Fellows of the Chartered Professional Accountants 2024

Michelle Balmer FCPA, FCA

Michelle has displayed remarkable career advancement and unwavering commitment to the profession. Her impactful journey at MNP has traversed a spectrum of leadership roles, culminating in her current position as Vice President, Assurance Professional Standards. Over her impressive two-decade tenure, she has spearheaded the growth of the Professional Standards Group (APSG), enhancing its function and influence within the organization.

Michelle's exemplary leadership extends beyond MNP, evidenced by her significant contributions to the profession. Serving on the CPA Alberta Board and chairing the CPA Alberta Audit and Risk Committee, she demonstrated unwavering commitment to financial accountability, particularly during challenging times such as the pandemic. Her adeptness in navigating complexities and leading crucial projects earned accolades, reinforcing CPA Alberta's reputation for transparency and accountability. She continues her contributions to the profession as a member of CPA Alberta’s Assist Committee and the Canadian Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (AASB) and AASB Steering Committee. Her dedication to professional growth and maintaining the highest standards of competence underscores her commitment to the broader accounting community.

Michelle has championed the advancement of women in the profession, from CPA program students to seasoned partners, fostering a supportive network and mentoring numerous colleagues to leadership roles.

How has being a CPA impacted you?
It's been one of the most impactful decisions of my life. I've been honoured to be a part of the profession - it's opened up career opportunities, volunteer and leadership opportunities and created a lifelong network of friends and colleagues that I'm privileged to know and learn from. I've lived a privileged life, partly because I chose the CPA profession and was supported and mentored by other CPAs along the way.

Why have you chosen the CPA designation?
I chose the CPA designation because I wanted to be part of a profession - one that embodied integrity and trust. I felt that the CPA designation aligned with my values and opened unlimited career possibilities.

What accomplishment has made you feel the most alive and why?
Being a leader of a predominantly female team and being able to grow and support that team has been the accomplishment I'm most proud of. Being a role model or impactful in someone else's life or career is an honour and responsibility I don't take lightly. It's been a privilege to watch some of the inspiring women that have worked with me over the years go on to leadership positions and successes of their own. I love following people's paths and seeing people blossom in their own careers. It's fulfilling.

What is one of the greatest things you've learned about leadership?
My most important lesson in leadership is being willing to say "I don't know". Being an authentic leader to me means acknowledging your blind spots and weaknesses and filling the gaps in your own knowledge/skills with other people who are better qualified to do those things. One leader can never be successful alone - it takes a team of people all committed to the same goals and supporting each other to be successful. Success is achieved together. Celebrating that success together and thanking/recognizing all those that contributed to it is important. I've been blessed to have teams of people around me that made me look good because they were great at their jobs and gave their best.

What advice would you give to others looking to succeed?
Be authentic - don't attempt to lead someone else's way - do it your own way. While learning from mentors and experts is important, being authentic, transparent, vulnerable and honest are the most important qualities in a good leader. Success will follow if people trust you and want to do a good job for you. In my experience, people will always go the extra mile for someone they trust who has their back and is supporting them.

What professional experience in your life do you feel most grateful for?
Being a partner at a large firm has been such a huge growth experience for me and has exposed me to so many great opportunities and learnings. I'm so grateful for all of the wonderful lifelong friendships that have been started and fostered by working together at the firm. While I didn't intentionally set out to be a public practice partner, it's been rewarding and challenging and a good fit for me. Working at a place that aligns with my values has been important for me.

What has been the most difficult but rewarding conversation in your life?
When I make a conscious decision to "get off the treadmill" at work....I told my CEO I wanted to exit the leadership development program and spend more time smelling the roses and less time chasing a career. Ironically, I probably got better at my job as I became more balanced in life, and there have been many leadership opportunities since.

What was the hardest piece of feedback you've gotten, and how has that changed you for the better?
Regarding dealing with sexism in the workplace (inappropriate jokes and comments) - a female mentor told me I had 3 choices when it happened: 1 - call it out and denounce it 2 - let it slide and then LET IT GO internally (that's the harder part) or 3 - find a way to call it out without making it uncomfortable (make a joke about it while making it clear it wasn't appropriate or something similar) - giving the offender a graceful 'out' and chance to correct. I've generally adopted 3 but it's delicate sometimes to make it clear it's not ok while not humiliating people or making a situation more uncomfortable than it already is. It has made me a better communicator though.

What's your personal motto?
Be the change you wish to see in the world (Ghandi). More understanding, more kindness and more empathy go much further than anything else and are always the right choice.

What has been an eye-opening realization you've made throughout your career?
You CAN'T have it all - life is about choices and hard decisions sometimes. But if you're always true to your values and heart, even the hard decisions will be the right ones. Sometimes gifts come in garbage bags.

Why is it important for you to give back?
Many people before me paved the way for the opportunities I've had and I feel it's important to pay that forward. I also think we're privileged as part of the profession to lead an affluent life, some of which is earned and some of which is gifted. Not everyone in the world has the same first world opportunities that I do (especially as a woman), so it's important to me to do the best I can with the gifts I've been blessed with and help those less fortunate when I can.

What values do you live by?
Integrity, honesty, empathy, care (for others AND myself), hard work.

Who or what has been instrumental in your success, and why?
Many great mentors along the way and family/friend/colleague support has been immeasurably valuable. I also think some of the tough moments, while challenging at the time, have motivated me to do something different or change my perspective. In hindsight, being open to new possibilities (i.e., recognizing the "gift in the garbage bag") has always turned out well for me. I also think keeping work/career success in perspective has helped me balance my priorities and do the right things, even when they were the hard things.

Thank you note.
I'm thankful for many great mentors along my journey, as well as an amazing network of lifelong friends, family members and colleagues. These people have celebrated success with me & lifted me up when things were hard. Thanks to all the females that paved the way, to my parents who sacrificed for my education & Kevin/Maren for unconditional love.

Bernie Bolton FCPA, FCMA

Bernie is a seasoned board member and brings many attributes to the board table, including her strategic insight, financial acumen, and governance experience. She has dedicated her time, skills, and experience to her community, and she is committed to helping improve the lives of children and seniors—some of the most vulnerable members of our society.

In addition to giving back, Bernie has been integral to the profession, particularly in internal audit. She generously imparts her knowledge to both experienced audit executives in the public sector and those just beginning their career in the field. Bernie is a leader when it comes to internal audit, including as a board member of the Institute of Internal Auditors Edmonton Chapter and as the Chair of the Network of Public Sector Chief Internal Auditors in 2010-13.

Bernie is a renowned problem solver, trusted advisor, and a groundbreaking leader. She has worked to shatter the glass ceiling as a woman in senior leadership and has spearheaded innovative initiatives, including her pivotal role in shaping Alberta’s cannabis policies prior to legalization in Canada, a huge undertaking. She also established the Internal Audit and Enterprise Risk Management programs at Alberta Gaming, Liquor & Cannabis, both integral to the organization’s governance practices. Bernie has made a lasting impression on the organization—and, in turn, the province and its policies—during a time of profound change.

