New CalCPA Chair Focuses on Leadership and Mentoring

Mentorship and leadership development are two key concepts that Conrad M. Davis is emphasizing in his new role as 2010-11 chair of the 36,000-member California Society of CPAs.

Davis recently succeeded Andrea G. Cope, CPA, CalCPA chair for 2009-10.
Addressing his fellow members, Davis recently said, "I would like California CPAs to understand they are part of something larger -- a profession. They have a responsibility to sustain it, protect it and nourish it. In part, this means adding new members and developing leaders while continuing to meet the needs of our existing members."

Davis urged that CalCPA members consider it a duty to offer career guidance for young accountants. "As we move ahead with our careers, we also can help lift up a peer or an emerging professional," he said, noting that mentoring is necessary for the advancement of the accounting profession.

CalCPA recently launched its Emerging Leader Certificate Program, a statewide outreach that involves 150 younger members who meet monthly over seven months to learn leadership skills and connect with potential mentors.

Davis is a partner in the Sacramento firm of Ueltzen & Co., LLP. He provides litigation consulting and works with company executives on business improvement issues, tax planning and financial statement reporting. He is certified in financial forensics by the American Institute of CPAs and is a certified fraud examiner with the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners.

Davis, who is a past president of CalCPA's Sacramento Chapter, recently served as the co-chair of the AICPA's Task Force to Update the Statements on Standards for Tax Services and is a California representative to the AICPA Council. He is a member and past-chair of the IRS Office of Professional Responsibility Subgroup.

Separately, CalCPA also recently honored two accounting professors from California State University, Fresno, and San Diego State University as outstanding educators of the year for 2010.

Dr. Denise Patterson, CPA, of the Craig School of Business, CSU, Fresno, and Willard Snyder Jr., CPA, of the Charles Lamden School of Accountancy, SDSU, were recognized at the recent CalCPA Council meeting in Anaheim and were presented with $3,000 stipends.

A past president of the CalCPA Fresno Chapter, Patterson teaches seven undergraduate and graduate courses at CSUF. She is a recipient of CSUF's Faculty Award for Outstanding Service to the University, School and Community.

Snyder has received more than 35 honors from student and faculty organizations for his dedication to teaching. He teaches undergraduate, graduate and executive courses at SDSU and holds the title of clinical scholar for his contributions to teaching at the university.

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