This week, the AJGA Trailblazers Spotlight Series features Taylor McGuire, who currently serves as an Accounts Receivable Coordinator within the AJGA’s Finance department. McGuire took an unconventional route to be hired and is part of the 14% of AJGA full-time staff who have not completed an AJGA internship. She has been working for the AJGA since March of 2022 and brings in experience from various industries.
McGuire grew up in Gwinnett County, where she developed an interest in sports. During high school, McGuire ran track and field. With sports being one of her main passions, she decided to study Kinesiology, Health and Wellness Promotion in college at Georgia Gwinnett College.
During college, McGuire was introduced to golf while working in food and beverage at a local golf course. McGuire met her husband Patrick, who worked in the course’s pro shop during the summers. Patrick currently works at the AJGA in the Player Services department.
“I didn’t play or have much knowledge about golf, but [Patrick] taught me everything,” McGuire said. "We would go out and play after our shifts and I picked it up and fell in love with the sport.”
After her experiences in the food and beverage industry, McGuire shifted into a utility role in the gaming industry. She created a wellness program for the employees and shifted to other departments after. McGuire started to gain human resource and finance skills during the transition into different departments.
“Never in a million years did I think I would be working in finance,” McGuire said. "It’s kind of funny because I worked in various roles outside of finance but I’m happy that it worked out that way.”
McGuire was still searching for a company that was the right fit for her and her future. After hearing Patrick speak highly of the company, it led her to look into possible opportunities. She noticed an opening within the Finance department, applied, interviewed and was hired.
“I was a little nervous having not done the internship and wondered how I’d fit in,” McGuire said. "But I quickly learned that everyone was so nice and flexible about it. It was a welcoming atmosphere and I fit into my department well.”
McGuire’s day-to-day consists of managing all cash flow that comes into the organization, whether that be donations, invoice payments or any other incoming revenue. She finds her role fulfilling as the impact that she provides adds to the mission of the AJGA.
“My brain likes puzzles, and the finance is perfect for me to fit everything into its place with the organization and data that comes with it,” McGuire said. “It’s cool knowing that I’m a part of that charitable impact and the larger goals of our organization.”
The opportunities the AJGA has given McGuire resulted in her wanting to continue to grow her education within finance as she seeks further education certifications.
“I love it so much that I’m sad I didn’t study it,” McGuire said.
Being a part of charitable contributions, McGuire gets to interact with stakeholders from partners, sponsors and board members. She finds value in learning and managing those relationships and discovering the why behind the stakeholders’ contributions.
“Being able to work with partners, finance teams or them directly has been awesome,” McGuire said. "You get to learn about them in a different light and see how these people have a charitable impact and how we’re able to make that impact happen. That’s the coolest part.”
McGuire believes that the AJGA’s focus on its staff and morale is what separates the company from other organizations. Through staff retreats, appreciation days, food trucks, birthday treat celebrations and a lengthy holiday break, she finds those stress relievers special.
“Investment in your people goes a long way,” McGuire said. “I love the hustle culture where everyone works hard all year and there’s great people here with positive attitudes so it’s hard to be in a bad mood. That makes this place very different than most.”
Taylor McGuire's unexpected path to AJGA's Finance department highlights the organization's welcoming atmosphere. Her fulfilling role and commitment to growth reflect the unique workplace culture and emphasize the impactful contributions of every team member.
