Finance and Administration
Jo Ann Williams - Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer 
Jo Ann is responsible for overseeing the finance functions at Piedmont Investment Advisors. She also serves as a member of Piedmont’s Senior Management Committee.
Prior to joining Piedmont, Jo Ann was a Vice President of Finance at Wellington Management Company, LLP. Wellington Management Company is an independently-owned SEC registered Investment Advisor. At Wellington, Jo Ann was responsible for the firm’s financial systems. Jo Ann also worked at Fidelity Investments where she held a series of key finance and operating roles.
Jo Ann received her BS in Business Administration with Accounting concentration, and her MBA from Babson College, Wellesley Massachusetts.
Marion White, CPA - Vice President, Controller
Marion is responsible for overseeing Piedmont’s accounting functions as well as assisting in the firm’s human resource functions.
Marion has extensive experience with accounting operations and financial reporting in financial services. Prior to joining Piedmont, Marion worked as a junior investment controller for Morgan Stanley Real Estate Funds. Marion began her career as an auditor at PricewaterhouseCoopers.
Marion received her MBA in Management & B.S. in Accounting from Alfred University and is a member of the AICPA & NCACPA.
Ephrem Belete - Systems Administrator
Ephrem oversees the day-to-day operation of Piedmont’s computer networks including hardware/software support, data backup, and system monitoring. He also manages telecommunication and building access systems.
Ephrem has over 15 years of experience in the IT field and was most recently employed at Alphanumeric Systems, Inc. as a Systems Engineer.
Ephrem graduated summa cum laude from Shaw University with a BS in Mathematics. He also holds multiple IT certifications, including Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA).
Judith Gitiha - Office Manager
Judith is Piedmont’s Office Manager.
Judith has over 12 years of experience as an administrative assistant and office manager. She previously worked at US Trust, Bank of America Private Wealth Management in Raleigh, and Computers Plus in New York City. Her former roles have included supporting executive staff, event planning, office management, and client service.
Judith graduated magna cum laude from New Jersey City University with a BA in Media Arts.
Bobbie Griffin - Executive Assistant
Bobbie is responsible for supporting the firm’s executive management team.
Bobbie has over 17 years of experience in the area of customer service & support and office administration. Prior to joining Piedmont, Bobbie worked at Smith Breeden Associates, Inc. as an Executive Assistant to the President and CEO. Additionally, she serves as the editorial assistant for The Journal of Fixed Income, a premier journal of Institutional Investor, Inc. for practitioners and academics.
Christine Hargrove - Office Administrator
Christine is responsible for assisting with the firm’s administrative functions.
Christine has 17 over years of experience as an administrative professional. Prior to joining Piedmont, Christine worked for several professional firms including Houlihan Lokey Howard & Zukin and Talecris Biotherapeutics. Her positions have encompassed providing executive support, coordinating and managing board and staff meetings, client service, and marketing activities.
