The fall is nearly upon us, which means it is once again time to prepare for the upcoming transition of the MICPA Board of Directors. Comprised of volunteers, the MICPA Board is truly a reflection of our members’ dedication to the profession and the ongoing mission of our association to support CPAs throughout the state of Michigan. We are immeasurably grateful to all our member-volunteers who offer their time and expertise for the betterment of the profession, and especially our board members who contribute their perspectives and guidance to our organization. As our outgoing and incoming board members prepare for their next respective steps, they shared their experiences and hopes for the future with the MICPA.
“Being involved with the MICPA has opened up relationships with some wonderful individuals in the profession, which may not have otherwise been possible,” says George Salloum, CPA, Elevate Corporate Advisors who, alongside Frank Maselli, CPA, partner, EY, and Lorena Bencsik, CPA, senior accounting consultant, Robert Half Finance & Accounting, has finished his terms on the board. He adds, “More than anything…being involved with the MICPA has given me an opportunity to give back to the profession, which has been very good to me.”
Maselli, an outgoing board officer who served two years as chair from 2020-2022, likewise shares the importance of relationships and making connections during his tenure with the board. “The exposure to other state societies through AICPA council meetings has been invaluable,” he says.
As Bencsik, Maselli and Salloum depart, the MICPA welcomes incoming directors Dr. Stacy Boyer-Davis, Ph.D., assistant department head, associate professor and MBA director, Northern Michigan University College of Business, Michael J. Boehm, assurance partner, EY, and Paul A. Glantz, co-founder, chairman, Emagine Entertainment, Inc. In addition to other initiatives, a common goal among all three, during their upcoming time on the board, is strengthening the pipeline.
For Dr. Boyer-Davis, whose experience prior to 20 years in education includes tax, audits and accounting management, this entails a short-term goal of seeking an additional CPA testing site in the Upper Peninsula (UP). “Currently, with the only testing site in the entire UP, in Sault St. Marie, our applicants travel up to 3.5 hours to sit for their exam, which presents a disadvantage, additional cost concern and a potential bottleneck in the CPA pipeline for the region.” She adds, “Long-term, my service will focus on the strategic mission and initiatives of the MICPA including member experience, service, the pipeline, and strengthening relationships to enhance the profession.”
“The mission of the MICPA to advocate for, educate and collaborate within the industry resonates with me, particularly as it relates to improving the pipeline of future CPA candidates,” says Boehm, who also brings over 20 years of public and private accounting experience to the board. “I hope to advocate for the profession and support the MICPA’s mission to increase awareness of the CPA certification and expand interest at the high school and college levels in pursuing a career as a CPA.”
Glantz, who recently recounted the story of his dual careers as CPA and entertainment guru in a recent issue of MICPA Connections, is similarly interested in driving interest in the profession among young people. “I have long been active in supporting civic and community organizations,” he says, “It is now time for me to give back to a profession that has been integral to my career success.”
Their common focus on the future of accounting is a familiar echo of the efforts driven by outgoing MICPA Board Chair Michelle Randall, CPA, CGMA, professor of accounting, Schoolcraft College. As she departs from the role of board chair, Randall reflects on her tenure. “I started my term with one goal in mind: Reach out to students…I honestly can't count how many students I talked with. Even though my time as chair is ending, I will not stop pursuing that goal! Acts of service impact the future. Guiding and helping young people grow and realize their dreams benefits our businesses and our communities. I am proud I could plant the seeds for the next generation of accountants.”
“I believe that getting involved with the MICPA is one of the best ways to give back to the profession and improve yourself as a CPA,” adds 2023-24 board chair, James Lopiccolo, CPA, managing member, Capocore Professional Advisors. “From the connections, and knowledge you gain, to the individual growth and experience you gather, [it] will make you a better CPA. Any involvement, little or big, helps the profession as a whole and can be life changing.”
Lopiccolo, who is a small firm practitioner, states he is also committed to ensuring that the resources and support small firms need for success can be found within the MICPA. “I want to ensure that all MICPA members feel involved and engaged in the association,” Lopiccolo says. “The CPA brand is one of the most respected in the world…I want to focus on raising awareness of the value that CPAs bring to the business world and public at large.”
“I leave my post full of pride, knowing that our profession changes lives and provides value to our communities,” adds Randall. “Under the leadership of our next chair [Lopiccolo] and our dedicated Board, the MICPA will continue to thrive as we address the challenges of a rapidly changing landscape.”
Interested in being considered as a candidate for the MICPA Board of Directors? Learn more and apply here.