New "Member Innovation Team" Created to Improve Effectiveness, Efficiency of Products, Services.

• Position: American Institute of Certified Public Accountants - Brief Article

Consistent with its ongoing mission to be the premier professional organization and its place as the national home for all CPAs, the AICPA has realigned a number of its service areas into a new structure called the Member Innovation Team. With this move, the AICPA is transforming its method of developing and delivering products and services to members, replicating many of the techniques and best practices utilized by CPA firms and business organizations.

By funneling projects and initiatives through this new area, the Institute will eliminate duplication of efforts, streamline processes and create a single research and development pipeline. It also will allow for better coordination of the introduction of new products and services, so that appropriate guidance, CPE or other support materials can be provided to members in a timely fashion.

The Member Innovation Team will operate under Anthony J. Pugliese, vice president-member innovation. Pugliese previously served as director-assurance services, one of the existing areas that have been absorbed into Member Innovation. The others are Consulting, Information Technology, PCPS, the Center for Investment Advisory Services, Personal Financial Planning, Marketing Research and Accreditations. A new area, Research & Innovation, is charged with determining the viability of proposed products and services and preparing formal business plans.

An Innovation Advisory Panel, consisting of the chairs of AICPA executive committees under Member Innovation, will identify new opportunities and establish priorities for all projects. A cross-functional steering committee consisting of the Institute's vice presidents will determine implementation strategy and the deployment of resources. Projects that are considered worth pursuing will then be assigned to...