Candace McClure was working as an assistant director at a local day care center when she heard about ACE from one of the parents. The nonprofit and its mission sounded appealing to her. So she applied for a job and was hired six years ago as an administrative assistant. In 2014, she moved into her current role as accounting assistant, a position that affords her access to interesting, inspiring people, she says.
“What I enjoy most is the interaction with our clients,” says McClure, who grew up in Cleveland, Georgia. “I love getting to know them and following their progress as they start and grow their businesses.”
She currently is pursuing an Associate Degree in accounting from North Georgia Technical College. “I spend most of my spare time – what little spare time I have – studying and doing homework,” she says.
What does she plan to do with her degree? “Cut out the middle man and do my own taxes, for starters,” she says with a laugh.
McClure also stays busy as a mom to three children: Ashton, 17; Addyson, 9; and Aubrey, 3.
On the odd night her schedule does open up, you usually can find her enjoying a night out with her friends at a concert. “I like new country music,” she says, “and some classic rock. The best show I’ve ever seen was last year — Florida Georgia Line.”
In the future, McClure would like to “climb the ladder at ACE and take on more responsibilities,” she says. “I think what we do is amazing. So many of our clients don’t have opportunities anywhere else to help them fulfill their dreams.”