Chair's corner.

• Author: Castellano, James G.

This is my last opportunity to author the "Chair's Corner," and I'd like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to you, CPAs and members of the AICPA. The intense issues we faced this year clearly demonstrated the critical role that CPAs play in our capital market system. Most importantly, the challenges we faced highlighted the importance of a unified profession--respecting our differences, yet acting as one in commitment to our core values and in support of our profession's role as guardians of the public interest.

We shared the sadness and felt the pain that were brought on by revelations of failure by some in our profession to live up to our core values. I had the opportunity this year to communicate with thousands of members, by speaking at conferences, attending state society functions, corresponding by letter or e-mail or simply speaking over the phone. We all struggled with emotions ranging from sorrow to anger arising from these failures. But it was clear to me in my interaction with members that we shared these common emotions--passion about our profession and pride in being CPAs.

I am proud of the hundreds of thousands of CPAs who perform their duties each and every day with the highest degree of integrity, intent on doing things right and helping their employers and clients do things right. When I spoke at Council last Oct., I acknowledged that "as individuals we may not be perfect but as a profession we are perfectionists in our commitment to ethics and excellence." The pain felt by all of us as a result of the recent corporate scandals is a clear reminder of the importance of that commitment.

I thank those members who offered suggestions and feedback respectfully and directly to me, our Board and staff at the AICPA during the past year. No question there was controversy, and many different views about the cause and what should be done. But there is also no question that our ability to increase confidence in our profession is greatly enhanced by working together and seeking to speak with a unified voice. Healthy debate, conducted respectfully and...