ASCPA President & CEO Cindie Hubiak, CPA, CGMA Retires

After more than 20 years in her position as President & CEO, Cindie Hubiak ends her career at the ASCPA. Here is a message from Cindie, followed by well wishes from members.

You, the members and staff of the Arizona Society of CPAs, make this organization essential. Your financial and intellectual support creates opportunities for members to maximize their potential. Serving as your President & CEO for the last 20 years allowed me to support you.

Forty years ago, the managing partner of my employer, Coopers & Lybrand, challenged me to become the board chair of the ASCPA. It took time, and when I became board chair in 1994-95, I was no longer with C&L. It’s an understatement to say the members of this organization have been a big part of my life.

Like many of you, I majored in accounting, becoming a CPA because a CPA encouraged me to take this path. While in high school, I worked part-time at the Town of Clarkdale when the Town’s external auditor shared the opportunities an accounting degree provides. His insights opened the door to my career, including working part-time at a small CPA firm during college and a full-time position with one of the Big 8 firms after college. While working with two different manufacturing companies, I achieved my dream of living overseas. I worked in Europe and later in Asia, using my CPA foundation in each position.

One of the most powerful actions we can take as CPAs is talking with students about this profession. I remember speaking with high school students about the variety of work offered by our profession, sharing the differences CPAs make with college students and assisting those who passed the CPA exam to navigate through the system to become a CPA.

Advocating for CPAs is a significant part of the ASCPA’s purpose. Whether collaborating with the Accountancy Board or educating lawmakers, the ASCPA has your back. Our advocacy for CPAs and this profession evolved significantly over the years. As a volunteer, I participated in the selection of the ASCPA’s first lobbyist. As a staff member, I worked with our contract lobbyists supporting

reasonable regulation of CPAs, advocating against taxation of our services, assisting the Accountancy Board with its work protecting the public and passing federal income tax conformity as quickly as possible each year. Now the ASCPA supports a staff member who leads these activities in coordination with our contract lobbyists.

Contributions to our PAC have gone from a few hundred dollars to almost $60,000 annually, because you recognize the importance of our voice in government. With your investment in the profession, we open doors and share our message with lawmakers.

Recalling how members support each other within the ASCPA community brings tears to my eyes. Many of my joys come from connecting members to government officials to resolve issues, supporting members to find jobs and matching members with volunteer positions, within the profession or in the community.

Maximizing members’ growth is among the highlights of my time with the Society. It makes my heart sing when I read posts in our Connect Communities, attend in-person or virtual CPE programs, and hear your comments about an event that provided you access to a variety of interesting and unusual venues.

Two of my favorite holidays include Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day. In

this spirit, thank you for the opportunity to make a difference for our profession. As the New Year begins, I look forward to spending more time hiking in our beautiful state and listening to my inner voice, guiding me to ways I can best support our world.

When I left public accounting, a partner reminded me that I would gain new friends in the next part of my career, while keeping my current friends. When I announced my retirement earlier this year, I knew I was ready to move to the next part of my journey. My intention is to stay connected with you, my colleagues, as my journey continues. — Cindie Hubiak

Comments and Well Wishes From Members and Colleagues:

It would be easy to focus on your positive attitude, endless smiles and our wonderful friendship, but the real key is the impact. You have driven change in Arizona and have been a huge part of the evolution of the CPA profession nationally. Reflecting on how the profession is today compared to when you started as CEO in Arizona shows the incredible partnership we have enjoyed.

For that I say thank you. On behalf of all of the CPAs in our country, I say your legacy is secure, and your outcomes both recognized and appreciated. — Barry C. Melancon, CPA, CGMA, AICPA President & CEO

What started as a professional relationship during my service on the ASCPA Board of Directors grew quickly into a friendship that I will treasure forever. I’ve learned countless lessons, both professionally and personally, from Cindie. I am a better professional because of the opportunity to work alongside her during my work with the Society and the Accountancy Board. I am a better person because she is my friend. Cindie, the CPAs in Arizona owe you a debt of gratitude for all you’ve done to protect and advance this profession in our state. You deserve the absolute best that this next phase in your career has to offer, and I’m so excited to see where you go from here. — Julie S. Klewer, CPA, CGMA, MBA, LUDWIG KLEWER & RUDNER PLLC

I admire her honesty, intelligence and ability to fully focus on lifting up those she served. —Victoria C. Harris, CPA, Hunter Hagen & Company, Ltd.

Cindie is probably the most effective CEO of any trade organization I am aware of. She’s been at it for decades, and to navigate these waters and keep everyone happy along the way is quite remarkable. She takes genuine interest in her constituency. I’m quite happy to consider Cindie my friend. She will be missed, and we’re very fortunate as a profession to have had her leadership. — Dan Nahom, CPA

During my three-year term on the AICPA Governing Council, I met CPA Society CEOs from all over the country and U.S. territories. They all knew Cindie, they all loved her, they all RAVED about her and told me how lucky we are in Arizona that we have her. I agree 100%. Cindie, Arizona’s CPA profession will miss you! Thank you for your dedication to our profession! — Armando G. Roman, CPA/PFS MBA

One of my favorite memories of Cindie was her expression and surprise after the

screening of the movie “The Accountant” by the ASCPA. I don’t think she was expecting the guns! Thank you again for the movie. — Debra L. Zarbock, CPA

Since she first took over as President & CEO, Cindie has shown true professionalism, integrity and honesty. Cindie cares deeply about the membership and the CPA profession. ... Cindie, thank you for your distinguished service and hope you have a wonderful retirement. — Barbara Bond, MBA, CPA

I’ve always enjoyed following Cindie’s travels and have been proud to call her my friend. She has done much for the CPA community in Arizona, and we all can be thankful for her leadership. — Brendan J. Kennedy, CPA/ABV/CFF, CVA, ASA

You have proven to be an extraordinary leader with great vision. You have a true understanding of what it means to apply the concept of servant leadership. The needs of others have always been your first priority. I believe this to be much of the reason you and the Society have achieved so much success. — Mike Allen, CPA l

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