A.A. Sommer Jr. dies, leaving a legacy of commitment.

Alphonse Adam Sommer Jr. (1924-2002), a former SEC commissioner and prominent securities attorney, died on January 14, ending a long career of public service and professional achievement. While serving on the commission, the Public Oversight Board, the Financial Accounting Standards Advisory Council (FASAC) and the AICPA board of directors, he substantially influenced the accounting profession and helped bring important regulatory innovations to the securities markets.

AICPA President and CEO Barry C. Melancon said, "Although Al Sommer wasn't a CPA he was committed to the profession and had an enormous impact on it. He also devoted much energy and leadership to the public interest--always managing to find the right balance on complex issues. We will sorely miss him."

Former AICPA President Philip B. Chenok said, "Al was a true professional and gentleman. He brought a unique perspective to our consideration of many difficult issues during the time he served the Institute and the public in varied capacities."

Early in his tenure as POB chairman (1986-99), Sommer spoke of the growing number of U.S. business failures (see "New POB Chairman," JofA, Dec. 86, page 152). He attributed the trend to corporate fraud, business leaders' poor risk management and government's deregulation of industry.

Sommer also observed, at the time, that auditors' outdated techniques made it difficult for them to adjust to the transformed environment. But, he added, "I like to think the profession is speeding up efforts to cope with this `hurricane' [of changing business conditions] because I don't see any signs it is going to abate soon."

At its May 2000 council meeting, the Institute awarded Sommer the AICPA Gold Medal for Distinguished Service to the Profession. In his acceptance speech, he looked back on nearly 50 years of working with CPAs. "I have never encountered an accountant who was less than a competent, dedicated professional," he said, adding he was confident the profession would maintain its tradition of excellence.

As an SEC member (1973-76), Sommer led support for abolishing fixed brokerage commission rates--a revolutionary proposal implemented by the Securities Acts Amendments of 1975. In the following years, he became closely involved with the profession, serving on the FASAC (1977-81) and the AICPA board (1980-84) before heading the POB. At the time of his death, Sommer was counsel to Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP, a Washington, D.C., law firm.