Serving as the president of the Mid-Hudson Chapter from June 1, 2003, through the end of May this year has been an extremely rewarding experience. Many of us have had the opportunity to volunteer and get involved in boards of nonprofits in different capacities, but I have to say, serving as the president of a professional organization has added a new dynamic to my career. It has provided me the opportunity to work together with other CPAs, and to network, team on a professional level, build alliances and overall camaraderie with some of my fellow professionals.

It’s funny: we compete on many levels depending upon our area of expertise and industry niche. But so many of my fellow members have been there during this past year from a brainstorming, what-do-you-think perspective to a doer perspective. I appreciate so much all of their efforts. One is only successful in life due to the alliances and teams that they surround themselves with in their personal and professional life. The Mid-Hudson Chapter has a great team!

During this past year, I also decided to leave my previous firm and create my own. As you can imagine, especially those who have set up a new practice before, setting up Deborah Bailey-Browne, CPA & Associates, is a very exciting and challenging endeavor. The NYSSCPA has been instrumental in helping me through this process. In addition, all of the insights and experiences of my fellow Society members have been invaluable. These resources and experiences are just some of the reasons why it is so important to be involved in your professional organizations.

Our Annual Golf Outing and Installation Dinner is May 24 at Wiltwyck Country Club in Kingston, N.Y. We hope for another wonderful turnout by our chapter members to welcome in our new officers and board of directors. Our new president will be Mark M. Levy, of Nugent & Haeussler P.C., and I wish Mark every success for his upcoming year!

Deborah Bailey-Browne can be reached at 845-567-9000 or dbb@vddw.com.