Manhattan/Bronx Chapter to focus on events, engagement and education
By FRED KOSNAC
Manhattan/Bronx Chapter President
As we look forward to another year for the Manhattan/Bronx Chapter of the NYSSCPA, I am thrilled and honored to serve as the president of the chapter. I have devoted the majority of my career to guiding companies as they navigate strategic financial and accounting challenges, and it is with that same spirit that I take on the chapter president role. The NYSSCPA is a champion for both CPAs and the accounting profession at large. I look forward to furthering that mission for our members.
I have served on the chapter board in various positions going on for seven years now, and I cannot help but think of all the wonderful people I have met through my involvement with the chapter. I would like to send a big thank you to Gary Rosen for his service as president this past year and for all the great work he did. I would also like to thank the following individuals for serving in officer roles this upcoming year: President-elect Barbara A. Marino, Vice President Taylor Bickley, Treasurer Alex Hamabuchi and Secretary Deloris Dunk-Vickers.
Simply put, the chapter could not function without the efforts of the officers and fellow board members who are so generous with their time and energy.
My focus will be on three areas during my term as president: in-person networking events, member engagement, and education beyond technical accounting. Despite what the public thinks, CPAs are social creatures, and the NYSSCPA provides a community for us. That community allows us to share ideas among like-minded individuals. Networking events allow us to meet new people both inside and outside of our circles. I cannot tell you how many people I have spoken to who found a new job, gained clients or formed life-long friendships (or all three!) as a direct result of their involvement with the NYSSCPA. The best way to leverage our community is by attending events and getting involved. The chapter provides opportunities to do so through our various committees. Lastly, all CPAs need CPE credits. We are continuing to add educational offerings that extend beyond technical proficiencies, into areas such as career development, firm management, and personal finance. Keep an eye on the NYSSCPA’s on-demand library, where we periodically add self-study CPE programs related to these topics and more.
The NYSSCPA exists to benefit all members, whether you are in public accounting, industry or not-for-profit, or you are students or retirees. All are welcome and encouraged to attend events. If anyone would like to get more involved with the Manhattan/Bronx Chapter, feel free to send me an email at the address below, and we can arrange a conversation. To all our members, I look forward to seeing you at our upcoming events.
fred.kosnac@yahoo.com
Member Appreciation Spotlight Manhattan/Bronx Chapter
Gary Rosen - Past President of the Manhattan/Bronx Chapter — Gary's efforts were the inspiration in getting the ball rolling on re-forming committees and adding needed overall structure to the Manhattan/Bronx Chapter board. He also leveraged his network to fill the chapter’s calendar with unique, virtual education sessions, such as those on estate planning, personal branding, and practice management. Gary was a featured panelist on the Manhattan/Bronx Chapter’s Cash Flow and Risk Management for Firms virtual roundtable.
A’Isha Torrence, Vice President on the NYSSCPA Board, Past President and President-elect of the Manhattan/Bronx Chapter Executive Board — A'Isha came in as Manhattan/Bronx Chapter president, in a time of chapter transition and rebuilding. She brought instant stability to the board during that first year and kept the chapter operational with her professionalism. Just as important, A’Isha also brought back a level of mutual respect among Manhattan/Bronx Chapter members.