CPAs volunteering their time with California firefighters, working to promote a fair regulatory environment and offering their time to the boards of nonprofit organizations were recently recognized by CPA societies in California and New York.
A Sunnyvale, Calif., CPA who volunteers much of his time to aid firefighters is the recipient of the California Society of CPAs' 2005 Public Service Award. In 1969, Leonard W. Williams, who works in private practice, founded the Fire Associates of Santa Clara Valley.
The volunteer nonprofit provides support services, including water and food, for local firefighters, EMS personnel and victims at the scene of fires. Its current 34 members typically respond to about 72 fires a year.
A longtime treasurer and former president of the International Fire Buff Associates, Williams also has volunteered his CPA skills to the Mission Valley Fire Associates, and has donated many hours to local charities benefiting burn victims.
Additionally, Irvine, Calif.'s Harold "Hal" Schultz, was awarded the 2005 Distinguished Service Award by CalCPA. A partner with PricewaterhouseCoopers, Schultz was recognized for his contributions to the profession, including his efforts as vice chair of CalCPA's Government Relations Committee to ensure a fair regulatory environment.
"Over his career, Hal has demonstrated more true dedication to our profession than anyone I have had the pleasure to be associated with," said James Kuhn, chair of the award committee, in a statement.
And in New York, Paul Battaglia, of Batavia, N.Y.'s Battaglia, Andrews & Moag, was selected as the recipient of the 2005 Community Builder's Award in recognition of his exemplary charitable board leadership in more than 30 different capacities with a variety of non-profit organizations, including several area hospitals and groups providing children's activities.
The award is co-sponsored by the Council of Community Services of New York State, Inc. and the New York State Society of CPAs, and is named after Michael Urbach, a former board president of CCSNYS. Battaglia will receive the award at the CCSNYS annual meeting on Oct. 5.
In naming Battaglia for the award, CCSNYS executive director Doug Sauer, said in statement that the award committee found Battaglia's work in the spirit of Urbach's philosophy. "The committee feels strongly that his active leadership engagement with community based charities in this era of increased accountability serves as an inspiration to other CPAs," Sauer said.
