Public Service Award.

• Author: Kolita, Benedict A.

Benedict A. Kolita, CPA, owner of Kolita & Co. CPAs in Mentor, has an extensive history of giving back to his community. The time and energy that he continually dedicates to the people and businesses around him have earned him the Society's 2007 Public Service Award.

Kolita has worked with several civic and charitable groups to improve lives, further educational opportunities for children, and enhance the growth and stability of businesses in northeast Ohio. He has also been highly involved with professional organizations, allowing him to give back to his profession. "I enjoy sharing my talents and expertise, exercising leadership skills, growing my knowledge base and most of all developing relationships--some of which can last a lifetime," Kolita said.

For nearly 30 years, Kolita has volunteered for the United Way of Lake County. He was involved in its creation, helping to bring three smaller offices together into one large county-wide agency. He has served on various committees during that time and has assisted in planning, fund raising and other roles that have been a great benefit to the agency. He has been a member of the United Way Board since 1980, currently serving as chair of the supporting seniors solution panel, which evaluates needs and focuses on issues affecting senior citizens.

"Obviously one organization can't change the world and one company can't focus on every aspect of life that needs our attention. But I feel the United Way does a good job with helping in the perfect number of ways--not too few, not too many," Kolita said. "It makes me believe we really are making a difference in people's lives."

Kolita served on an oversight board for the Mentor School Board, which is one of the largest school districts in Ohio. His assistance helped bring the school board out of a financial crisis and it was done in such a way that allowed the educational process to continue with minimal interruption.

He has been a major...