KyCPA 100-Year Celebration
1975-1999
ISSUE 3
August 28, 2024
By Kimberly Lindsey
Each issue in 2024 of The Kentucky CPA Journal will contain historical content in celebration of our 100-Year anniversary. In this issue the focus is the history of the Kentucky Society of CPAs and the CPA profession in Kentucky during 1975-1999.
- Click here to view the history from 1924-1949.
- Click here to view the history from 1950-1974.
Kentucky Society of CPAs: 1975-1999 Board Presidents
Past President insights and memories
Several of the past presidents from 1975-1999 were recently interviewed and provided these insights and memories:
- "My activities in the Kentucky CPA Society was started by my mentor getting me to volunteer on certain committees and from there I grew within the Society and worked my way up through and to the Board and then became President." - Thomas Cooper (1978-1979)
Thomas Cooper at KyCPA's 100-Year Anniversary Celebration on June 14, 2024 at The Olmsted in Louisville. - Al Carpenter had this to say about why he became involved in the Society and why he wanted to take on a leadership role: "We had a partner at the at the Ernst firm who was a Past President, Leroy Gardner. And Leroy told me, he said, you know Al, being involved in the Society is much more challenging than you might think it is, because there's such a varied interest and a varied practices around our state. And, and I thought that was interesting and I thought that was challenging. And I was super interested, what are the young men and women in Western Kentucky, how do they practice different than they do in Eastern Kentucky or down in Somerset in the central part of the state and up in Northern Kentucky, you know, you have a, back then it was extremely fast growing area. And it was, to me, a substantial interest in what other people are doing, what their experiences are, what their personalities are, and what are the challenges and how is it, how is the challenge in different sections of our state compared to what I was experiencing? So I got involved, enjoyed it so much, made some great, great friends." - Al Carpenter (1980-1981)
- “There are always changes and there were changes in the 1980s. A couple of things that stick in my mind is how to get members in industry more involved in the CPA Society and how to get make it easier for them to become CPA. Originally the CPA Society, not only in Kentucky, but nationally we're geared to CPAs in public accounting. So it was a matter of getting the industry folks interested in what we did, get them a road to becoming a CPA without having public accounting experience and the issues of the CPA certificate themselves.” Gary Stewart (1984-1985)
- "I think that my favorite memory was when we did the dinners that honored the new CPAs and to see their enthusiasm and their excitement about becoming a CPA. And I've tried to instill that enthusiasm in everything I did, but certainly in the in the right direction because it takes all of us together and pulling together to truly make the CPA and the Society, you know, a better place. Because it's all about the profession. And if something happens to adversely to any of us, it reflects bad on the profession. So you want everyone to do their best and to be successful at what they're doing." Wayne Stratton (1985-1986)
- "Well, I was in college at the University of Kentucky and none of my family members had been to college, but one of my uncles has was pursuing accounting. He'd been in the military during World War II and he was studying accounting, and he never became a CPA, but he was an accountant for his entire career. So, I just decided to study accounting and that was my major at University of Kentucky."
"Well, when I was president of the CPA group, I don't know how we did it, but over the year that I was president, I got to visit CPAs around the entire state." - Roderick Tompkins (1986-87)
Roderick Tompkins and guests at KyCPA's 100-Year Anniversary Celebration on June 14, 2024 at The Olmsted in Louisville. - "The biggest change I've seen in the CPA profession, I think, well, there's no doubt in the last 50 years since I've been a CPA has been the advisory aspect of CPAs." - Paul Lucchese (1987-88)
- Well, advice I guess I would give to those who are considering entering the profession. At first I would say just what I said earlier, it's a great career. It's rewarding. It's rewarding in terms of financial rewards, but it's also, it's also rewarding in terms of growth and development and learning and understanding more about business. I mean, I think it's a career where, where you, you get, you learn more every year and therefore you become more valuable the longer you stay and the more you learn. Some careers you get into, you kind of know everything you need to know in the first year or two. And that's kind of it. But you know, I've gone from trying to figure out how to prepare a tax return to some pretty complex work later on in my career. And, and I enjoyed that. I guess I've got a little ADD. I'd never wanted to do the same thing twice and I never wanted to kind of repeat what I've done in the past. So the, the career in this profession gave me the ability to continue to grow still as of today. So that's the good thing about this career." - Michael Mountjoy (1989-90)
- "The biggest issues we were dealing with at that time were both, you know, we always have regulatory issues. Those never go away. And so we were dealing with our fair share of regulatory and tax issues at the time, but also we were trying to figure out how to better serve our members in business and industry." - Olivia Kirtley (1990-91)
- "The issue that kind of dominated my time for the three-years, as president-elect, president and past president was deciding upon whether to move the Society's headquarters from downtown Louisville to the suburbs and whether to add to the building a CPE area and whether to lease or own property. So those were big decisions." - Jim Sparrow (1991-92)
- "The technology changes over the years have just absolutely been astounding, not just in preparation but in research, communications, all of the aspects of the profession are drastically different today than they were then.
