Committed to value.

• Position: Final entry - Interview

Each year, the CalCPA Education Foundation provides more than 500,000 hours of CPE to California CPAs and offers more than 800 live courses, conferences and webcasts, as well as online and self-study courses, making it the nation's largest state CPA society-affiliated CPE provider. California CPA caught up with Pamela Kelty, 2008-09 CalCPA Education Foundation Board of Trustees president, to learn more.

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What has been a highlight for you as trustees' president?

This entire year has been a highlight. Having a birds-eye view of the Foundation's response to the needs of our changing workforce and its commitment to staying ahead of the curve with regard to topical and regulatory issues required to meet the changing needs of our profession has made this a very rewarding year.

One of the highlights is the instructor focus group, which was held in October. The group was one of my goals this year and the feedback from the instructors who participated was positive. They are such an integral part of our success. It was great to hear how pleased they are with our organization and how much they enjoy working for the Foundation. Their feedback made me extremely proud of the Foundation and our staff.

Also, the ability to attend Foundation events, and speaking to the participants and instructors about their perceptions of the Foundation and sharing this feedback with the staff has been a great experience. I have treasured working with a dedicated board of trustees who are talented and committed to the Foundation and its viability and future. Being president of the Foundation has been one of my career highlights.

What are the Foundation's top priorities?

The Foundation is dedicated to providing high-quality education at exceptional value. One of the ways the Foundation differentiates itself as a CPE provider is our connection with, and dedication to, the profession. CalCPA formed the Foundation more than 40 years ago to provide members with reliable, authoritative continuing education, and to share CalCPA's commitment to integrity and ethics. That drives the Foundation to this day.

How does the Foundation benefit CalCPA members?

In addition to access to California's most comprehensive CPE offerings, CalCPA members benefit from preferred pricing on all Foundation CPE and discount programs. And first-time CPA members of CalCPA receive a free eight-hour course or conference, which more than pays for the price of membership for most...