EMPOWERING CPAs: New Education Foundation Chair Works Toward a Better Profession.

• Author: Blitz, Adam
• Position: Q&A

At the recent CalCPA Council meeting, Adam Blitz, CPA was installed as 2022-23 chair of the CalCPA Education Foundation. Blitz has been an active member of CalCPA for many years, as well as technology columnist for California CPA. He is the founder of Streamline CPAs in Fresno and a proud University of California, Santa Barbara graduate. We spoke with Blitz to learn what members can expect during his term.

Q: How is work as an accountant going during these tumultuous times?

A: Tumultuous times? I think what you mean is life! Life is difficult! But that difficulty creates new opportunities, new perspectives and new solutions. Does it require time and effort? Absolutely! My goal in my career is to make positive changes in the world that will impact myself, my farmh-and my clients. It's a huge task, but one that I am passionate about ensuring happens!

Q: Why did you get involved in CalCPA Education Foundation leadership?

A: Working as a practicing CPA for the last 15-plus years, I'm passionate about this profession. I think we have a lot to offer our local communities, the country and the world. We can make an impact. But I felt that as the world changes, CPAs need to change the way we work and interact within the business communities to make the biggest impact. Joining the Education Foundation Board of Trustees has provided me the opportunity to work with the executive leadership team to advocate for more soft skill training for our really talented CPA users.

Q: What has changed at the CalCPA Education Foundation?

A: Executive leadership to start! It's so great to have Denise Froemming and Jennifer Weed lead the changes at CalCPA. Their directness at pointing to systemic issues that have arisen over several years at the Foundation is refreshing. With that being said, I'm really looking forward to seeing significant changes to the catalog, moving to shorter one- to four-hour classes vs. the traditional eight-hour course. I'm also looking forward to changes to some of the platforms that we use to host the CPE courses online. The opportunity to make participant engagement easier and more streamlined is another goal I have.

Q: What are your goals during your term?

A: The Foundation needs to make sure its finances are solid moving forward; it needs to see a movement to build back our revenues that have slid the last several years. I do think with the new leadership, the organization is poised to bring the CPE provided by the Foundation back as the...