In an effort to recognize his numerous years of outstanding civic and professional involvement, Robert H. “Bob” Berger of Omaha is being honored as the recipient of the Society’s 2022 Public Service Award.
Berger was destined to become a CPA. His great-grandfather, J.M. Gilchrist, was the first person to hold a CPA certificate in Nebraska, presented by the Nebraska Board of Examiners in 1909; Gilchrist was the first elected chairman of the Society, too. Berger’s grandfather, Elton C. Loucks, also held a Nebraska CPA certificate as did his uncle, John G. Loucks.
After graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Oregon in 1980, Berger earned his CPA certificate (No. 3157) in March 1983.
Berger’s accounting career began in 1980 as an in-charge accountant with Peat, Marwick, Mitchell & Co., now KPMG. In 1984, he joined Darst, Hamilton & Associates as a manager. A few years later, Berger achieved a professional milestone, teaming up with A.J. Freed in 1987 to create Freed & Berger, CPAs, LLC, a partnership that lasted for 10 years. In 1997, Berger and Dennis L. O’Toole established Berger and O’Toole, CPAs, LLC, laying the foundation for today’s firm. After the retirement of his business partner, Berger and O’Toole, CPAs, LLC merged with Boyle, Hess, and Elliott, CPAs in 2019 to form the present-day Berger, Elliott & Pritchard, CPAs, LLC. Berger focuses his work on tax planning and wealth management for both individuals and businesses.
Outside of work, he has spent a great deal of time in volunteer service. He has been a member of the Nebraska Society of CPAs for 39 years, serving on numerous committees and in leadership roles on those committees. Over the past four decades, he has served on a variety of Society committees, including the Accounting Careers Committee, Continuing Professional Education (CPE) Committee, Legislation Committee, Management of Accounting Practice Committee (as vice chairman for five years), New CPAs Committee (as vice chairman and chairman for two years), Public & Member Relations Committee, and Quality Review Committee.
In addition, Berger has been a member of the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) for 38 years.
Outside of the Society, he has been a member of the Omaha Executive Association since 1989, previously serving on its board and as president; a member of the Omaha Chamber of Commerce; a member of the Omaha Public Library Foundation, serving on the board and/or the advisory council since 2010; and a member of the Omaha Morning Rotary since 1985, previously serving as a committee chairman and secretary of the board.
Berger has a long list of additional civic activities that include leadership and involvement in the Douglas County Deputy Sheriff’s Foundation; Kirkpatrick Charitable Foundation; Morning Star Church Finance Council; Omaha Theatre for Young People (Rose Theatre) and the Rose Theatre Foundation; Sigma Nu Alumni Association (Gamma Zeta Chapter); Swanson Community Club; Westside Athletic Club; and Westside High School Alumni Association.
Berger and his family also have strong ties and a storied history with AK-SAR-BEN. His mother and father, grandmother and grandfather, aunt and uncle have all been honored by AK-SAR-BEN. In 1980, Berger and his wife Shary met when Bob was an AK-SAR-BEN escort and Shary a countess. Five years later, they were married. Together, they have two children: a son Tab and a daughter Samantha.
In his spare time, he enjoys boating in Okoboji, playing golf, and cheering on the Huskers
The purpose of the Public Service Award is to recognize Nebraska CPAs who have performed outstanding public service in their communities. The nominee must be a CPA, be a member of the Nebraska Society of CPAs, and be in good standing with the profession. Selection of the award recipient is made by a committee of Society members and approved by the Society Board of Directors.
