. His journey from Sierra Leone to becoming a respected accounting professional and leader exemplifies dedication, excellence, and a commitment to lifelong learning and service.

2026-Sep. Spotlight: Desmond Ellis

Desmond A. Ellis is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), finance executive, and entrepreneur whose work spans finance, trade, and diaspora economic development. He is the Founder and Managing Director of dotBleu LLC, an express air courier and logistics company connecting the United States with Sierra Leone and the broader West African diaspora.

With nearly two decades of accounting and finance experience, Desmond has worked in audit at Ernst & Young and currently serves as Director of Finance at a national law firm in Washington, D.C. In this role, he leads accounting operations, financial strategy, and finance transformation across the firm’s seven offices.

In addition to his professional and entrepreneurial pursuits, Desmond is committed to strengthening the global Sierra Leonean community through mentorship, professional development, and initiatives that expand opportunity and foster connection across the diaspora.

A proud Regentonian, Desmond holds a Master of Accounting from North Carolina State University and a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Case Western Reserve University.

2026-Aug. Spotlight: Samuel Buck

Introducing Mr. Samuel Buck, an accomplished IT professional. Mr. Buck graduated from the Sierra Leone Grammar School in 2000 before moving to the USA to further his education.

Before relocating to the USA, Mr. Buck studied accounting in Sierra Leone, where he worked at various organizations, providing professional accounting services.

Mr. Buck holds a bachelor's degree in information systems, and a master's in information systems management from the University of Maryland Global Campus. Mr. Buck further completed a business analytics certification from the Prestigious Harvard business School.

Currently, Mr. Buck serves as a Senior Information Architect in the Washington DC area providing expert services to many customers including the US Department of Veterans Affairs. Mr. Buck loves music; he is an expert organist and in his spare time, he is the leading organist in his church.