Twenty-fifth anniversary reminiscences.

• Author: McCormally, Timothy J.

Bob McDonough is kind enough in his President's Corner column to note that earlier this summer I observed my 25th anniversary as a member of TEI's staff. During this period, TEI has experienced remarkable growth--our membership has more than doubled from 3,400 to more than 7,000; the number of chapters has increased from 44 to 54 now (and the number of countries represented from 2 to 28; and our financial reserves are nearly 11 times the $650,000 they were a quarter century ago. Equally important, the depth and breadth and scope of Institute's educational, advocacy, and networking activities have changed dramatically.

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Since 1944, TEI has enjoyed one success after another, and I am delighted to have been along for the ride during the last quarter century. Lest anyone think that I am claiming credit for the Institute's growth and success, I want to disabuse them of that notion. TEI is second to none because its members are second to none and because its members have remained committed to TEI's being their organization. I am not sure whether June 7, 1982--the date of my interview with the Institute--was the first time I heard the term "member driven," but I heard it then and countless times since then. Being member-driven is the reason our educational programs resonate, our technical submissions are suffused with practicality, and our value as a networking organization is without parallel. I am still awed, but no longer surprised, by the commitment, professionalism, and selflessness of the Institute's volunteer leaders at the chapter, regional, and Institute levels.

I am similarly taken by the commitment of the government officials and practitioners who speak at our meetings, write for our publications, or otherwise advance good tax policy and administration that remain at the center of the Institute's goals and objectives. I am also unendingly grateful for the skill, dedication, and good humor of the men and women of TEI's staff I have had the pleasure of working for and with over the years. I have learned much more than I have taught and am humbled by their support and their dedication to the Institute.

At a gathering to commemorate my anniversary, I was asked to make a few remarks. To help me abide by the instruction to be brief, it was suggested that I formulate my comments as a top ten list. Accordingly, here the top 10 things TEI members should know about Timothy McCormally:

10. He's always on a diet. Since he joined TEI, he has lost 3,863 pounds. Unfortunately, he's gained 3,894 pounds. Well, after today, make that 3,901 pounds.

9. He likes Diet Coke. If not for him--and, okay, Eli Dicker, too--Pepsi would have surpassed Coca-Cola years ago.

8. He is drawn to strong women. His wife, Judy, and two daughters, Kathleen and Erin, are bright, brave, and accomplished. Forces to be reckoned with all. The women at TEI are equally strong and formidable ... and forgiving, too. This is especially true of Deborah Gaffney and Debbie Giesey and Mary Lou Fahey (who collectively have logged more than 60 years with Timothy), but it applies across...