The First Step.

• Author: Pugliese, Anthony
• Position: In My Opinion

As the new CEO of this great organization, I hope you will join me for an up close and personal look at the world of business, accounting and finance through my eyes. This will include a range of perspectives that I'll share with you on key issues and trends impacting the profession--topics that push the edge of the leading edge--as well as personal insights into all things accounting. finance, business, strategy, technology and innovation. This will be a place to share my opinion ... and every now and again, I hope you'll also allow me to use a little humor.

Having recently joined my talented colleagues, I want to thank them for such a warm welcome. I've also met many volunteers and members in the last few weeks including the board of directors, the board of trustees, council members, chapter leaders and committee members--who have been so welcoming. I look forward to meeting as many of you as possible in the coming months and listening to your insights and experiences. We're here to serve your professional needs, and the best way to determine what those are is by asking you and being a good listener.

Taking Our First Step Together We have become the largest state OPA society in the country due to our members' passion, dedication and commitment to our great profession. We only could have achieved this together. But we won't rest on our laurels. We realize and accept the challenge that we only remain relevant based on the next success we have that empowers our members. I hope you continue to place your trust in us to provide the value you seek as we take that first step together into the future.

The path forward is at our feet, and we begin any journey with the first step.

My Relentless Focus--Members, Talent & Strategy

We're at a pivotal, disruptive time in the accounting profession. Increased complexity. competition and change require us to have greater focus, sound strategy and strong resolve to work together to be even more valuable and relevant to you. our members, as well as to our staff and partners. With this in mind, I'm relentlessly focused on three things: our members and the profession, our talented stall", and our new strategy.

Our Members & the Profession

We exist to serve our diverse members and the profession, empower them with knowledge and skills, and help them be the best they can be. Members are central to everything we do. We exist to help them navigate the chaos, noise and distractions of the constantly changing...