Press Releases

Six South Carolina CPAs Receive Statewide Recognition for their Service

(Columbia, December 11, 2009)

The South Carolina Association of Certified Public Accountants (SCACPA) recently recognized six CPAs for their achievements in the profession and their communities. “We are pleased to honor these CPAs for their outstanding achievements,” said SCACPA Executive Director Erin P. Hardwick, CAE. “The SCACPA awards program is longstanding, since 1957, and these recipients join a long list of professionals who exemplify the spirit of volunteerism and service for the greater good”

The Association’s highest honor and most prestigious award, the Service to the Profession Award, pays tribute to a member whose public service, professional conduct, time and effort have contributed significantly to the advancement of the profession of accounting.  Robert M. Baldwin, CPA, PES, AEP, of Charleston, with Baldwin & Associates, LLC, is the recipient of the 2009 Service to the Profession Award. Bob has been actively involved with SCACPA for 28 years and  has served as president of the Board of Directors, chairman of the Taxation Task Force, and many other important committees serving the profession.   Bob was recently appointed by the governor to serve on the state Board of Accountancy. In his community, he serves in leadership roles for the  Charleston Library Society; Area 5, Boy Scouts of America; Disabilities Foundation of Charleston County.

The 2009 President’s Award recipient is Malynda M. Grimsley, CPA, of Columbia, with The Hobbs Group, PA. This honor is given by the board president of SCACPA in recognition of significant contributions to professional society for CPAs -- SCACPA. A graduate of Clemson University, Malynda began her career serving as an internal auditor for Blue Cross Blue Shield and   First Citizens Bank before joining  I The Hobbs Group where she is currently a shareholder. She is an active member of the Columbia Clemson Club, the Homebuilders Association and serves as treasurer of Women of the Church for Sentinel AR Presbyterian Church. Previously serving as president of SCACPA’s Central Chapter and a member of the SCACPA board, Malynda is an invaluable asset to the Association. She has served on a number of statewide committees and has chaired the SCACPA Membership & Benefits Committee.

A new award established this year, the Young CPA Award, honors a young professional who displays exceptional leadership qualities throughout the community, their profession and SCACPA. Amanda S. Colgate, CPA, of Columbia, with Godshall & Colgate, LLC, is the 2009 recipient of the Young CPA Award. Amanda’s accomplishments are plentiful and particularly impressive for a CPA less than 30 years of age. She graduated Agnes Scott College with a Bachelor of Arts Degree and USC Honors College with Bachelor of Science Degree. Amanda began her career as an intern at Merrill Lynch in 2001, moving to the USC Visitor Center as an Ambassador in 2002, a staff accountant at Ernst & Young, LLP in 2005 and is currently a partner of Godshall & Colgate. She is actively involved with the SCACPA Young CPAs Leadership Cabinet, and various community organizations.

Roger F. Luttrell, CPA, MBA, with Converse College in Spartanburg, is the 2009 recipient of the Outstanding Educator of the Year Award.  The Outstanding Accounting Educator Award recognizes a full-time accounting professor distinguished for excellence in the classroom, motivating students and educational innovation. Roger began teaching at Converse College in 1985 where he served on numerous committees and positions including the Faculty Administrative Advisory Committee, the Undergraduate Admissions Committee and the Director of Business Education Department. He currently serves as Chair of the Economics, Accounting and Business Department and acts as freshman and major advisor at Converse. Roger has contributed to professional society for CPAs in numerous capacities, including serving on the Continuing Professional Education, the Membership Require Task Force and the Technical Standards Committee. An active member of the Foothills chapter, he actively promotes the annual chapter student night.

The Outstanding CPA in Business and Industry award is based on the nominee’s business achievements, contributions to the growth and enhancement of the profession and public service involvement. Larry B. Mack, CPA, of Columbia, with Haynsworth, Sinkler Boyd, PA, is the 2009 recipient. Larry began his career at Ernst & Ernst and moved to Colonial Life where he progressed from accounting to assistant vice-president of treasury.  Currently [what is his title there?} with Haynsworth, Sinkler Boyd, PA, Larry is actively involved with the Saint Andrews Kiwanis Club; the American Bar Association’s Law Practice Management Core Finance Group; Association of Legal Administrators SC Chapter Board; and the Association of Legal Administrators.

Alan F. Grismley, CPA, of Columbia, with Derrick Stubbs and Stith, LLP, is the recipient of the 2009 Public Service Award. The mark of a true professional is devotion to the public good. An outward indication is the many hours South Carolina CPAs give to their communities – over and above their working hours. Each year, SCACPA recognizes a member who has reached high achievement in public service and made significant contributions to their local community. As an active partner with Derrick Stubbs and Stith, LLP, Alan finds time to devote at least six hours a week of community service. He is involved with many community organizations including, but not limited to the Richland Sertoma Club, the USC Alumni Association of Richland & Lexington CountiesLake Murray Presbyterian Church.

About SCACPA:
Founded in 1915, the South Carolina Association of Certified Public Accountants (SCACPA) is a statewide professional organization representing more 3,850 CPAs and accounting professionals. Its establishment marked the emergence of accountancy as a profession, distinguished by its rigorous educational requirements, high professional standards, strict code of professional ethics, licensing status and commitment to serving the public interest.

The mission of the South Carolina Association of CPAs is to support all CPAs – whether in public practice, industry, government or education – with lifelong learning opportunities necessary for their success, the promotion of high ethical standards and legislative advocacy for both the public good and for the profession.

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