Hal Schultz embodies community spirit. (News & Trends).

A community the confluence of many groups, organizations and individuals with varying needs and wants who work together to achieve common goals.

PricewaterhouseCoopers partner, Harold "Hal" & Schultz of Costa Mesa, winner of CalCPA's 2002 Public Service Award, not only understands community, he embodies it.

"Hal's community involvement is broad in scope and includes health and human services, education, the arts, the business community and his church," says Orange County/Long Beach Chapter President Michelle Walters. "I cannot think of a more complete candidate or deserving nominee for this award."

Schultz has been involved with Orange County's United Way for more than a decade, taking on a leadership role in the organization's fund raising. In addition to serving on the United Way's board and executive board, he has been a member of the finance committee and the information technology steering committee.

Fiscally sound practices overseen by Schuitz have allowed more than 85 cents of every dollar to go directly to the programs, services and people who most need the help.

"Hal Schultz demonstrates excellence in his leadership arid in his commitment to serve the needs of his local community," says Maria Chavez Wilcox, president, Orange County's United Way. "As vice chairman of the board for Orange County's United Way, as well as chairman of the Board Development Committee, Hal's consistent, talented and energetic contributions make a significant impact in fulfilling the vision of a better Orange County."

As a holder of a master of divinity degree from Eden Theological Seminary in St. Louis, Schultz has served as volunteer minister of Christian education at Mt. Hope United Church of Christ in Whittier. He also has been the president of the Church Council at Mt. Hope and at Irvine UCC. He was treasurer of the Southern California UCC Conference for six years and treasurer of its Orange Association for 10 years.

A lover of the performing arts, Schultz recently completed 10 years of service on the South Coast Repertory board of trustees in Costa Mesa. During that time he held all volunteer executive positions, including president. He also served on the board of the Orange County Performing Arts Center for nearly 10 years, serving as vice chair of finance for three years; and he served as a trustee of Irvine Barclay Theatre.

Not one to shirk his alma mater, Schultz has served on the executive council of the College of Business Administration and Economics at California State University, Fullerton, and was its president in 1996. He has been a member of the Blue Ribbon Committee that advises fund-raising staff. In 2000, CSUF honored Schultz with its Vision & Visionaries Award.

Schultz served on the board and executive committee of the Industrial League prior to its merger with the Orange. County Chamber of Commerce to form the Orange County Business Council. He then served on the Business Council Board for four years.

Schultz led the Industrial League's successful efforts to enact reforms to California workers' compensation system in the early 1990s. He also served as a board member and chair of its credit union. At the Business Council, he was co-chair of a committee that organized and participated in an Orange County trade mission to Germany.

While Schultz has been serving his community he also has served the profession including stints as CalCPA president and Accounting Education Committee Chair, and as an 11-year member of the Government Relations Committee.

The award will be presented at the CalCPA Council meeting in July.