What advice would you give to others looking to succeed?
My advice is to take on new challenges and continue to develop your knowledge and skills so that you are able to find ways to add value to your organization beyond the expectations of your current role.

What has been an eye-opening realization you've made throughout your career?
That when an interaction has left me feeling slighted or upset, to give people the benefit of the doubt and assume they have a positive intent.

Who or what has been instrumental in your success, and why?
A manager early in my career told me that I could be successful at anything that I wanted if I put in the effort. Her words brought me confidence when I was asked to move into more demanding roles where I wasn’t the subject matter expert.

Thank you note.
I am deeply grateful for this incredible honor. This award is not only recognition of my accomplishments but also a reflection of the incredible mentors and teammates who I have work with over the years. Thank you all for being part of my journey.

Michael Burnyeat FCPA, FCA

Michael epitomizes the intersection of business leadership, philanthropy, and dedication to the CPA profession. With dual designations as a CPA and Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), Michael has wielded considerable influence in the organizations he has served and is frequently sought after to guide organizations through public offerings, secure private equity funding, and oversee capital investment programs. His adept leadership and strategic vision have left an indelible mark on both companies and the broader business community.

Michael's commitment to community and professional development extends to his roles in various governance and philanthropic initiatives. He has made exceptional contributions to the community of CFA charter holders both in Calgary and across Canada. As Chair of the CPA Education Foundation, he has overseen strategic investment decisions, ensuring the organization's financial health and supporting aspiring CPAs. His philanthropic efforts, including personal donations and scholarship initiatives, underscore his dedication to nurturing future accounting talent and fostering inclusive growth within the profession.

Why have you chosen the CPA designation?
The CPA designation allows for a variety of opportunities, most of which are impossible to determine at the time when you are studying and writing exams for the designation. These represent mostly career opportunities as the CPA designation is useful in all sectors of the economy and is widely recognized across the world; however, there are many personal opportunities afforded with the designation as well.

How has being a CPA impacted you?
It has allowed me to have a fulfilling career in finance, both in Canada and internationally. It has given me leadership opportunities and allowed me to work both with and for some terrific people and organizations.

What accomplishment has made you feel the most alive and why?
The opportunity to give back to the accounting/business education community as it has afforded me many of the opportunities I have taken advantage of and have had success with throughout my career.

What was the most challenging moment in your successes so far?
The successful stewarding of an IPO process. This was something I had not previously undertaken, and it provided many unforeseen challenges and hard work which culminated in a many learning opportunities.

What is one of the greatest things you've learned about leadership?
Many aspects of leadership are inherent in a person, but many are also learned from experience. Always lead by example.

What advice would you give to others looking to succeed?
Be willing to take risks. Be willing to embrace opportunities as they arise - even if they are not in your comfort zone or may be perceived as not in your longer term plan.

What professional experience in your life do you feel most grateful for?
The opportunity to participate in a couple of high growth enterprises. These companies present challenges and opportunities that more stable or steady growth organizations would not have.

What has been the most difficult but rewarding conversation in your life?
Some of the conversation with youth, my kids in particular, about financial literacy. I believe strongly that we need to enhance the financial literacy in our youth so they can be more financially independent as adults.

What was the hardest piece of feedback you've gotten, and how has that changed you for the better?
'Your not ready to lead a $10 billion enterprise'. Made me realize some shortcomings in my capacity as a leader and the different expectations of a much larger company. From then on, I was happier and more engaged as a leader in smaller and growing organizations.

What's your personal motto?
Be a good person every day and lead by example.

What has been an eye-opening realization you've made throughout your career?
There is always opportunity even if it does not seem like it at the time. Make the most out of all situations you find yourself in.

Why is it important for you to give back?
People were able to provide for my learning and development along the way for which I am appreciative, whether it was family, scholarship providers, professors, managers or other executives, so I feel a sense of gratitude toward all of them and hope that in some small way, I can enhance or impact the learnings of others along their own path.

What values do you live by?
Honesty, integrity and hard work. There are no substitutes for any of these in all aspects of your life.

Who or what has been instrumental in your success, and why?
My family!! My wife who always supported my career and personal pursuits. My dad, who at the root of it all, was very supportive of my initial and ongoing interests in accounting, business and finance.

Thank you note.
A special shout-out to Marion, Thomas, Brian, Bruce and Janice who have been unwavering in their support of my career. Also, a special thanks to the many who have been part of this special journey.

Sippy Chhina FCPA, FCA

Sippy is a standout CPA, recognized as an outstanding transformative woman leader in the business community and celebrated for her profound contributions to the accounting profession. Rising to a national leadership role at a Big Four Firm, she has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation. A change leader unafraid to challenge the status quo, Sippy's expertise has positively impacted numerous organizations, including her instrumental role in representing the profession on the global regulatory stage regarding IFRS implementation. Her advocacy for integrity, quality, and ethical conduct has made her a trusted advisor to Canada's energy sector and earned her the privilege of serving as a respected member of Deloitte's board of directors.

Beyond her professional achievements, Sippy is a mentor to many professionals and entrepreneurs, a generous donor, fearless fundraiser, and outstanding role model. She has actively contributed to various organizations, including serving as a board member and president of the Calgary Petroleum Club, presenting and contributing to the Alberta Securities Commission, and serving on the board of directors for organizations like Board Ready Women and the Mount Royal University Foundation. She currently serves on the boards of Board Ready Women and Ovintiv.

Sippy's journey embodies a genuine self-made immigrant success story, inspiring many. Her dedication to mentorship, advocacy for women in business, and commitment to excellence make her a true leader in the accounting profession and beyond.

Why have you chosen the CPA designation?
For the doors it opened and opportunities it provided.

How has being a CPA impacted you?
Given me the ability to become a trusted advisor to my clients.

What accomplishment has made you feel the most alive and why?
Helping Canadian businesses succeed locally and globally.

What was the most challenging moment in your successes so far?
Keeping up with the regulatory changes and the impact of technology on our profession.

What is one of the greatest things you've learned about leadership?
You cannot be a leader without followership.

What advice would you give to others looking to succeed?
Be your authentic self.

What professional experience in your life do you feel most grateful for?
Travel to client sites.

What has been the most difficult but rewarding conversation in your life?
Challenging people in positions of power and influence when they cannot suspend self interest.

What was the hardest piece of feedback you've gotten, and how has that changed you for the better?
Recognize that every person has their journey and path and there are other ways than my way to achieve better results.

What's your personal motto?
Pay it forward.

What has been an eye-opening realization you've made throughout your career?
That building trust is truly a science.

Why is it important for you to give back?
Its the right thing to do, it makes life meaningful.

