FROM THE DIRECTOR'S CHAIR


RISCPA Rolls Out the Red Carpet for its Members

It’s not a coincidence that the RISCPA Annual Meeting and Dinner falls just prior to the end of its fiscal year. It’s inherent in your Society’s by-laws. And while we slightly deviated from the “third Tuesday” rule this year, Wednesday, April 25th turned out to be an outstanding night for the program which was held at the Providence Marriott Hotel.

We’re particularly proud that for this Annual Meeting, members were presented with the option of proxy voting online prior to the meeting. Of course, in keeping with tradition, those choosing to attend were able to exercise their voting privilege during the meeting. RISCPA Board member, Barbara Perino working together with Susan Breen, the Society’s Marketing Director, are to be congratulated for bringing to fruition a convenient way for CPA members to cast their votes. To learn more about the dinner and award recipients, please read Martha Conn Hultzman’s President’s Message.

As many know, this event also marks the changing of the guard, if you will, as the new President, officers and new Board members take center stage. This year, we welcome and congratulate our new President, Sam Suls, together with the following Executive Officers:

  • Steven J. Ursillo Jr., President-Elect
  • James E. Morrison, Vice President
  • Kenneth Andsager, Treasurer
  • John M. Mathias, Secretary

We also welcome new Board members, John Ayers and Patrick Quinn.

Of course, a special thank you is in order for our outgoing President, Martha Conn Hultzman. Her leadership, dedication and support throughout the year provided for a robust atmosphere, which greatly contributed to the RISCPA’s achievements.

As we all know, the RISCPA Nominations Committee plays an important role in helping to identify individuals willing to serve on behalf of their profession. For the coming year, the CPA voting membership has elected the following individuals to the one year committee term:

  • Ernie Almonte
  • Richard Carriere
  • Grafton “Cap" Willey

Rounding out the committee, Kevin Papa was also chosen by the RISCPA Board to serve a one year term.

This year’s keynote speaker was Mim L. Runey, L.P.D., President of the Providence Campus and Chief Operating Officer of Johnson & Wales University. Attendees very much appreciated Ms. Runey’s insightful commentary regarding JWU’s efforts and commitment to the profession.

On another note, communication remains an important component to sustaining a healthy and vibrant society. As a companion to our quarterly What Counts publication, RISCPA also produces a bi-weekly Society Update. Recently, the April 13th edition highlighted several of the past year’s accomplishments. For those who haven’t had the opportunity of seeing the edition, I encourage you to view it here.    

Much of what is accomplished is done by a terrific staff comprised of Denise Jacobson, Susan Breen and Ellen DeCataldo. Without their efforts, the engine wouldn’t operate as smoothly as it does.

In closing, the RISCPA staff is proud to serve its membership and does so with a strong level of enthusiasm, diligence and creativity. As we conclude another year, we wish to thank our 1,910 members for their loyalty and continued support.   

Bob Mancini