Singing the unsung heroes in TEI's chapters.

• Author: McCormally, Timothy J.
• Position: Tax Executives Institute

TEI was founded 68 years ago by Paul Smith from New York, who thought tax executives have an obligation to give back to their profession. Seven decades later, current president Dave Penney defined this attribute as "selfless enterprise"--doing something not because it benefits you, but because it's the right thing to do.

TEI flourishes today because of the selfless enterprise of countless members. Women and men who raise their hands when others don't, step forward when others can't, and speak up when others are unable to find their voice. These are members who, day in and day out, "bleed TEI blue." Some of these members may be extroverts drawn to the stage, podium, or microphone, but an equal number are likely to be introverts: quiet, modest people who prefer to toil in the background. TEI depends on both.

Philadelphia Chapter

I do not know where Don McCarthy of the Philadelphia Chapter rests on the Myers-Briggs Personality Test, but based on my interactions with him, I think he'd test closer to the extrovert end of the scale. Regardless, his involvement in TEI is a case study of someone who became involved, and stayed involved, not because he craves the limelight, but because he is unreservedly committed to TEI's credo of members helping members.

Over the years, Don has worn many hats in the Philadelphia Chapter, including Chapter President, chair of the Continuing Education and the Facilities Committees, member and vice chair of the State and Local Tax Committee, and member of the Nominating Committee and Audit Committee. At the Institute level, Don (who works for Comcast) belongs to the State and Local Tax Committee, where he has planned and moderated educational sessions, and been a passionate contributor to, and supporter of, the Institute's advocacy program.

My perspective as a member of TEI's staff, however, is not as important as that of Don's fellow members. Evan Ernest, the Philadelphia Chapter's current president, put it this way: "Don has dealt with so many issues in the Chapter that he practically is the Chapter. Without question, Don is our "go-to' guy."

Don has the skills required for effective leadership. He's dedicated, organized, and meticulous. This last attribute is essential to his role in managing the chapter's educational programs, including ensuring that members receive CPE credit for their attendance. According to Evan (who is Vice President-Taxes for Toll Brothers), Don "spends hours arranging meetings and planning...