What values do you live by?
Leave it better than you inherited it.

Who or what has been instrumental in your success, and why?
My teams, my clients and my mentors They have made me the professional I am today.  My teams have helped me rise off their shoulders, my clients have provided me opportunity and a sphere of influence and my mentors have pulled me through and pushed me when needed.

Thank you note.
Thank you to my teams, my partners, my clients, my mentors for an amazing career and most of all my family who have always been my loudest cheerleaders.

Owen Edmondson FCPA, FCGA

Owen built his exemplary career at ATCO, focusing on regulatory matters, primarily in the areas of cost of capital and rate of return. He rose to senior leadership in an incredibly challenging environment, and his long service demonstrates his professional skills, expertise, and ability to navigate complex systems. His “quiet leadership” and dedication to mentorship—and championing of diversity, equity, and inclusion—left a lasting impression on colleagues.

Owen's impact transcends his 32-year tenure at ATCO. Since retiring, Owen has remained actively involved in various nonprofit organizations, generously sharing his expertise and community knowledge. He has a deep understanding of accounting, corporate governance, and teamwork and is committed to using his expertise to serve his community and mentor others. He shares his business expertise and community knowledge without hesitation.

Why have you chosen the CPA designation?
To gain a practical understanding of business upon which to build my career.

How has being a CPA impacted you?
Gave me the basic background knowledge of finance and accounting which opened the door for many opportunities throughout my career.

What accomplishment has made you feel the most alive and why?
I thoroughly enjoyed my career and working on boards in my retirement. The variety of situations, opportunities and challenges which have presented themselves has always kept me invigorated.

What is one of the greatest things you've learned about leadership?
Leadership is about people. Nothing gets done without teamwork and people are the key to all teams.

What advice would you give to others looking to succeed?
Spend more time developing relationships of trust and understanding. Take advantage of every opportunity which comes your way.

What's your personal motto?
Get involved.

Why is it important for you to give back?
I am aware that I live a privileged life and that it is important to help others who are less fortunate.

What values do you live by?
Honesty.

Who or what has been instrumental in your success, and why?
The support of my wife and family.

John Fuller FCPA, FCA

John stands as an exemplary figure within the accounting profession, embodying the values and standards the CPA designation seeks to uphold. With dual qualifications as both a CPA and a lawyer, his career spans both the legal and accounting realms, earning him a reputation as a trusted advisor with the highest ethical standards. Having successfully managed his own specialty services tax firm, John brought invaluable expertise to Felesky Flynn, where he progressed from Associate to Partner to Managing Partner. His leadership and strategic acumen have driven positive change and fostered growth within the firm and his extensive expertise in tax planning, estate planning, and dispute resolution has established him as a trusted advisor for both private corporations and family farm organizations.

John’s commitment to professional education and mentorship is evidenced by his regular presentations at tax-related forums and his role in guiding aspiring professionals through their career paths.

Beyond his professional endeavours, John is a dedicated community leader, volunteering countless hours to various organizations such as minor hockey, Bike Edmonton, and his church. His contributions extend beyond mere participation, as he leverages his financial expertise and legal perspective to drive positive change and promote the well-being of the community.

Why have you chosen the CPA designation?
The CPA designation provides an excellent base knowledge of the world of finance and business.

How has being a CPA impacted you?
Having the CPA designation opened many doors and opportunities, and provided significant confidence in understanding important financial matters in business and for me personally.

What accomplishment has made you feel the most alive and why?
Having a successful marriage and having meaningful relationships with all of our four children.

What was the most challenging moment in your successes so far?
Going back to law school at 35 years old at a time when we had 4 children (our youngest, Isabel, being 1 yr old), coaching hockey for my 2 sons and managing a tax accounting practice at the same time.

What is one of the greatest things you've learned about leadership?
I have learned that helping others achieve their potential is very rewarding and is an important part of leadership.

What advice would you give to others looking to succeed?
Find one or two key individuals outside of your family and workplace to have significant meaningful relationships, individuals who will support and challenge you in your life journey.

What professional experience in your life do you feel most grateful for?
Having the opportunity to be part of the Felesky Flynn LLP team, and to be involved with the Grande Prairie CA Club, the Edmonton CPA Club and the CPA Forum North (Jasper) and the CPA Small Practitioners' Forum (Banff) conferences.

What has been the most difficult but rewarding conversation in your life?
Discussing with my father what path to seek after receiving my CPA, either joining another CPA firm or starting a tax consulting firm, particularly in light of having just started a family and not knowing if I could succeed on my own. My father encouraged me to start the tax consulting firm which ended up being the best and most rewarding decision.

What was the hardest piece of feedback you've gotten, and how has that changed you for the better?
By ignoring a difficult conversation you make the problem worse - so now I am much better at having difficult conversations and have seen problems resolved as a result.

What's your personal motto?
Work hard, play hard.

What has been an eye-opening realization you've made throughout your career?
The fact that the chance of success, as well as the level of success, is much greater (and much more rewarding) when part of a team than as an individual.

Why is it important for you to give back?
Because life is difficult and at times unfair - and not everyone is as fortunate to have had the opportunities that I have had including a supportive and loving family, the chance to receive an education and to be a part of two esteemed professions. Paying it forward and helping people solve difficult, complex problems provides me with significant intrinsic benefits.

What values do you live by?
Empathy, Humility, Self-Awareness, Growth Mindset, Perseverance and Accountability.

Who or what has been instrumental in your success, and why?
Learning the importance of the emotional content in every interaction with another person, and learning how to listen for, and respond to, the emotional messages being communicated. My wife was instrumental in patiently helping me to be aware of and teaching me.

Thank you note.
I am fortunate to have had many people who have been great mentors, friends and colleagues and who helped me in my career and life journey. To name a few, I would like to thank Gordon Flynn for being an esteemed mentor and role model, Howie Kroon for giving me my introduction to the world of tax (and introducing me as a new CPA), my mom and dad for encouraging me to start my own tax accounting firm, Brody Thomson for trusting in me to be my first business partner, Greg Gartner for encouraging me to go back to law school and join Felesky Flynn, my personal and business mentors Mark Rivers, Dane ZoBell, Josh Jones, and Hendrik Verveer, my family, particularly my children, Manny, Abigail, William and Isabel, and most importantly my wife, Avryll, for being the most supportive, patient and loving life partner anyone could wish for.

Robert Hayes FCPA, FCMA

Over his 35-year banking career, Robert has had the privilege of working with clients in every region of Canada, where his various executive leadership roles have enabled him to build teams comprised of incredibly talented individuals. Most of this timeframe has been spent in Alberta, where he has leveraged opportunities to develop strategic plans and oversee the execution of two startup businesses, along with several business turnarounds. His proudest career accomplishments center around the people he has interacted with throughout the years. Specifically, those individuals he supported and mentored who transitioned into senior roles in their respective careers and the numerous clients that he has assisted both personally and professionally.

