The MACPA added 17 new CPA Ambassadors in September to its expanding pool of CPAs who have undergone specialized spokesperson training.

Launched last year by the AICPA in cooperation with state CPA societies, the CPA Ambassador program provides members with training and tools they need to represent the CPA profession. The training centered on four critical message quadrants designed to reintroduce the CPA profession to the American public: Working in the Public Interest, Financial Literacy, Student Outreach and Education on the Profession, and Partnering with Small Business for Success.

Ambassadors Edward Kisscorni (left) and James Miller prepare two-minute Talking Memos in an exercise focused on developing concise, to-the-point messaging.

As part of the eight-hour training session, the participants were supplied with support tools including prepared speeches, talking points, guidance on handling tough media questions and briefings on related issues that dominate today's headlines.

Through community outreach, CPA Ambassadors can promote the profession's depth of financial knowledge, underscore the AICPA’s and MACPA’s effectiveness as advocates for the public interest, and refocus the spotlight on the profession so that it shines on the value of the CPA.

By harnessing the passions, intelligence and insights of CPAs around the country, the Ambassador program is designed to drive community and business leaders, employers, legislators and others to a fuller recognition and appreciation of the enduring value of the CPA.

From the CPA who has taken a leadership role in the Association but has never participated in a media interview, to a seasoned radio talk show host, the 2005 CPA Ambassador participants all benefited from the training.

Ambassador John Pridnia (left) participates in a one-on-one mock interview with a business-beat reporter (played by CommCore Trainer Michael Sigman).

According to MACPA Vice President of Communications and Member Services Cynthia D'Amour, the training may have been one of those almost magical turning points that sends confidence soaring. “One participant shared with me that thanks to the training she was going to further pursue a passion that has been very near and dear to her heart – teaching women about financial literacy,” D'Amour said. “Even some of our more seasoned participants were humbled a bit with the realization of how much they didn’t know – and found the day a great investment for their time.”

Congratulations to our 2005 CPA Ambassadors:

Ambassador Ramona Pearson answers questions from a local newspaper reporter (played by CommCore Trainer Michael Sigman) about opportunities in the CPA profession.

Thomas H. Beard, Godfrey Hammel Danneels & Co. PC,
St. Clair Shores

Robert A. Bovitz,
Bovitz CPA, PC, Trenton

Diane M. Edwards, Grant Thornton, LLP,
Farmington Hills

William H. Harvey,
Henry Ford Community College, Dearborn

Paul A. Hense, Paul A. Hense CPA, PC, Grand Rapids

Samuel L. Hodges, KPMG LLP, Detroit

Mark A. Irwin, Virchow Krause & Company, LLP, Southfield

Lori B. Kerch, Evans Distribution Systems, Melvindale

Edward S. Kisscorni, Crowe Chizek & Company, LLC,
Grand Rapids

Tracy S. Marrin, Wright Griffin Davis & Company, PLLC,
Ann Arbor

James D. Miller, The Business Doctor, CPA, PC,
Sterling Heights

Ramona H. Pearson, Ramona Hendersen Pearson, CPA, PC, Detroit

John P. Pridnia, Pridnia LaPres, PLLC, Muskegon

Angela S. Rhode, Plante & Moran, PLLC, Flint

Raymond T. Rowe, Raymond T. Rowe, PC, Troy

Michael E. Slomski, Slomski & Raedel, CPA, PC, Harper Woods

Millian M. Toms, Millian M. Toms CPA, Royal Oak

Each Ambassador was presented with a CPA Ambassador pin that acknowledges their training. This group of 17 Michigan CPA Ambassadors joins 18 others who were trained in 2004.