This year has been a pivotal time for us, yet with new challenges come new opportunities to grow, learn and contribute. As we recognize the efforts of our members for all they do within their communities I, and the entire MICPA, are proud to welcome new leadership into the board as they take up the baton from their predecessors. Before we do that, however, I would like to recognize the efforts of the many volunteers, particularly our board members, who drive so much of what we are as an organization including our out-going chair, David Echelbarger, CPA, CFF, CGMA, out-going board officer, Alan Young, CPA, and two of our most senior board members, Donna Hanson, CPA, and Jimmy Walker.
Working with and getting to know David over these past six months, during what has been a most unpredictable year, has truly been a privilege. Supported by his firm, Echelbarger, Himebaugh, Tamm & Co., P.C. (EHTC), Dave demonstrated a true ability to lead and immeasurable dedication as the MICPA underwent major changes both within the organization, including office relocation and leadership transition, and beyond as the Covid-19 pandemic emerged. For all that you have accomplished this year and all you have contributed to the MICPA in your current and former roles, you have earned the gratitude and respect of myself and our entire organization. Thank you, David, we could not have done this without you!
Without question, Dave proved an excellent chair, but an effective chair requires the support and thought leadership of a dedicated board to excel. A former MICPA board chair himself, Alan Young, of Alan C. Young & Associates, P.C., has been lending his insight and experience to the MICPA Board of Directors for over a decade. With an extensive tenure of service to the association on numerous committees and in various leadership roles, Alan is among the most dedicated and respected leaders in the CPA profession. Alan will be sorely missed, however I’m sure he is looking forward to freeing up some time on his always busy schedule.
Like Alan, leading by example and with the CPA profession always at the fore, Donna Hanson, a partner at Plante Moran in Auburn Hills, has served on the MICPA board of directors since 2012. As former chair of the MICPA Audit Committee, Donna brought to her role on the board tremendous thought leadership and experience. It is with great respect and gratitude that I, and the entire MICPA, recognize Donna’s efforts and wish her all the best as she steps forward into her future.
The MICPA is also comprised of uncountable non-CPA contributors, representatives and affiliates, all working toward the same goal. Jimmy Walker, Principal of Advisory Services at KPMG, has served as a dedicated member of the Board since 2014. Frequently, Jimmy goes above and beyond to further the mission of our organization, most recently by mentoring an emerging leader of a small firm. Through his exemplary volunteerism and dedication, Jimmy has been a reliable voice within the board and his presence will be missed in the coming term.
Reflecting on the humbling sense of service exhibited by these board members, as well as the rest of our members working hard each day to make a difference in their communities, I am filled with a sense of hopeful optimism that the precedent they have set will carry forward. When I think of the challenges our members have faced in 2020, I am awed by their, and your, unshakeable dedication to the profession and the continued efforts to one another as fellow members.
To David, Alan, Donna, Jimmy and all of you—thank you! We have been, and truly are, better together.