While Robert has been a true builder in Calgary and Alberta through his leadership in his executive roles, his tireless community engagement work is also remarkable. His 14-year volunteer commitment to Wood’s Homes, a large Canadian children’s mental health organization, includes having been a member of multiple boards and committees, recruiting a great new CEO, and helping to raise millions of dollars. Concurrent with this, he has served on or supported numerous other community entities such as Calgary Economic Development, Rundle College Education Foundation, Calgary Stampede Foundation, United Way, and Prostate Cancer Centre Calgary.

What is one of the greatest things you've learned about leadership?
The positive impact you can have on so many others.

What advice would you give to others looking to succeed?
Work hard, but make sure you enjoy the ride on the road to success.

What was the hardest piece of feedback you've gotten, and how has that changed you for the better?
I am not sure it was hard feedback but it was great feedback. Early in my career I had a boss / leader who told me quite directly I needed to listen more. We have two ears and one mouth for a reason, so listen and learn by using your ears.

Why is it important for you to give back?
There are many in society who are less fortunate than most. I have chosen to give back whenever I can in the hopes that my small part can help the bigger picture for us all just a little bit.

What values do you live by?
Transparency, honesty, integrity, no judgement. The golden rule of treat others as you would expect them to treat you.

Who or what has been instrumental in your success, and why?
I have been fortunate to have worked for both great bosses & leaders and poor bosses & leaders. The learnings you get from both are very valuable lessons.

Thank you note.
Jacqueline, my wife. Any success I have had would not have been possible without her support and encouragement.

Alison Jackson FCPA, FCA

Alison is known for her transformative leadership and commitment to fostering growth within organizations and communities. With a career spanning a decade at EY Canada, she has risen to prominence as a Global Client Service Partner, leading multinational teams and managing critical accounts, showcasing her strategic acumen and dedication to excellence. Serving for the last five years as Managing Partner of the Calgary office, Alison has spearheaded significant growth, expanding the office and providing hands-on leadership support to a diverse team of professionals.

Beyond her professional achievements, Alison is a dedicated advocate for inclusion and Indigenous reconciliation. She has played pivotal roles in establishing initiatives like EY's first Canadian Finance Centre of Excellence and bringing the EY Neurodiversity Centre of Excellence to Calgary, contributing to job creation and diversity within Alberta's workforce. Her commitment to diversity extends to her involvement in national Indigenous reconciliation efforts, where she has supported the establishment of the Elders Knowledge Circle Society and continues to support various acts of reconciliation in business and community.

Alison actively mentors aspiring CPAs and volunteers her time to various community organizations. From her current involvement on the Board of Alberta Innovates and the Advisory Council for The Simpson Centre, to ongoing contributions to the United Way of Calgary and Area and other community impact organizations, Alison leverages her CPA expertise to drive positive change and create a lasting impact.

What is one of the greatest things you've learned about leadership?
Leadership comes from within. It starts with embracing your values - the things that are not negotiable in your life - and building on them to be in service to the people around you. True leadership goes beyond any title. It is an honour and a responsibility granted by the people around you, as you can only be a leader to those who choose to follow.

What advice would you give to others looking to succeed?
Personal leadership is the cornerstone of every success. Personal leaderships means you know which situations give you energy, which ones take your energy and how to balance between the two. You know how to solve complex problems while remaining true to your values, you are committed to taking care of yourself so you can take care of others. Personal leadership is the first kind of leadership we have the opportunity to master, and the most important form of leadership in every aspect of our lives.

What's your personal motto?
Never make a decision while going up a hill. It comes from ironman triathlon training years, where it was often tempting to quit early in a bike or a run session when hills made the effort more intense. Invariably, when the flats came back and the effort settled into a rhythm, I was happy to have continued. That learning has helped me at many different stages in my career.

Who or what has been instrumental in your success, and why?
My husband is #1. Together, we have built a family that I look forward to coming home to every day. With their support, I take care of myself so I can take care of them and many others. I have always been wired to help others achieve their true potential. Whether that is my husband, my kids, my partners, my staff, my clients or my community, the foundation starts at home.

Thank you note.
Huge thanks to my Honey, Dolly and Bear. You are the foundation that supports all my success. So much gratitude to my friends. You provide wise counsel and inspiration when it is most needed. And credit to my partners and colleagues who have to deal with me every day!

Torran Jolly FCPA, FCA

Torran’s impact on and commitment to the taxation of the Canadian energy industry is noteworthy, and he is renowned for having a reputation “second to none.” He is a Tax Partner at KPMG, where he has worked tirelessly, creating best practices and resources for tax specialists, and mentoring and influencing future tax advisors. In addition to authoring and editing the Guide to Oil & Gas Taxation in Canada at KPMG, an 80-plus-page guidebook on resource taxation in Canada, Torran contributed to KPMG’s multi-day course for the oil and gas tax industry as a leader and lecturer.

In addition to his work at KPMG, Torran has taught thousands of aspiring tax professionals in CPA Canada’s In-depth Tax Program, written and edited several tax guides, sat on the board of the Canadian Petroleum Tax Society, presented at the Canadian Tax Foundation conferences, co-edited the Canadian Resource Taxation book, and more. Torran has devoted countless hours to ensuring the tax community has relevant and timely resources to help them guide their clients and employers.

Torran has volunteered his time and expertise as a board member for a variety of local not-for-profit organizations, including a private school and Calgary’s youth recreational hockey program, and has served as coach for a variety of children’s sports programs.

Why have you chosen the CPA designation?
I wanted to pursue my CPA because of the versatility and flexibility that come with being a CPA. As I went through school and started my professional career, I had many great mentors that explained how being a CPA will present more opportunities than I could imagine, which they were certainly right. Now that I know this, I too am telling the next generation the same thing.

How has being a CPA impacted you?
I honestly cannot believe how being a CPA has changed my life. It has presented me with so many opportunities to learn, grow and develop, which has then transferred into many different opportunities to have new experiences and meet new people. I can honestly say that I cannot think of my life without being a CPA.

What accomplishment has made you feel the most alive and why?
I feel the most alive when I am teaching and being recognized by my peers for doing so. As many folks know, I have been very involved in the educational aspects of the profession and industry for many years. I continue to teach and be involved in the tax community because I thoroughly enjoy educating the next generation of tax practitioners as well as developing my own technical skills along the way. I am also proud of the volunteer work that I have been involved with as I feel that I am making a real impact on society in doing so.

What was the most challenging moment in your successes so far?
One of the most defining moments for me was when I was a board member for a local private school. There were some material challenges that we faced as a board where we needed to implement some significant change. The changes were not easy and required a lot of personal sacrifice, but with the support of some amazing board members, we successfully managed the situations and now the organization is flourishing. I am truly thankful for the team of individuals the supported me through that process and I truly learned a lot.

