UNF Alumni

You know the motto: The Osprey doesn’t fall far from The Nest. But as we prepare to celebrate Father’s Day, there are a couple more Mottos you should know about.

An alumnus of the UNF Coggin College of Business, Greg Motto (’97) serves as the EVP, CFO and Assistant Treasurer of NASCAR. A life rooted in faith as a community leader and devoted husband and father, he watched with pride as his son Noah (’20, ‘24) crossed the same graduation stage with his accounting degree and MBA.

Originally from Orange Park, Greg didn’t have a clear path for what to do with his life, besides surfing and skating. He earned his AA at the Florida State College at Jacksonville but then transferred to the University of North Florida to elevate his prospects through the business school – while still being close to ride the waves between classes. “The experience I gained helped prepare professional growth for me,” he said. “I learned not just to complete the projects, but how to communicate the purpose, my approach, the results and most importantly what I learned and what I would do differently – this style provided leadership development that differentiated me throughout my career.”

After graduation, he was accepted to the GE Financial Management Program and served as a Financial Analyst for GE Capital. He then joined the International Speedway Corporation in 2000, serving in a handful of positions including Financial Analyst, Assistant Controller and Director of Strategic Planning and Controller. He rose all the way to EVP, CFO and Treasurer for ISC, where he led all financial matters leading to the ISC/NASCAR merger in 2019.

Motto brings over 26 years of experience overseeing capital allocation, shareholder relations and financial planning to his current role, ensuring long-term financial stability and strength for the company and prudent strategic investment for growth. He has assembled a team to lead compliance over financial reporting, internal controls, tax, accounting, and integrated financial planning. “My goal is to ensure capital availability and financial discipline to fund strategic investments that will grow the business, this is enhanced by structuring a talented team that is balanced with technical financial expertise and the desire to advance aided by new technology.”

“I believe in sharing my experiences and talents by serving the community,” he said. He serves on the Coggin College of Business Advisory Council, finance and investment committees at Halifax Health and as an Elder and Board member at Salty Church. He currently lives in Ormond Beach with his wife, Michelle, where they raised their sons Noah and Mason.

Growing up watching his father build a career in finance played a big role in shaping Noah’s interests. He started college at FIU as a member of their football team, but stepped away to enroll in UNF’s accounting program, balancing classes with work to better fit his long-term goals.

“I commuted from Ormond Beach and worked full-time throughout my undergraduate degree,” Noah said. “The flexibility of the program made a huge difference.”

Smaller class sizes and a focus on real-world application gave him fundamentals he could build on, starting on his first day on the job. He landed an internship with James Moore & Co. during his senior year which turned into a full-time accountant role after graduation.
“The pace picks up quickly in public accounting, but the preparation I got from UNF gave me the confidence to adapt early on.”

Noah wanted a broader understanding of how businesses operate beyond accounting, so he rejoined UNF at the UNF Graduate School. Enrolling in a couple classes per semester, he was able to apply his teachings directly to his work. He also pursued his CPA license and passed all four parts of the exam within six months.

As his career progressed, he moved from staff accountant to senior, and then into leadership roles as a tax supervisor and tax manager. He believes there’s no secret to success, just consistency. “I’ve always tried to take on responsibility early, produce high-quality work, and build strong relationships with both clients and coworkers,” he said.

After nearly six years with James Moore, he joined Solutions Group Accounting Firm, Inc., which has allowed him to grow both his technical and leadership skills, advancing from Tax Manager to Tax Director, and now, Partner. His responsibilities go beyond just technical tax work and include managing client relationships, mentoring and developing his team, and helping shape the overall direction of the firm.

Looking ahead, both Mottos are prioritizing growth and leadership. Noah is developing his team while expanding his client base and building stronger relationships, while Greg’s priorities lie in supporting the growth of NASCAR. He also has another venture on the horizon as he anticipates opening LINE-X North America of Daytona Beach in 2027. However, like father, like son, both continue to stay active and enjoy activities outside of work.

We can’t let end without posting something about our favorite feathery friend!

Since joining us in 1988, Ozzie has gone through several iterations (including a recent glow-up in the weight room), but has always been an integral part of our Osprey family!

We also want to shoutout the other incredible mascots in Jacksonville (many of whom are also UNF alumni 🤫 🤐)

Next up on our list of new Alumni Association board members, we have Jen Lesshafft (’10), who earned her Bachelor of Science from the UNF School of Communication. She now works with nonprofits nationwide at EverTrue, helping them better understand their data, their donors, and how to grow both. Her focus on mission-driven work carries into her personal life, too. She and her family are working toward running a 5K in all 50 states, in addition to making it to a game in every major league ballpark!

You’ve seen us talk about Rich Phelan (’01) before, but it’s time we officially welcome him to the board! He earned his Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting and Finance from the UNF Coggin College of Business, served in the U.S. Navy, and now works as a financial advisor helping clients think long-term about their goals. He has stayed deeply connected to UNF for more than two decades, showing up for students and alumni through events, mentorship, and his leadership of the Osprey Alumni Advisors Network.

Chad Corcoran (’17) earned his Bachelor of Political Sciences from the College of Arts and Sciences, and got his start through internships before stepping into roles with the Florida Senate. He now works in legislative affairs for the Florida Department of Children and Families, staying close to the work of policy and how it plays out in real communities across the state.