“The best way to predict the future is to invent it.”
- Alan Kay

Thomas H. Beard 2008-2009 MACPA Chair of the Board

I am honored to serve as your chair of the board for this coming year. We are fortunate to have an outstanding board of directors, exceptional volunteers on our task forces and a top-notch staff to help us navigate the future. The MACPA Strategic Plan provides the roadmap to help us succeed on our journey. Our leadership team is once again rolling up their sleeves to update the Strategic Plan – as it is a living and breathing document, one that provides continuity and direction year to year.

While we have achieved a major advocacy milestone this past year (the passage of CPA license mobility) and we’ve further strengthened our community outreach (with doing tax returns for the underprivileged, collecting books for school children, and the outstanding participation in Junior Achievement and the Race for the Cure), we will continue to create opportunities to strengthen our profession.

This past week at our Awards Dinner, we paid tribute to many individuals who truly have made a difference in their organizations, in our communities, in our profession, and most of all, in the MACPA. Take a moment to read about our award winners in this article.

I think you’ll be as impressed as I am, not only at the people who share their talents with us, but also at the amount of time and dedication so graciously given on our behalf. Thank you again, and congratulations, to all these award winners.

Looking ahead, I know our Association and our profession face many changes, not the least of which will be addressing the migration toward “global” accounting standards. The MACPA is committed to keeping our members informed and at the forefront of this critical issue. Our upcoming Members Advisory Forum offers an opportunity for all members to learn more. Plus, our leadership team will attend the October AICPA Council meeting to gain further insight and participate in dialogue with leaders of other state societies and the AICPA.

Another vital issue that we face in our profession is succession. Over the next several years, a large percentage of our profession will reach retirement age. We must work on preparing the next generation of leaders and MACPA is on the forefront of this great effort. Involvement by young people, and mentorship by those of us in leadership, is a real priority for the future.

The MACPA is committed to two-way information channels. Your participation in the process is vital as we strive together to meet the challenges of the future. Please feel free to contact me, other board members or our staff members if you have questions, comments or concerns. I appreciate your confidence in me, and I look forward to serving you during the coming year.

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