What is one of the greatest things you've learned about leadership?
Leadership is learned and earned not assigned, demanded, or assumed. Throughout the years, I learned a lot about leadership, and I continue to improve on it as I believe leadership requires continued focus and improvement. Leadership is not a destination, but a journey of experiences that involves wins and losses. Further to this and, as many of my teammates will acknowledge, I continually challenge myself and my team to always reflect on each situation or experience and assess what went well and what did not as this will help anyone become a better leader.

What advice would you give to others looking to succeed?
I believe the formula for success is “time plus effort equals results”. It is a simple statement but summarizes what it takes. First, one needs to put in the effort by working hard towards their goals whether it is professional and personal. Second, one needs to give it time, which I cannot underscore the importance of time. I know most of us want instant results, but in many cases, this is not possible. As such, results are generally achieved when someone works really hard for a long time. This reminds me of a quote a client once told me that epitomizes the formula, “I am an overnight success after 10 years of working at it”.

What professional experience in your life do you feel most grateful for?
I feel most grateful for being a tax partner at KPMG. Even though I wanted to be a CPA from high school, I never would have imagined that I would become a tax partner at a large accounting firm. Now I could not have achieved this goal without the support of many great mentors in my life, and to them I say, “thank you”.

What has been the most difficult but rewarding conversation in your life?
When I was early in my career, a partner in my group became my career coach and mentor. As part of the process, he developed a program to gather feedback on my management style – this was before the days of upward feedback programs. Although the conversation was very difficult to have, the results from the conversations changed my life. For many years, we continued this program to continually develop my management style and much of my success today can be traced back to the conversations we had many years ago.

What was the hardest piece of feedback you've gotten, and how has that changed you for the better?
The hardest piece of advice that I received was to listen twice as much as you speak. For me this was a real challenge as I am a talker and it sometimes is very challenging for me to be quiet, I know this – no laughing from the folks that know me. However, I have trained myself to listen more often than I speak, especially when there is something important being discussed. I still do a lot of talking, but when discussing important issues or details, I do in fact listen intently, which has really helped me understand the situation much better.

What's your personal motto?
I have 2 mottos: "Time plus effort equals results" and "the only time you start at the top is when you dig a hole".

What has been an eye-opening realization you've made throughout your career?
Trust is earned through years of development but can be lost in an instant. Through my many years, I constantly reflect back to this notion and how it is a pillar in everything I do. Whether I seek to develop trust with clients, new clients, staff, partners, family and friends, I am constantly reminded that trust is earned over time with hard work and commitment to supporting someone, but this can all be lost upon a selfish act. Therefore, I try to live my life by earning and maintaining trust by being someone that people can count on, especially when they need you the most.

Why is it important for you to give back?
I believe I have been given a gift in life, so I believe I have a duty to pay it forward. Not everyone has been given the same gifts or opportunities, so it incumbent upon all of us to give back when we can, even if it is in a small way. Therefore, my challenge for everyone is to think how you may be able to pay if forward – you can give your time, resources or support as this all counts.

What values do you live by?
I have many values that I live by, but the most important to me are integrity, respect, empathy and responsibility. Throughout my life, I have faced many challenges, but I believe by following my core values, I can successfully manage any situation. I also believe that my values have evolved over the years as I continually review my successes and failures and adapt. However, one theme seems to be consistent, if I deviate from my values, I am generally not successful. Therefore, it is important to always follow your values as they will ensure the most likelihood of success.

Who or what has been instrumental in your success, and why?
Support by others has been instrumental to my success. Whether it is support from my family and friends, or mentors and coaches, I could not have achieved my success without their support, guidance and mentorship. I believe that all these people have in some way helped me to achieve my goals as well as guided me when things were difficult. Each person has played a different role, but they are all equally as important. To them I say, “thank you.”

Thank you note.
There are many people that have supported my success and I would like to acknowledge those that have made this truly possible. First, my wife, Laura, has been there throughout the years supporting me and I could not have succeeded without her, so “thank you Laura”.

As for my professional support, there are a few specific people I would like to thank, including Chris Post, Wayne Chodzicki, Jodi Roworth, Bruce Weatherdon, Craig Natland, Rick Whitley, Brian Carr, Barry Travers, and Murray Suey.

Finally, I would like to thank my friends and family for supporting me throughout the years.

Trent Klein FCPA, FCA

Trent is widely respected as a trusted leader and expert in his field, having made substantial contributions to TELUS throughout his career. As Chief Accountant, he has been instrumental in guiding the company's evolution into a global leader in digitally-led technology solutions. His remarkable achievements were honoured with the TELUS Legend Award in 2022, an accolade reserved for individuals who have a lasting impact on the organization's customers, team, and business.

Trent has led various critical initiatives, such as reinstating the TELUS Insider Trading Blackout List; implementing a risk-based, practical approach for Sarbanes Oxley (SOX) at TELUS, which has become a model for other companies; establishing the TELUS Finance Governance Committee; and supporting significant financial programs like the TELUS Dividend program and the successful IPO of TELUS International, the largest technology IPO in TSX history at that point in time. Trent's adept management of crucial disclosures has also contributed to TELUS's global recognition for corporate social responsibility and annual reporting excellence.

Trent has made significant contributions to the profession, supporting the TELUS Audit Committee and Auditor in the Audit Quality Indicator (AQI) Pilot Project for the Canadian Public Accountability Board (CPAB). He is sought after by the Canadian Accounting Standards Board (AcSB) and International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) for views on corporate financial reporting, providing feedback in respect of items such as IFRS 15 & IFRS 16, and is a member of the International Accounting Standards Board’s (IASB’s) Management Commentary Consultative Group. His leadership in this area led to TELUS being named one of three international beta testers for SAP’s Revenue Accounting and Reporting product. Trent has also served as a panelist and speaker at national and international conferences, including the IFRS Foundation’s 2021 World Standard-setters Virtual Conference.

Outside of his professional responsibilities, Trent is actively involved in community initiatives and volunteer work, including the TELUS Annual Food Bank Challenge, and planning annual TELUS Days of Giving initiatives. His dedication to community service reflects his broader commitment to making a positive impact both within TELUS and in the communities where he lives and works.

Why have you chosen the CPA designation?
It seemed like a natural fit for someone with basic math skills, innate curiosity and who was a self-professed life-long student of business.

How has being a CPA impacted you?
In addition to being a career with more good days than bad and appealing to my innate curiosity, it has also provided an unimaginable breadth and depth of life experiences (both for my family and I).

What accomplishment has made you feel the most alive and why?
Seeing others succeed through applied learning! Whether it be hockey skills and tactics from practice being applied in a minor hockey game setting or a student-of-accounts demonstrating critical thinking – it’s all pretty exciting!

What is one of the greatest things you've learned about leadership?
Walk your talk.

