Many individuals within the CPA profession demonstrate outstanding public service in their immediate communities as well as at the regional and national levels. Their efforts often have gone far beyond their careers and have contributed significantly to the well being of others.

To help recognize CPAs who have distinguished themselves in public service, the profession confers the Public Service Award. Recipients of the annual Public Service Award are honored by each state CPA society that participates in the awards program. Each state’s winner of the Public Service Award is then eligible for participation in the AICPA’s Public Service Award. In addition, the AICPA now accepts individual nominees directly from its members. A single winner at the national level is chosen from the entire pool of award nominees.

All nominees are requested to provide their service history following a predefined format. The information requested of nominees emphasizes the following aspects of public service: leadership, impact the service has made in the community, time and effort expended and whether the service or program is unique in any way.

The range of activities considered public service is endless. Recent activities have included traditional public service via such organizations as the Chamber of Commerce, United Way, Rotary and Kiwanis Clubs. More often, however, the nominees have been leaders in less traditional areas, such as health care and disabilities, urban development initiatives and housing, education, youth programs, and cultural activities. Professional services related to accounting organizations are not considered in determining the award winner.

The AICPA’s Awards Committee narrows the field of nominees to three finalists who are then judged by three judges independent of the AICPA to determine a single national winner of the award. This national winner is then recognized at the Spring Meeting of Council.

For more information regarding the AICPA’s Public Service Award, call Luz Perez at 212/596-6113 or e-mail lperez@aicpa.org.