Peggy Haw Jury 2005-2006 MACPA Chair of the Board

During this year as Chair of the Board of MACPA, I have enjoyed many opportunities to talk with members of our Association. As I prepare to pass the gavel to Incoming Chair Sean Keenan, I’m delighted to share with all of you some of the year’s highlights.

Perhaps the top news story for Michigan CPAs this year has been the passage of accountancy reforms in December. The new legislation represents the most substantial accountancy law reform in more than a decade. The MACPA endorsed the proposed changes and worked diligently with state regulators to draft and promote legislation reflecting high standards of quality, objectivity and integrity as well as advocate responsibility and accountability within the profession. A chart in this issue of Leaders’ Edge summarizes the accountancy reform provisions and explains their significance.

Another highlight of the year was the overwhelming success and growth of our High School Leaders Conferences. This year, the MACPA held seven High School Leaders Conference events to expose promising high school students to the accounting profession. By expanding the Conference’s reach to more students from a broader geographical base, and increasing minority student participation, we attracted 677 students and 90 teachers to this year’s events. Post-program evaluations show that an astounding 96 percent of attendees will consider a career in accounting because of this conference. This remarkable program was recognized recently with an Associations Advance America award from the American Society of Association Executives.

MACPA’s Management Information Shows enjoyed a hallmark year as well. Attended by nearly 2,000 members, MIS celebrated its 25th anniversary last month in Novi. The MIS formula for excellent CPE, fun networking and interesting exhibits is a winning combination.

Around the same time I was elected Chair of MACPA, Michigan colleagues also were taking on important leadership roles. You’ve read a bit about them individually this year, but perhaps you didn’t realize that Michigan CPAs held the leadership positions in three national associations. Leslie Murphy, my partner at Plante & Moran, is chair of the AICPA; Paul Hense, a Grand Rapids small practitioner, chairs the National Small Business Association; and Carla Sledge, CFO of Wayne County, just finished her term as president of the Government Finance Officers Association. It’s amazing that we’ve had three Michiganders in these prestigious positions all in the same year.

It truly has been a remarkable year for Michigan CPAs and for the MACPA. For that, I have all of you to thank. The MACPA is one of the country’s leading state societies for two good reasons: extraordinary members and an exceptional staff. I extend my heartfelt appreciation to our task force chairs, board members, officers and the many members who share their passion, intelligence and insights for the benefit of the profession and the Association. I’d also like to thank the dedicated MACPA staff, especially our President and CEO Peggy Dzierzawski, who makes it easy to serve.

I’ve enjoyed serving as your Chair of the Board this year. Looking ahead, Incoming Chair Sean Keenan brings incredible experience and knowledge to the table – along with his great sense of humor. I know Sean is committed to the initiatives set forth in our recently updated Strategic Plan. He will continue our work to meet the needs of our diverse members and build upon the strengths of our Association.

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