01 Apr Meet the Blackman & Sloop Nonprofit Team
At Blackman & Sloop, our nonprofit practice is built around experienced leadership and a deep understanding of the unique challenges mission-driven organizations face. From audit and assurance to advisory and outsourced accounting, our team works alongside nonprofit leaders to provide clarity, strengthen operations, and support long-term sustainability.
In this edition, we’re highlighting two key leaders of our nonprofit team who help guide organizations through both day-to-day financial management and big-picture decision making.
Deetra Watson, CPA, CGMA
Assurance Partner
Deetra serves as an assurance partner at Blackman & Sloop, working closely with nonprofit organizations as a strategic partner. She helps align financial practices with each organization’s mission, supporting both compliance and long-term impact. Her work includes ensuring adherence to federal and state reporting requirements, strengthening internal controls, and providing insights that help organizations operate more effectively.
She was drawn to nonprofit work because of the meaningful impact these organizations have on their communities. Partnering with mission-driven leaders and helping them succeed continues to be one of the most rewarding aspects of her role.
Deetra notes that many nonprofits today face ongoing funding challenges alongside an evolving regulatory and economic environment. Fluctuations in donor support, increased competition for grants, and changing compliance requirements can make maintaining financial stability more complex. She encourages organizations to view financial management and compliance as strategic tools that support their mission. Strong internal controls and clear, timely reporting can reduce risk and build confidence among stakeholders.
Outside of work, Deetra enjoys spending time with family and friends, cheering on her youngest son at athletic events, visiting her oldest son in college, and traveling to experience new cultures.
Laura Fletcher
Manager, Client Accounting & Advisory Services – Nonprofits
Laura is a manager in the Client Accounting and Advisory Services (CAAS) department, where she works with nonprofit clients in a fractional CFO capacity. She supports board reporting, participates in board meetings, strengthens internal controls, and helps organizations prepare for audits. She also develops financial reports for grant tracking, budgeting, and planning, ensuring leadership has clear and reliable information to guide decision making.
Laura’s passion for nonprofit work began early, volunteering at a local animal shelter while in college. She has spent the past 25 years building a career centered around mission-driven organizations, combining her accounting expertise with a desire to support meaningful work.
Her focus is on providing strategic financial leadership that brings clarity and stability to organizations. She often works with nonprofits that may not have the resources for a full-time CFO, helping bridge that gap with practical, high-level support.
Laura finds it especially rewarding to see the real-world impact of the organizations she serves. She also reminds nonprofit leaders that they do not have to navigate financial management alone. Access to clear reporting and thoughtful guidance can make decision making more confident and less stressful.
Outside of work, Laura enjoys spending time with her family, gardening with her three kids, and being outdoors. A fun fact about Laura is that, while she is an accountant, math has never been her favorite subject. She is drawn to the structure and organization behind the numbers and enjoys presenting financial information in a way that is clear and accessible.
Strong financial leadership plays an important role in helping nonprofit organizations stay focused on their mission while navigating an increasingly complex environment. Whether it is strengthening internal controls, preparing for an audit, or gaining better visibility into financial performance, having the right support can make a meaningful difference.
If you would like to discuss your organization’s needs or explore how our nonprofit team can support you, we welcome the opportunity to connect.