What advice would you give to others looking to succeed?
Better to strive for excellence and fall short of the objective than to simply aspire to a passing grade.

What professional experience in your life do you feel most grateful for?
I’ve been quite fortunate to have found myself employed in a series of organizations where independent thought has been celebrated rather than suppressed.

What's your personal motto?
A day without learning is like a day without sunshine.

What has been an eye-opening realization you've made throughout your career?
That accounting and reporting is such a team result.

Why is it important for you to give back?
I feel very, very fortunate in life and that has a lot to do with the support, coaching, mentoring and teaching of scores of people over a period of decades. I hope to, in some small measure, contribute to others lives so that they too can feel similarly fortunate.

What values do you live by?
Honesty, integrity and hard work.

Thank you note.
Would first thank my wife and son; there are scores more who I simply couldn’t name because of time and space, but I would be remiss not to specifically mention: Fred Barth FCPA, FCA; Doug French FCPA, FCA; Mike Gibbins FCPA, FCA; Jack Kasenberg CPA, CA; Matt Murray FCPA, FCMA; and John Musgreave CPA, CA.

Greg Oberti FCPA, FCA

Greg exemplifies the breadth of what a CPA can do and demonstrates how the profession can lead to an extraordinary range of impactful opportunities. His career has taken him literally across the world, having worked in Africa, across Europe (where he lived and practiced as a CA–or expert-comptable–in Switzerland), the Americas, and Southeast Asia. He will tell anyone who will listen that the profession opens doors to an unmatched variety of experiences for those who seek them, ranging from unique opportunities like counting fish (actually!) to designing internal controls (in Spanish) for a South American mine, from structuring asset deals in West Africa to writing peer-reviewed technical papers on lease accounting and advising on complex infrastructure deals in major Canadian cities, showcasing the extraordinary opportunities within the profession.

Greg’s remarkable range as a highly versatile leader and much sought-after mentor has resulted in profound impacts both within his work and in the community, locally, regionally, and globally. Greg led the initial efforts at PwC to build an energy transition practice and built a team, from scratch, to deliver infrastructure advisory services for PwC in Alberta, including establishing a new market-leading methodology for his practice. From a community perspective, Greg’s impact has been widely felt. Locally, he assisted the mayor during the height of the pandemic in crafting an economic resilience strategy for the City of Calgary which has, in turn, led to Greg developing an innovative approach for municipalities across Canada to re-imagine their funding parameters. Regionally, Greg developed, again from scratch, a first-of-its-kind undergraduate course in Canada specific to Project & Infrastructure Finance at the University of Calgary, expanding it to an MBA variant, and later successfully creating and offering a similar program at the University of British Columbia.

Greg is a much-loved professor and has taught over 600 students and integrated dozens of high-profile speakers and professionals into the class. Globally, during the pandemic, he helped structure and then co-lead an economic stimulus package for the UN which was adopted in four countries and was ultimately lauded by the UN’s Secretary General. Today, he continues to give back as Chair of the board at Clearwater Academy, having recently concluded a 2-year term on the Board of the Banff Centre. Notably, his community impact was recognized by the Government of Alberta when awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee medal in 2023.

Why have you chosen the CPA designation?
I chose the CPA designation as I felt it would give me the best opportunity to understand business while providing me with the most career options.

How has being a CPA impacted you?
It has shaped every part of who I am, professionally. It has opened doors for me that I could not have fathomed and has allowed me to work, quite literally, all over the world. It also provided me with the structure and training to be confident in and across an extraordinary breadth of professional situations.

What accomplishment has made you feel the most alive and why?
I feel most alive when I have helped a client or stakeholder "connect the dots" on a strategic initiative. I have felt this in various parts of my career; firstly when working on a highly complex commodity-trading situations when I was in Geneva through to most recently working with a wonderful municipal client aiming to reimagine funding levers for the benefit of the community.

What is one of the greatest things you've learned about leadership?
The importance of slowing down. This has also been, for me, the most difficult skill to learn (and am still learning!).

What advice would you give to others looking to succeed?
Hold and foster a service-led mentality best epitomized with the question: "how can I help"? Every major inflection point in my career was, at its heart, informed by an attitude of trying to help; particularly in areas where others were less focused.

What professional experience in your life do you feel most grateful for?
The opportunity to work in over 15 countries and the breadth of experience that the profession has opened up for; it has enabled a truly endless amount of intellectual stimulation.

What was the hardest piece of feedback you've gotten, and how has that changed you for the better?
I think the importance of slowing down to go fast. This was very, very difficult for me to accept and understand when I was younger; but, once I fully tuned in to what it meant - especially after I became a Partner - it has helped me in countless situations to take stock, realize that the sun will rise tomorrow, and not act in haste. That said, it's very much a work in progress and something I continue to try to get better at.

What's your personal motto?
Amor Magnus Doctor Est. It's a quote from St. Augustine which means "Love is the Greatest Teacher".

What has been an eye-opening realization you've made throughout your career?
That you really can't control outcomes. You can't possibly know what life has in store for you and it's far more important to be present, now, with what is right in front of you then worrying about the future or fretting about the past. And, in my journey, I have been most humbled by the realization and awareness of the myriad of challenges that people bravely go through in navigating their lives.

Why is it important for you to give back?
It's important to me for two reasons: 1) so many people have helped me along the way that I feel it's only right that I try to help and give back where I can and 2) my values and personal beliefs align and speak to the necessity to give back, in a manner proportionate to the talents/skills/capacity available at each stage of one's life.

What values do you live by?
My values are fully informed by a virtue-based set of ethics, underscored by a strong attachment to my faith which is at the heart of how I try to live my life.

Who or what has been instrumental in your success, and why?
My wife. I met her two weeks before starting out as an articling student and she has been there as a rock-solid support through every step of my career (and I actually proposed to her the night I finished the UFE)! There is no way I would have been able to do all the things I've done and the successes we've had without her unwavering belief and support in me. It has not been easy and there have been some very difficult moments throughout this journey; but, at literally every major juncture and milestone her support, wisdom and intelligence was, and continues to be, instrumental. She is also the person that identified key opportunities and made countless sacrifices to enable their pursuit.

Thank you note.
Jordann: thank you! You kept every door we opened, open. You found paths amidst uncertainty and brought clarity whenever there was confusion. From the bottom of my heart: Grazie!

Tony Scozzafava FCPA, FCA

Tony is an accomplished CPA with an exceptional career track record and true leadership abilities. He has steadily risen throughout his career to become the Senior Vice-president and CFO at EPCOR, a company with more than 3,500 employees, $15 billion in assets, and $4.3 billion in revenues.

