Fond farewell: CalCPA bids adieu to GR Director Bruce C. Allen.

• Author: Allen, Bruce C.
• Position: Capitol Beat

Bruce C. Allen, CalCPA's director of government relations for the past'45 years, is retiring at the end of this year.

Since beginning his career with CalCPA in 1971, CalCPA members have entrusted Bruce to be their voice in Sacramento and to look out for the profession's interests.

Throughout his tenure, Bruce has been a consummate professional and has tirelessly devoted himself to advocating on behalf of the CPA profession. He has been integral in the development and evolution of CalCPA's advocacy efforts with the California Legislature, the California Board of Accountancy and other public entities that oversee and regulate the CPA profession.

For his illustrious career of sendee and advocacy on behalf of CalCPA members--done with the highest level of ethics, integrity and commitment to CPAs across California--CalCPA awarded Bruce one of its highest honors: the 2015 Distinguished Service Award.

As few non-CPAs have, Bruce made a lasting impact on the profession by overseeing the successful implementation of many significant public policy initiatives vital to the continued advancement of the CPA profession in California.

Among the many legislative and regulatory efforts Bruce has worked on over his career include:

* The education, exam and experience requirements for CPA licensure;

* Audit quality; peer review adoption and implementation; CPA mobility;

* Continuing professional education;

* CPA firm structure and operation;

* Taxation;

* Scope of a CPA practice;

* Promotion of financial literacy programs; and

* Facilitation of grassroots relationships between the CPA profession and legislators.

With a larger-than-life personality, elected officials of all levels and lobbyists recognize Bruce as being a trusted voice in the Capitol--as well as a respected, veteran government relations professional.

In addition to directing CalCPA's government relations efforts, Bruce played a significant role in encouraging the personal and professional development of CalCPA members as they pursued leadership positions within the organization. Bruce, always willing to share his experiences and impart wisdom to CalCPA members and staff, became a respected pillar of the CalCPA community.

As the keynote speaker at CalCPA's November Council meeting, Bruce highlighted numerous CalCPA advocacy accomplishments during his tenure and shared a number of entertaining stories and principles that have guided his career.

He concluded by thanking CalCPA members and noting...