Growing with purpose

Ellen McSherry, former NJCPA chief operating officer and a colleague of Ralph’s for more than 20 years, summed up Ralph’s devotion to students and the accounting profession as “second to none.” But, she added, “equally impressive, to me, is his commitment to helping people. No matter how busy he was he always put work aside to talk and guide. He helped so many people — students, fellow CPAs, staff, friends, business associates and lawmakers. Ralph left his mark on more people than anyone could imagine.”

Sitting on the boards of numerous colleges, including the Accounting Advisory Boards for Lehigh University, Rutgers University, Seton Hall University, Montclair State University and Rider University, Ralph is the epitome of what alumni should strive to be. He is also Trustee Emeritus of

Lehigh University, a member of its Audit Committee and is on its Diversity Committee.

Second Order of Business: Engaging DEI

Improving diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in the accounting profession has been a significant objective for Ralph ever since arriving at the NJCPA and with his growing commitment to the AICPA where he was appointed to the inaugural AICPA National Commission on Diversity and Inclusion. Throughout the years, this DEI initiative grew stronger. Under Ralph’s leadership, the NJCPA has broken down several barriers