Described as “a leader who has set himself apart in a league of his own,” Tony leads with integrity, intelligence, and compassion. He has also used these traits and skills to give back to his community, having served on several boards, most recently the United Way and Wellspring as well as serving as an active member of the Canadian Income Tax Committee of the Tax Executive Institute for a number of years. He has contributed countless hours and his valuable knowledge and expertise to these organizations, contributing to strategic plans and helping raise capital.

Tony is committed to the betterment of his city and province, and he demonstrates how CPAs can influence change, grow businesses, and give back with their unique skill sets.

Why have you chosen the CPA designation?
As a new business graduate, I wanted to pursue a career that would offer unlimited career growth and exposure to entrepreneurship but with some form of stability. While at first, accounting didn't seem like an obvious fit, once I looked into the CPA program and breadth of opportunities available to CPA's, I decided to pursue a CPA designation. While I didn't know if I wanted to be an auditor or specialize, become a partner in an accounting firm or work in industry, the CPA designation promised to open many doors. While I specialized in tax early in my career and moved to industry, my career has constantly been evolving with increased responsibility and complexity beyond my expectations.

How has being a CPA impacted you?
It made more aware of the importance of teamwork and diversity of thought in solving complex problems that businesses need to deal with. It has also made me more aware of the importance of supporting our communities as I think while we work hard to achieve our objectives as professionals, those usually pale in comparison to the issues that many others in our community have to deal with in their everyday lives. As a CPA professional, I feel obligated to be part of the solution to improve conditions for those less fortunate or those who face systemic barriers.

What accomplishment has made you feel the most alive and why?
From a work perspective, I have been involved in two successful IPOs and both of those businesses continue to thrive and positively influence the economy today.

What was the most challenging moment in your successes so far?
The most challenging aspect of my career was missing many evenings and weekends with my family to advance my career. My family always supported me though for which I am grateful.

What is one of the greatest things you've learned about leadership?
Good leaders need to be inclusive and facilitate open dialogue and while they do not always know the answer, they are able to arrive at it and get the best from their people to optimize any situation.

What advice would you give to others looking to succeed?
Be honest with yourself and surround yourself with people smarter than yourself that you can trust.

What professional experience in your life do you feel most grateful for?
The opportunity to build a new tax department from the ground up that EPCOR gave me as a new Director. It allowed me to grow tremendously as a professional and leader.

What's your personal motto?
Work hard... play hard!

What has been an eye-opening realization you've made throughout your career?
Success is not linear or necessarily predicable but perseverance and focus on objectives can go a long way.

Why is it important for you to give back?
As a CPA, while I recognized the designation would provide a stable employment and allow for me to provide for my family, I think it comes with an obligation to share knowledge and experiences with young professionals and to provide leadership to our community we live and work in. From the beginning of my career, I have felt compelled to help out - whether it was volunteering as a coach or tax preparer early in my career to sitting on NPO boards more recently, so I have tried to contribute on a continuous basis. I think this shows well for the profession that we just are not in the profession to earn a living but to contribute to society.

What values do you live by?
I try to appreciate every day as a day I can enjoy time with my family and accomplish something, whether professional or otherwise. I believe nothing comes without hard work and that mistakes are normal but it is what we do with mistakes that can make us better. I also believe in respecting people for all their differences and that diversity, equity and inclusion are important steps we need to make progress on.

Who or what has been instrumental in your success, and why?
I have been blessed to have a supportive family - my wife and children throughout my career. I also have had the benefit of working for a number of CPAs who have supported my career, my vision and my success and I am grateful. I am also grateful to my parents for teaching me the importance of strong work ethics.

Thank you note.
Thanks to my wife, Julia and my daughters for your continuous support.

Keith Steeves, FCPA, FCGA

Keith is an exceptional senior executive who has consistently demonstrated his ability to drive transformative change and foster a culture of innovation and success in the organizations he has led. His history of exceptional performance, strategic planning, and focus on operational and financial alignment has resulted in delivering outstanding results in complex and challenging environments.

Notably, as the CFO of NAL Resources, Keith played a key role in reshaping the company, leading to significant growth through acquisitions. His visionary leadership, innovative mindset, and commitment to sustainability also led to the implementation of transformative strategies at NAL Resources, improving costs and cutting environmental liabilities. After Keith helped orchestrate the sale of NAL Resources to Pengrowth, he co-founded Crbon Labs, demonstrating his continued dedication to helping companies reach net-zero goals.

Keith’s impact reaches further as a mentor, advisor, and contributor, notably with the Blackfoot Tech Council, CPA Alberta’s Advisory Group, and the Calgary Prostate Cancer Centre. His practical and forward-thinking solutions, profound understanding of technical and fiscal challenges, and passion for efficiency are foundational to the success of the organizations he engages with.

What accomplishment has made you feel the most alive and why?
Completing the transformation of Gulf Canada's Information Management/Technology organization from a Canadian only Mainframe centric environment to an organization which was 40% of the cost using the latest technologies in 18 countries around the world. It made me realize that you could make a difference and provide leadership that made a material impact on an organization, the people, your suppliers and customers.

What is one of the greatest things you've learned about leadership?
Leadership is about having a vision, leading from the front, taking risks, supporting those that support you and never quitting on your vision. As my mother used to say, if you do not know where you are going, any road will lead you there.

Why is it important for you to give back?
When you have been so blessed in life it is important to give back to recognize all those that have given to help you succeed.

Who or what has been instrumental in your success, and why?
Playing sports at a high level made me realize that I just needed to work as hard as I did at work as I did at sport and I would be successful.

Thank you note.
I want to thank my parents who created the environment I grew up in, my wife and children who have supported me through ups and downs and also I want to finish with my many colleagues I worked with Cory Bergh, Lory Troche, Basim Abdalla, Andrew Wiswell and many more who were supportive and helped me through thick and thin.

Patricia Stringer FCPA, FCMA, FCA

Trish is a remarkable educator whose dedication to teaching excellence and innovative initiatives has had a profound impact on the accounting profession. As a Full Executive Professor within the Alberta School of Business at the University of Alberta (U of A), she is a superb role model, bringing firsthand knowledge of accounting to the classroom and creating a unique learning environment. Trish's commitment to advancing education has positioned the University of Alberta at the forefront, enhancing the learning experience for accounting students and fostering the growth of future CPAs.

Throughout her career, Trish has received numerous accolades, including the Donald and Margaret Mackenzie Undergraduate Teaching Award, the CPA Education Foundation Teaching Prize Award, and most recently was named Professor of the Year by the Alberta School of Business Students’ Association. Her innovative teaching methods, such as embracing innovative classroom technologies, have enriched the learning environment for accounting students beyond the U of A and across Alberta.

Trish's dedication extends beyond the classroom, as she manages the Accounting Tutorial Centre at the U of A, providing essential support to students in introductory accounting courses. She has taken the lead in driving programs such as the Accounting Technical Training sessions and serves as the faculty advisor for the Rocky Mountain Business Seminar, fostering a connection between academia and the accounting industry. Her involvement in various committees at the U of A, including the Teaching Task Force, highlights her commitment to enhancing the education and professional development of students and CPAs alike. Overall, Trish's contributions to the accounting profession and her dedication to community engagement make her a truly inspiring figure in the field.

