CalCPA Chair David George: Look.

• Author: GIRARD, JANE
• Position: California Society of Certified Public Accountants

DAVID GEORGE has done it all--litigation support, tax preparer, controller, peer review team captain, financial adviser. He even took a turn as a stockbroker. But it's the role George just stepped into for which he seems to have been born: chair of the CalCPA Board of Directors.

David George has a passion for the accounting profession and this new role is the culmination of years of dedication and service to CalCPA and the CPA profession. "The CPA profession has a great tradition of integrity and independence unlike any other industry," George says. "I've always thought it was important to give back and to support this profession."

And support it he does. "He has no agenda except to further the profession," says David Starr, a friend, fellow CPA and former partner. "He works selflessly to push ideas forward."

A PEOPLE PERSON

Leadership has been a natural role for George, who always has been interested in building consensus and promoting the CPA profession. "David's very rational in his approach--he thinks through issues," says George's partner Doug McAdam. "He's thorough and a very good listener. David doesn't force ideas on people. He lets them present issues and comes to a conclusion after really listening." In fact, George encourages all members to contact him to share ideas or concerns at any time. "As CalCPA chair," he says, "my door is always open."

A good leader likes people, and George always has been a people-person. "Early on, I realized I liked the person-to-person contact aspect of my job the most," he says. "I've always liked solving issues and helping." This passion for interaction has made his communication duties as a CalCPA leader easy and enjoyable. Plus, "He always has d smile and a laugh," says John Olson, a client and friend. "He's a good natured, fun-loving and bright person who works well with people."

From his modest Irvine offices, a small outpost of Soren McAdam George Advisory Services, George delves into his position as a partner and personal financial specialist, while still finding time to work tirelessly on CalCPA projects. A frequent traveler for CalCPA business and to meet clients, George credits technology with allowing him to stay in touch via e-mail and phone calls.

"It doesn't matter where he is," says McAdam. "David's always in contact and gets back to people immediately, even when he's on the road."

George balances his work and CalCPA responsibilities with family time. "David's a very rounded...