As my year as president of one of the largest chapters in New York comes to an end, I’d like to take this opportunity to address the membership by reflecting on the chapter’s accomplishments, and to recognize those that worked with me to make it all happen.

But first, I’d like to stress the value of being active in the Society. My volunteerism with the Society began with the formation of the Rockland Chapter in 2001, where I served as chapter secretary in its first year of operation. A year later, after relocating to Manhattan, I joined the Manhattan/Bronx Chapter’s Executive Board and served there as chapter secretary (it too was formed in 2001). One year later, I was fortunate enough to be asked to serve as the Manhattan/Bronx Chapter president. My involvement with the growth of these new chapters has been a very rewarding experience. I encourage and challenge my fellow members to also become active and support your local chapter.

Over the past year, your chapter has run a number of quality events that foster professional development and provide networking opportunities. These include a timely Issues Forum during which key speakers addressed the practical implications of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act; our marquee Officer Visitation event that drew over 300 attendees; and numerous social events, such as the Young CPAs boat cruise and an evening of billiards at the Q-Lounge.

Your chapter has also stepped up its efforts to reach out to high school students about careers in accounting. An important advancement in these efforts occurred when we teamed with the National Association of Black Accountants, Inc., and the Association of Latino Professionals in Finance and Accounting. Together, we can better communicate our message throughout the communities we serve.

Finally, your chapter has performed important community service events. We joined with New York Cares to perform needed maintenance at our public schools and to collect coats during the annual coat drive.

These achievements would not be possible without the dedication of my fellow Board members and our chapter committee volunteers. I thoroughly enjoyed working with all of you.

Our success is also dependent on the assistance we receive from the Society staff. I was impressed by the amount of effort that goes into serving the needs and interests of members. I had the benefit of working with many professionals at the Society, including Lou Grumet, Bill Pape, Sheila Griffiths, Lelia Dickenson and Kate Prouty. Finally, I am grateful for the friendships I have developed, most notably with Pat Agard.

Frank Marino can be reached at 303-294-2360 or fpmarino@att.net.