Little did I know. (From the Chair).

It seems like only yesterday, but it was a year ago, that I stood before you describing the challenges faced by the profession, along with my initiative to communicate to young people in high schools, colleges and universities about our dynamic and diverse profession.

I also told you that I was stepping into the very big shoes of Don Gursey. Little did I know of the events to come!

I never could have imagined that the importance of what we do, and the implications if it's not done properly, would be daily fodder for front-page newspaper headlines and nightly television news programs for months on end.

CONTROVERSY AND JOLTS

This year was filled with controversy and jolted from one important matter to another: the California Board of Accountancy sunset review process; the dialogue and passion created by the XYZ/global credential proposal; the collapse of Enron and Andersen; and the seemingly daily attacks on the profession by California legislators, many of whom appear to be using the situation to further their own political careers.

And we cannot ignore the unforgettable events of Sept. 11 that forever changed the world we live in.

ACCOUNTING "REFORM"

The current controversy in Sacramento and nationally, undoubtedly will change the face of the profession in the years to come.

Have certain members of the business community, and those within, or closely associated with the profession, moved the profession off-center from the values that serve as our foundation?

We seem to be confronting a failure of character by a small number of individuals both within and outside the profession, at influential levels.

While the characteristics of American business include healthy competition within the rules, it seems that too many decisions are made with the priority of a self-serving monetary reward as the desirable outcome, rather than doing the right thing. No matter how successful or influential, every business person--including CPAs--is individually accountable to our system, and our laws.

We all serve as role models, whether for the public, our children or our employees, and we must reflect on the meaning and responsibility of being in business as well as the "public" in certified public accountant.

COMMITTED TO THE PROFESSION

My time went quickly, as many who have served CalCPA in the past told me it would. I would like to have the luxury of completing unfinished business. What is not unfinished however, is my observation of the tremendous devotion and commitment of CalCPA staff. I am convinced that every CalCPA member is well served by a dedicated staff, as well as hundreds of talented volunteers from member relations, communications, peer review and government relations, just to name a few. Thank you, staff.

And to those hundreds of volunteers throughout California who are involved in chapters and committees, while I regret I can't say this to you in person, I want to thank you and recognize your time and energy commitment to the profession. Because of you, the CalCPA membership and profession are better off. I encourage you to continue your involvement and commitment.

Finally, I want to recognize each member of your board of directors and say thanks for their hard work focusing in on the many challenges before them during the past year: Nancy Wheeler-Chandler, Mark Dauberman, Terry Emerick, John Levy, Steve Wimmers, Jessie Powell, Paul Regan, Everett Harry, Dan O'Hare, Chris Yahng, John Costello, Teresa Mason, Florence Rust and Gregg Wind. A special thanks to Don Gursey for his willingness to answer my seemingly never-ending questions.

Your board of directors demonstrated their able leadership skills during the challenges of the past year. You should have the utmost confidence in your next chair, Nancy Wheeler-Chandler. Nancy has been a very capable chair-elect, and I look forward to sharing her successes with you during her term.

Let me close by saying it is important that each and every one of you participate in this profession, because if you don't, others will decide the profession's future for you. Your participation means that you can help chart the future course of the profession, and CalCPA.

At this critical time, your voice is important.

I thank you for the opportunity to serve and the confidence you placed in me. It forever will be a memorable and pleasurable part of my career.

David L. George, CPA/PFS, a partner with lrvine-based Soren McAdam George Investment Advisory Services LLP, is CalCPA's chair. He can be reached at [e-mail].