One of the first things I noticed upon accepting the position of executive director for the Nebraska Board of Public Accountancy many years ago was the continued participation of State Board members in national affairs, including a strong presence on National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) committees. This requires a whole other level of participation, above and beyond being a member of the State Board. Those who serve as NASBA volunteers have made a commitment to participate in the national discussion, which ensures both the protection of the public and the relevancy of the profession going forward.

Here are just a few examples of exceptional volunteers who come to mind over the span of my career:

Upon my arrival, I immediately noticed the effort of past State Board member Dr. Kathy Smith, a former educator from the University of Nebraska at Kearney, who was instrumental in the review of education standards for the State Board and at the national level over many years. She was asked to participate on several NASBA committees and task forces, and was a longtime member of the important International Qualifications Appraisal Board (IQAB) to assess and provide recommendations of professional practice standards and qualifications in specified countries. Kathy provided hours of volunteer service on the State Board and for NASBA over her career—and she continues to volunteer in retirement as a current member of the AICPA Board of Examiners (BOE).

Another great example of Nebraska on the national front includes the efforts of Richard Zacharia, CPA, and Anne Fuhrman, CPA. These two outstanding CPAs and former State Board members led a task force that was charged with preparations as the State Board hosted NASBA’s Western Regional Meetings in Nebraska in 2010. This was a big step for the Nebraska Board of Public Accountancy as many were skeptical at the time that a small population state could host this important conference. When it was all said and done, the State Board received many compliments regarding the conference, the friendly atmosphere, Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo, the Old Market, and other activities. Due to the leadership of both Richard and Anne, along with their spouses, the conference was a great success.

As noted in the January/February 2021 edition of this magazine, Douglas Skiles, CPA, from McCook continues his national volunteer participation as current chairman of the NASBA Examination Review Board (ERB). Before that, Doug was chairman of the State Board and rose to the NASBA Board of Directors as a regional director for the Midwest. Former State Board member Jan Glenn, CPA (Inactive Registrant), also served as a Midwest regional director on the NASBA Board.

More current examples of outstanding leaders include former State Board members Lori Druse, CPA, who served on the NASBA Audit Committee for several years, and Michele “Shelly” Stromp, CPA, who helps select the new leaders of NASBA through her service on the Nominating Committee. Former State Board member Michael McClure, CPA, was an active member on NASBA’s Compliance Assurance Committee (now known as the Peer Review Compliance Committee) for many years, too.

Current State Board Members Marcy Luth, CPA, and Melissa Ruff, CPA, presently participate on NASBA committees, as do I.

Please join me in thanking the past and current members who continue to serve the citizens of Nebraska and your profession on the national front!

Never hesitate to contact the Nebraska Board of Public Accountancy with any of your questions and/or concerns.