What advice would you give to others looking to succeed?
Achieving any designation is not a quick process. You are going to have ups and downs. Finding others that have been through similar situations is very useful to help you focus. Try to avoid the naysayers or use them as a catapult to prove them wrong. My aunt gave me great advice when I was considering whether to pursue my CA after I already had my CMA. She told me that if it was ever a goal, I should stick with it and do it. She shared her own experience of leaving school with her RNA (as there was a shortage of nurses), thinking she’d go back to get her RN, but she never did. She regretted it until the day she retired. Life has a way of getting in the way, so if it is a goal – go for it!

Thank you note.
I want to thank Jeff Herzog for nominating me, as well as all the others who provided support letters. Your words of encouragement for this distinction, as well as support throughout my career, have been invaluable. To my husband, Graham, and my children, Steven, Nathan and Ryan. Thank you for your support and for grounding me as a wife and mom.

Travis Toews FCPA, FCMA

Travis is perhaps most well-known for his dedication to the province as an MLA and the Minister of Finance and President of the Treasury Board, positions he dedicated himself to for three years. In those roles, Travis worked to implement an ambitious platform of reform and position Alberta’s economy for growth. He presented the first balanced budget in more than a decade and set the province on a strong fiscal path. But Travis is also a key figure in the Canadian cattle and beef industry. Along with his family, he runs Melbern Holdings, a corporate family cattle ranching operation, and he has sat on the Canadian Cattle Association Board—including serving as both Vice-president and President. He led the organization through tough times, setting them on a path of sustainability and ensuring the industry’s competitiveness at all levels. Throughout his career, Travis has demonstrated his belief in servant leadership, his unwavering humility and integrity, and his success and abilities as a leader in business and finance.

What accomplishment has made you feel the most alive and why?
Kim and I have 3 children and 11 grand children. Working to position this province for growth, opportunity, and fiscal sustainability for the benefit of future generations felt incredibly meaningful.

What is one of the greatest things you've learned about leadership?
Great leaders are servant leaders. They serve a vision far greater than themselves to the benefit of those entrusted to them.

What professional experience in your life do you feel most grateful for?
Serving Albertans as their Minister of Finance and President of the Treasury Board was an incredible privilege. It was a time of significant challenge with the 2020 global covid economic shock and energy price collapse and it was also a time of real progress as we together managed through those hard days, and worked to position the Alberta economy for competitiveness and growth. With growth in the economy and disciplined spending we were able to present and deliver surplus budgets, pay down debt, and save for the future. As part of budget 2023 we passed by legislation, a series of fiscal rules which will help ensure responsible fiscal management into the future.

What values do you live by?
Integrity is non negotiable... its core. I also want to operate in kindness.

Who or what has been instrumental in your success, and why?
The unwavering support of family and my faith have been foundational in my life including to my professional accomplishments.

Thank you note.
Thank you to my wife Kim and my family for their unwavering support in good and difficult times. Thank you to Vince Vavrek for this nomination.

Damian Zapisocky FCPA, FCA

Damian is a seasoned leader with a multifaceted career distinguished by his commitment to business growth and community development. His impactful contributions have been pivotal in driving the rapid expansion of several businesses, including his current role as Chief Financial Officer of FYihealth Group.

Under his guidance in various CFO and CEO roles, Damian has shown his adept leadership and strategic vision. Damian has brought his skills and leadership to the governance of the profession at the regional, national, and international levels. He played a pivotal role in revitalizing the Central Alberta CA Club (now Central Alberta CPA Chapter) underscoring his enduring impact on CPAs in the region.

Damian's extensive involvement with CPA Alberta includes serving as a board member and ultimately as the Board Chair, where he fostered a board culture of trust, inclusivity, and engagement and lent his expertise to the development of a new strategic plan to significantly shape the organization's future work. Damian's national recognition is highlighted by his appointment to the board of CPA Canada in 2023.

Damian has served as President of The Westerner Exposition Association (Westerner Park) and Vice Chair and Treasurer of the United Way Red Deer Region and has contributed to the YMCA Wood Buffalo. Additionally, he dedicates his leadership as a board member of Habitat for Humanity Red Deer Region, demonstrating his unwavering dedication to making a meaningful impact in the lives of others.

Why have you chosen the CPA designation?
I choose the CPA designation as I knew that the education and experience I would gain as an articling student would help open doors to future opportunities.

How has being a CPA impacted you?
Being a CPA has opened many doors in my professional life and has led to amazing opportunities in business, the profession, and in my community.

What accomplishment has made you feel the most alive and why?
When I was in my first CFO role and we became one of 'Canada's Best Managed Companies' which we had worked hard to get to. It was a company success that demonstrated the great company we had built and could all be very proud of.

What was the most challenging moment in your successes so far?
A few challenging moments are very similar - deciding when to leave a position and assessing whether it's the right time and opportunity.

What is one of the greatest things you've learned about leadership?
Being empathetic and seeking to understand where others are coming from.

What advice would you give to others looking to succeed?
Try to say 'Yes' to as many opportunities as you can as each of those opens new doors.

What professional experience in your life do you feel most grateful for?
Being part of the CPA Alberta Board of Directors - meeting great people and working continuously to improve the profession.

What has been the most difficult but rewarding conversation in your life?
I've had a couple of occasions where I recommended an individual leave the company I worked for in order to grow their own career in a more meaningful way. Two times that led to individuals becoming CPAs which was fantastic. It hurt the company to see them go, but it was the right choice for each of them individually in order to achieve their potential.

What was the hardest piece of feedback you've gotten, and how has that changed you for the better?
Early on in my career, my boss told me I was being a good manager, but not a good leader and that I had to work on becoming a great leader. While it was hard to hear in the moment, coming to understand the differences between managing and leading were what accelerated my career.

What's your personal motto?
It's nice to be important, be it's more important to be nice.

What has been an eye-opening realization you've made throughout your career?
You can't get there alone.

Why is it important for you to give back?
I've felt that I've been giving many opportunities and so want to give back in ways that provide opportunities or make improvements to other organizations, people and my community.

What values do you live by?
Being ethical, authentic, and curious

Who or what has been instrumental in your success, and why?
My boss at Studon Electric & Controls - Don Sutherland - he was the founder and CEO. He taught me about culture as well as being a leader. I will forever be grateful from learning from him and from the opportunities he provided me with to grow within the company.

Thank you note.
I want to thank my wife Christie and my daughters Morgan and Kayla from the bottom of my heart for allowing me to take the time needed to devote to my career and profession. I certainly couldn't have achieved any of my success without their full love and support.