The other biggest change was, has been, the involvement and presence of females in the profession. When I was at UK, we had one lady in my class, my accounting class, and that was the accounting graduates, not just a particular class I was in, and I believe only a couple of them the year before, of whom I'm pretty sure Olivia Kirtley, was one of. So that presence has been a tremendous change. However, for me it really has been pretty seamless, partly because the firm that I worked for in Lexington, both as a student and I worked for two years before we moved home to Hopkinsville, Potter and Company. We had several female CPAs in the firm and all, not only wonderful to work with, obviously very capable. And I just always had the opportunity from the time I was an intern to, to work with female CPAs. And that has been a major and positive change in the profession." - Earl Calhoun (1994-95) - "I was lucky enough to meet a mentor in Bowling Green named JC Holland. Hoot Holland who had a big influence on my life and ever since I met him, I wanted to be a CPA.
I wanted to be a participant in the Kentucky Society of CPAs for several reasons. Again, as a with Hoot Holland as my mentor, he taught me that to seek out people who are good business people, good CPAs, good prominent people and to take from them what you could. And as a small CPA, I was concerned about staying abreast of the regulations and the requirements of the CPA profession. And I wanted to be associated with the the best. It was the only way I could beat people like Tom Cooper, Wayne Stratton, Mike Mountjoy, Gwen Tilton, Joe Hancock, Jim Sparrow, Earl Calhoun, Harold Butler, any number of other good CPAs that have had an influence on my life that failed to mention. But I wanted to be able to stay abreast of the profession. When I was president, I was lucky enough to fall within the year that we didn't have an extremely big professional issue.
I think the, the most prominent thing that happened during my term was that two years before that when I was in the going through the chairs, we started the building committee and the building was completed the year I was president. I think that being a CPA is, if you're going to be a good CPA, you need to be involved in the community." - Kelly King (1995-96)
Click below to watch each of their interviews that include additional insights, their CPA journey and more.
Opportunities to Network
Make sure to attend a networking luncheon, Twilight Thursday at Churchill Downs, Fall Awards Banquet and a Professional Issues and Ethics Update.
The Kentucky Accountant
February 1975 Vol. XXVIII No. 2
President David Chervenak calls attention to two items of particular interest to many members, the AICPA's excellent local firm quality review program and the contribution made by the Society's committees to the overall accomplishment of the Society's goals.
A Profile of a Public Accounting Firm is included and states that a manager wears a $160 dark suit, drives a Buick Le Sabre, eats at the Athletic Club, is the backbone of the firm, is in-dispensable, knows he isn't, wants a 4-week vacation and will settle for a Sunday off.
President Bob Cornman outlines six features of a program that the American Institute was considering concerning the "self-regulation" of accounting firms. This was to provide additional assurance as to the quality control standards for audit practices.
President Bob Cornman asks the more than 1,400 CPAs in the state of Kentucky to help to protect the CPA profession. HB 258 was introduced by The Kentucky Association of Accountants wanting a new license to be established for "Public Accountants" or PAs. Cornman stated this would be a backward step for the accounting profession in Kentucky.
Bill Ecton of the University of Kentucky reports that female enrollment in the accounting program is one third or more and over half of those students in accounting who earn "Dean's List", "Honors," or other recognition are women.
President Thomas Baer provides his departing message to the members in his final Baer Facts column. He thanks the Ashland Oil Company for making the largest ever monetary contribution to the Education and Memorial Foundation. He also thanked Society staff, his executive committee, those that served on select governmental committees and other volunteers. He provided a special thank you to Bill Caldwell, retired Executive Director for the Society (Nov. 1972) and CPE Director (Jan. 1, 1977).
