Passing the Baton

Published:

by Larry K. Greenwalt, Chairman of the Board

It has been my honor to serve as Managing Partner of Greenwalt CPAs during the past 30 years, and it is my distinct pleasure to now hand off this duty to Anita Sherman, whom the Partners unanimously elected as the next managing partner more than 14 months ago. Leadership identification, growth and development are an integral part of our strategic planning processes, and I believe that focus has been an important driver for the growth of the firm. In January 2008, I was re-elected Managing Partner for a three year term ending December 31, 2010, which gave us sufficient time to plan and transition responsibilities in an orderly manner. Our goal was to effect a smooth transition that would hardly be noticeable, either internally or externally. We made the announcement of Anita’s election to Managing Partner in September 2010.

As Chairman of the Board, I will continue to be available to Anita and my partners, to assist them in every way that I can to continue the ongoing success of the firm. We have achieved quite a transformation from the firm that existed in 1980 when I first joined it. I will also continue serving individual clients (and creating new relationships within the firm) and consulting with the firm’s business and not for profit clients.

Anita has been in public accounting for 31 years, and 25 of those years have been with Greenwalt CPAs. During that time she has accumulated a tremendous amount of public recognition and awards, including “Outstanding CPA in Public Practice” from the Indiana CPA Society, the “Distinguished Alumni Award” from Manchester College, and as a “Woman of Influence” honoree by the Indianapolis Business Journal. Both of us have served as Chair of the Indiana CPA Society. She has been closely involved in firm management matters, leading firm retreats, serving as Director of the firm’s Audit and Other Assurance Services Group, as well as serving as Practice leader of our Construction and Not for Profit teams in prior years, and serving on the firm’s Executive Committee.

The Partners selected wisely when they selected Anita to take the baton and I know that she will do a great job. I look forward to working with her and my fellow partners in this new role.