Ohio's most influential CPAs: a commitment to the profession, a commitment to excellence.

• Position: Membership

The Ohio Society continues its Centennial anniversary celebration by recognizing members whose contributions have shaped the profession in Ohio and around the nation. The following members have been named "Ohio's Most Influential CPAs" by a member-led selection committee in recognition of their significant, positive influence on the growth, development and evolution of The Ohio Society of CPAs and the CPA profession.

CPAs recognized in the Most Influential CPAs program are nominated by OSCPA members and selected by a member committee. The nomination period closed Dec. 31, 2008.

Groups of honorees will be recognized in each issue of Catalyst magazine through June 2009. To view a complete list of Ohio's Most Influential CPAs to date, visit the Society's Web site at www.ohioscpa.com.

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JAMES B. BACHMANN, CPA (RETIRED)

ERNST & YOUNG

During his distinguished 36-year career with Ernst & Young, Jim held the position of U.S. national director of human resources during the integration of the Ernst & Whinney and Arthur Young firms. As managing partner of Ernst & Young's Columbus location, Jim led the Big Four accounting firms' Ohio legislative initiative, which resulted in working relationships with state and federal office holders.

Since his retirement, Jim has remained highly active in the business community. In 2003, he was elected to serve on the boards for Abercrombie & Fitch Co., Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company, and the Lancaster Colony Corporation, where he serves as lead director. Jim currently chairs each organization's audit committee in addition to serving on several other committees. He also serves on The Ohio State University's Hospital Board of Trustees and is a public member of the university's audit committee.

Jim's extensive community service includes leadership positions on the boards of the Columbus Museum of Art, the Greater Columbus Chamber of Commerce, the deToqueville campaign for United Way, the Ohio Business Roundtable, and numerous community fund-raising committees, including the Center of Science and Industry.

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LEMAN G. BEALL III, CPA

REA & ASSOCIATES INC., CPA'S

A shareholder at Rea & Associates Inc. in Dublin and now CEO, Lee, through his firm, was a founding and continuing member of Ohio University's Ohio Center for Professional Accountancy, the first academic and business alliance for accounting in Ohio. He is also a founding and continuing member and past chair of the advisory board to OU's School of Accountancy. Lee has been highly active within the Society, including serving as chair of the Executive Board and the Chapter Operations Committee, and Finance Committee treasurer. While OSCPA...