Ann Holt (Moffatt) is the first woman to serve as president of the Society. In her President's Message wants to make a major push to present the positive aspects of the CPA profession to the public to combat what the newspapers tend to report, which are mistakes, errors and failures.
February 1978 Volume XXXI No. 2
The Public Relations Committee sent a year-end tax planning article and five tax advice articles to all Kentucky newspapers. 45 Kentucky radio stations accepted the offer of 30 tax tips each 30 seconds in duration. They also have available for members to use presentations on tax and other topics that consist of a 15-minute script plus slides developed by the AICPA.
"Due to this rapid rate of increase in membership, I recognize two areas which need to be strengthened to make our organization meaningful to all members; continuity of leadership at the committee level and communication." - W. Thomas Cooper, Jr. (1978-1979 KyCPA President)
The Bottom Line for Kentucky CPAs
Farewell to The Kentucky Accountant and the Board of Directors and staff unveil the new newsletter The Bottom Line for Kentucky CPAs.
Highlights from the membership opinion survey conducted by the Long Range Planning Committee include a total of 899 usable responses, approximately a 50 percent return. 842 of those being Society members during Nov.-Dec. 1979. 94 percent of respondents were male. 69 percent were in public accounting, 20 percent in industry, 3 percent in government, 2 percent in education and 6 percent in other. 70 percent thought the Society should pursue a required CPE program for Kentucky. Only 82 percent knew the Society formed a Political Action Committee and only 26 percent contributed when asked to do so.
Meet your Society staff
Ben Gratzer, Executive Director; Carolyn Bowen, CPE administrator and Bookkeeper; Sandy Peyton, Receptionist and Membership Data Coordinator; and Kathy Schoen, Public Relations Coordinator and Administrative Assistant.
John Brown receives Society Distinguished Service Award.
During the Annual Meeting in Owensboro, May 28-30, Stewart Jennison, a reporter with the Owensboro Messenger and Inquirer, interviews CBS News Correspondent Ray Brady. Following the interview, Brady addresses the approximately 200 CPAs and spouses, giving his forecast of the economy.
Three proposed Bylaw changes:
- increase the dues structure by approximately 20 percent
- adopt a June 30 fiscal year
- amend the Bylaws to provide for Board approval of any changes in the dues structure to eliminate the costly full membership ballot.
Board of Directors approved final draft of proposed amendment to the Public Accounting law for the 1982 General Assembly.
Nolen C. Allen receives the Society's Public Service Award
Karen Lee Marquess and Diane Bennett Medley receive the AICPA Elijah Watts Sells with High Distinction Award
More than 5,000 people attended CompuFest exhibitions.
Attendance close to 7,000 at CompuFest.
ComuTerms pamphlet distributed to CompuFest attendees and computer-related 75-minute seminars added for a $15/day fee.
Legislative committee approves administrative regulations for required CPE. All members are reminded that the first year during which you must earn 20 hours of acceptable CPE credit begins July 1, 1984.
Board endorses state-wide client referral service. The purpose of the referral service is to provide "a public service to the people and business communities of the state of Kentucky, and especially to those who seek the professional services of CPAs but who do not have knowledge of or access to CPAs."
The AICPA celebrates the 100th anniversary of the profession in 1987. The AICPA Centennial Logo available to any firm wishing to use the logo on its stationary or client newsletter.
Presidential interview: Rod Tompkins
Q. What is your major goal for your year as president?
A. I want the public to recognize that CPAs are involved, not just in financial and tax matters, but also in local and statewide governmental affairs as well. CPAs should become visible spokespersons for the business community.
On the June 19, 1987 at the Annual Business Meeting luncheon, Ben Gratzer received a cake, presents and a gigantic card commemorating his 15 year anniversary as executive director for the Society.
Paul Lucchese is the first president in history that is not a member in public practice.
"I represent a growing number of our members, over 38 percent of us are not in public practice, and nationally, over 51 percent of AICPA members are not in public practice. Being a CPA has helped me in business and I will be communicating that message during my year year as president." - Paul Lucchese
Presidential interview: Ray Ware
Ray Ware and Susan Ware were married, CPAs and partners of the firm Ware & Ware in Lexington.
