Serving the public.

• Position: Finalentry

It's easy to understand why Gary Condie, CPA, received CalCPA's 2009 Public Service Award. He is a founding member of the Santa Clarita Valley Facilities Foundation, where he's also board vice president; has served as past president of the Santa Clarita Valley Boys & Girls Club Board of Directors, along with his service to the organization's Auction Committee and Capital Campaign Committee for two club buildings; has served two terms as a member of the Hart District Advisory Committee; was named Santa Clarita Man of the Year 2005 and among the 51 Most Influential Individuals in the Santa Clarita Valley for 2005 and 200G. Moreover, the College of the Canyons Foundation has selected Condie and his wife of +2 years, Myrna, as the recipients of the Silver Spur Community Service Award for 2010. His dedication to his community is unparalleled, and California: CPA had to find out what drives him.

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What attracted you to the Boys & Girls Club?

I had just opened my practice and an attorney in town called me. He said, "There's a new organization in town." The club was just about four years old at that time. '"They're going to be important. We need your help." The next thing I knew, I was working on my first auction. Later I was invited to join the board.

The thing that kept me there is that I started to get involved with the kids. That's all it took. You get to know them and you want to be a part of their lives. I've seen that with others. Those who limit their service to board duties usually don't stay as long as those who gel involved with an organization's programs.

What do CPAs bring to the table when it comes to community service?

The analytical skills CPAs possess are extremely valuable in helping run any organization. But CPAs have other leadership skills that can help to direct an organization. I've seen CPAs serve as CFOs or treasurers. And I've also seen them serve as presidents or chairmen. In either case, I've seen some outstanding examples of service.

Was there a defining moment in your life that helped to instill such a lifelong commitment to volunteering?

The event that stands out the most in my life would be an experience that happened early in my marriage. My wife and I were working in Jackson Hole. Wyo., for the summer. I was at her parents' home one afternoon. My father-in-law had just come home from work, changed clothes and was heading out the door to a community event. As if sensing a teaching moment, he...