January 2000

Executive Director Signs for Another Tour of Duty

tppic23 NYSSCPA Executive Director Louis Grumet has renewed his contract with the Society for three-plus more years through May 31, 2003. Grumet came to the Society in April 1998 from the New York State School Boards Association. We were a new challenge to Lou, who is an attorney but not a CPA and had to learn our CPA business and our problems in order to be an effective leader for our 32,000 members. Lou, who followed Bob Gray, our executive director for 28 years, has proven himself up to the task.

"In so short a period of time, Lou has cut a broad swath through our Society," said George T. Foundotos, the Society's immediate past president. "His positive presence has been felt throughout the state, at all levels of the Society."

Lou quickly received the support of the volunteer leadership and Society staff because he earned their respect. He made it his responsibility to reach out to members by meeting them one-on-one or in groups. He started The Trusted Professional, which has been overwhelmingly well received. Under his leadership, the Society's website has been redone so that it is accessible and easy for members, and the public, to use.

It was, therefore, an easy decision for the Society leadership to offer Lou an extension of his contract, which he signed on December 14.

"The last eighteen months have been a most exciting time as we have moved to change the fifty-year-old legislation that enables accountants to practice their profession; expand our communication with membership; reinvigorate the headquarters' operations and instill accountability; and empower the board of directors, chapters, and committees to give direction to the Society," Grumet said. "I am very excited to be able to be a part of making the Society into the most membership-responsive professional organization around."

NYSSCPA President-Elect P. Gerard Sokolski said of Grumet, "I am very pleased with Lou's philosophy that the Society's primary raison d'être is to serve the members."

As for this reporter (who also serves as your current president), it has been a pleasure to work with Lou, who has an easygoing, right-on-the-money style of leadership as he navigates us through the Uniform Accountancy Act, state legislation, membership, cyberspace, committee activities, technology, finances, education, etc., etc., etc. *

Alan E. Weiner is NYSSCPA president and a partner with Holtz Rubenstein & Co. LLP.