Q. When did you become active in the Society?
A. Susan was actually the one who was involved first, and she urged me to become involved too. She and I began attending Bluegrass Chapter meetings together and my involvement came out of that exposure. My initial commitment was as a member of the State and Local Taxation Committee. While I served on that committee, our activities centered around tax simplification and depreciation. In 1981, while I was committee chairman, I wrote a report dealing with depreciation and, as a result, Ron Geary, Ben and I were invited to appear before the Appropriations and Revenue Committee just before the 1982 General Assembly convened. I was elected to my first three-year term on the Society Board in 1982, and this year I'm beginning my sixth year as a board member - nine years after first joining a Society committee.
AICPA quality review program
In January 1988, AICPA members approved participation in an approved practice-monitoring program. If you are engaged in public accounting as a sole practitioner or as a partner or shareholder, you will not be permitted to renew your AICPA membership in July 1989 if your firm is not enrolled in the program.
March/April 1990 Vol. 12 No. 2
1990 regular session of Kentucky's legislature: SB 290
Two major provisions in SB 290 are:
Beginning with a first-time applicant applying to sit for the CPA examination in May 2000, the candidate must show that he or she has completed 150 semester hours of college-level credits, to include a bachelor's degree.
The CPE requirement to renew the CPA certificate and license to practice will increase to 80 hours every two years for licensees in practice and 60 hours every two years for licensees not in public practice.
November/December1990 Vol. 12 No. 6
President, Olivia Kirtley, communicates the timing of the transition process of the new CPE requirements.
July/August 1991 Vol. 13 No. 4
President, James Sparrow, states from a recent planning process that numerous projects were identified for consideration during the next year:
- Evaluate and recommend changes in our dues structure in relation to cost of services and fairness for all members.
- Evaluate and recommend potential staff changes to recognize the growing responsibilities of our administrative staff.
- Help our members meet the increased CPE requirements, recognizing that 50 percent of our members are not in public practice.
- January, 1992 begins a new legislative session and we need to develop or renew our legislative policies and goals.
- Study and evaluate the potential benefits, cost and location of a training center and administrative offices.
- Increase support for chapter activities and recognize the importance of identifying and training potential Society leadership.
- Strengthen communications with the AICPA, chapters, committees, membership and the State Board of Accountancy.
September/October 1992 Vol. 14 No. 5
The Society's first step on the road to LLCs was taken at the organizational meeting of our special LLC Task Force held on July 17.
In order for Kentucky CPA firms to be able to practice as LLCs, we must amend the appropriate statutes to allow such operation, and also amend our public accountancy statute that now restricts our forms of practice to sole proprietorships, partnerships, or PSCs. We have set this as the major goal for our legislative program planned for the 1994 session of the Kentucky legislature.
September/October 1993 Vol. 15 No. 5
New facilities
The Board of Directors decided the Society should operate its own high-quality CPE training facility and that the administrative offices should be in the same building as the CPE facility. It was also decided that the location should be in eastern Jefferson County suburban area in a building that will create a positive image of the Society and the profession. The Board authorized the Executive Committee to move forward with site selection and furnishing of the offices and CPE facility.
"One of our major goals was to attempt to get legislation adopted to authorize the use of Limited Liability Companies in Kentucky and to amend the accountancy statute to allow Kentucky CPAs to practice public accounting in that type organization. I am happy to report that both items of legislation have been signed by the governor and will become effective July 15, 1994." - Harlod Butler, 1993-1994 President
September/October 1995 Vol. 19 No. 2
New building is now open! Ribbon-cutting, open houses planned.
Society unveils new logo.
November/December 1996 Vol. 20 No. 6
Technology Committee presents plan for the Society to establish a home page on the Internet.
July/August 1997 Vol. 21 No. 4
Regulation of the profession
"As you know, states have their own CPA laws and regulations, and moving from state to state can sometimes be an administrative nightmare. This, plus the fact that the CPA of today is involved in providing many services to the public that few of us envisioned even a few years ago, has created the need for a comprehensive look at how CPAs are and will be regulated. A joint committee of the AICPA and the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) has been working on this for over two years, and the final report is due out this month. I have seen the draft reports and I assure you that each of us, no matter where we work, will be affected by the recommendations in the report. The Society will have a program ready to explain the provisions in the report and will be coming out to the chapters with the program this fall. Watch for the chapter meeting notice in your area and attend if at all possible. Your Board of Directors will vote on this proposal this fall, and we need and want your input." - Doug Sumner, 1997-1998 President
Four items that Mike Wilson, Society President, states that members will hear a lot about during his term:
- The National Visioning Project
- The Member Resource and Information Project
- Uniform Accountancy Act
- Image Enhancement Program