Karen L. Wiltsie 2003-2004 MACPA Chair of the Board

On the heels of an outstanding Members’ Advisory Forum in Lansing (see cover story), it’s a pleasure for me to share with you two high points.

At the Members’ Advisory Forum, our executive committee honored MACPA President Peggy Dzierzawski on the occasion of her 30th anniversary with the Association. Thirty years is a significant achievement, especially in these times when employment by a single company over one’s entire career is rare. In those three decades, Peggy has had a huge impact upon the MACPA, our profession and many, many individuals – myself included – who have worked with her.

Peggy is heralded as a visionary leader by her peers in other CPA societies and by leaders of other trade and professional associations around the country. She began at the MACPA in the accounting department in 1974 and ever since, she’s made her mark in every department. The list of her many accomplishments is long, but here are a few highlights:

• developed our very successful Management Information Show;
• launched a fresh strategic planning effort shortly after being named president and CEO in 1997;
• worked closely with our Board to revamp our governance and organizational structure to better position us as a key resource for Michigan CPAs;
• created and strengthened alliances with other organizations including Volunteer Accounting Services Team of Michigan, Junior Achievement, National Association of Black Accountants – Detroit Chapter, Wayne State University and Oakland University in addition to building effective relationships with other state societies and the AICPA; and
• built and maintains effective working relationships with the Department of Treasury and the State Board of Accountancy.

As we offer our congratulations to Peggy, we also extend our heartfelt appreciation for her hard work and passion for this profession.

One example illustrating how the MACPA is a leader among state societies is the recent launch of the AICPA Audit Committee Toolkit. Attendees at the Members’ Advisory Forum learned about it, and our weekly e-newsletter has featured the Toolkit over the past few weeks. The Audit Committee Toolkit provides checklists, matrices, questionnaires and other materials that are designed to help the audit committee function effectively.

What you may not realize is this new resource was launched here in Michigan through a media tour in late April featuring several of our members. Briefings were held with news bureaus and key publications around the state. These meetings with media positioned CPAs as the trusted professional to turn to when faced with corporate governance issues and positioned the Audit Committee Toolkit as an easy-to-use resource for businesspeople.

It’s been an excellent opportunity for us to showcase the competence and integrity of Michigan CPAs. With your support we will continue to develop dynamic and valuable initiatives to benefit the public and our profession.

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