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Meet the Nominees for the 2021-2022 WSCPA Board of Directors
for the 2021-2022 WSCPA Board of Directors!
In accordance with Article VI of the bylaws, all nominees will be declared elected by the secretary at the annual meeting unless other nominations, supported by at least one percent of membership, are received by April 1, 2021. If a contest for one or more positions develops, an election for those positions will be held at the meeting. The 2021 Annual Meeting is scheduled for June 3, 2021.
REMAINING ON THE BOARD
These members currently serve on the Board of Directors and will continue serving on the Board. Chair:
Thomas Sulewski, CPA
Immediate Past Chair:
Jared Theis, CPA
President & CEO:
Kimberly Scott, CAE
Directors:
Aaron Dawson, CPA Sarah Funk, CPA, CGMA Lowel Krueger, CPA, MBA Leslie Sesser, CPA Bonnie Tse, CPA, CIA, CISA, PMP
Vice Chair: Sara Bailey, CPA
Term: 1 year, becomes Chair 2022-2023 | Board Service: since 2019 Sara Bailey, CPA, is a Tax Senior Manager at Moss Adams, LLP. She has practiced public accounting since 2011. Sara serves as a business and tax advisor to food, beverage, and agribusiness companies focusing on tax planning and compliance, transition planning, entity structuring, and longterm strategic solutions. Prior to her career in public accounting, Sara spent four years in the U.S. Army as a Blackhawk mechanic. Sara received her accounting degree from Central Washington University, MBA from Indiana University, and Master of Agriculture Economics from Purdue University.
Any fun new quarantine hobbies you’ve picked up?
It’s not really a new hobby, but I’ve enjoyed spending time at home teaching my kids how to cook. We’ve had a lot of fun spending time in the kitchen together and over the last year they have become very independent in cooking and baking! Too bad that hasn’t translated to being completely independent at cleaning up their messes in the kitchen…
Swim in all five oceans in the world.
Be vocal, always seek out ways to grow your skillset, and ask for opportunities rather than wait for them to be handed to you. Take charge of your own career path. This is an exciting career that can be whatever you want it to be, but we all need the courage to first know ourselves and what we want in a career and then ask for the opportunities to get there.
Secretary: Andrew Brajcich, CPA, JD, LLM
Term: 1 year | Board Service: since 2019 Andrew Brajcich, CPA, JD, LLM, is an Associate Professor of Accounting and the Director of Graduate Accounting at Gonzaga University in Spokane. He has been recognized by students three times as the Masters Outstanding Faculty of the Year and was named by the financial literacy and education website nerdscholar.com as one of the “2015 Top 40 Under 40 - Professors Who Inspire.” Andrew previously worked in the International Tax Services Group at Deloitte Tax LLP. He loves to cross-country ski and play tennis with his wife, Alex, and two boys, ages five and two, even though he’s not very good at either.
Any fun new quarantine hobbies you’ve picked up?
Running. Although I don’t find it fun, I find it necessary.
I’d like to live in a foreign country off the tourist path for a year as a local, learn the language, and (attempt to) assimilate. Maybe some rural village in Argentina or Slovenia.
Treasurer: Joyce Lee, CPA, CFP
Term: 1 year | Board Service: since 2020 Joyce Lee, CPA, CFP®️, is Senior Director, Controller of Vulcan, Inc. Joyce oversees the financial operations and is responsible for developing and executing accounting and financial strategies to support future growth and development. Previously, Joyce was the CFO of Marguerite Casey Foundation, where she was responsible for the Foundation’s operation and financial strategies and oversaw its $750M+ investment portfolio. Joyce started her career in public accounting and was a principal at Clark Nuber P.S. She holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Western Washington University and an Executive Master of Public Administration degree from University of Washington. Joyce and her husband live with their two teens and a rescue pup.
What’s your favorite thing you own and why?
Tootsie Roll - not the candy and not exactly a “thing,” but the fur baby we rescued from Georgia. She might not be the most diligent “coworker” I’ve ever had, but definitely the most entertaining.
1. Stay curious and volunteer for assignments that are outside of your comfort zone. 2. Build and nurture your professional network.
Director: Norm Haugen, CPA, CCIFP
Term: 3 years
Norm Haugen, CPA, CCIFP, is an Assurance Services Principal at Berntson Porter & Company, PLLC in Bellevue. During his career with Berntson Porter & Company, Norm has led the Assurance Services Department, the Construction and Real Estate Practice Group and served on the firm’s Executive Committee. Norm provides accounting and advisory services primarily to closely-held businesses in the construction and real estate industries. He has held various roles in construction associations, charitable organizations and currently is on the Advisory Board for the University of WashingtonBothell School of Business. Norm enjoys traveling, nearly any sporting activity and family time.
I’m a lifelong baseball fan, so spending a week at spring training would be awesome. It might not be crazy for most people, but for someone in public accounting it is a pretty crazy goal. Also, I would like to attend a game at every major league stadium.
Any fun new quarantine hobbies you’ve picked up?
Binge TV exercising.
An accounting career gives you an incredible knowledge base to impact businesses, your community and your life. Look for and take advantage of any and all opportunities to grow your skills and intellectual curiosity.
Director: Courtney Hirata, CPA, MPAcc
Term: 3 years
Courtney Hirata, CPA, MPAcc, is the Senior Director of Sales Operations and Strategy supporting the Global SMB organization at SAP Concur. She has been with SAP Concur since 2014 and in her current role since 2017. Courtney oversees a team of analysts that operationally structures and supports the SAP Concur Distribution organization and provides strategic consultation and insights through data analysis. Her prior work experience includes various roles in the SAP Concur accounting and finance department, and 4+ years in public accounting at Clark Nuber. Courtney is a current board member for Jubilee Reach and an active member of the Finance Committee for Operation Nightwatch. Courtney enjoys staying active and rooting for her University of Washington Huskies with her husband Karstin.
Do you have a hidden talent? What is it?
I’m not sure if this would be considered a “talent,” but I have a knack for identifying celebrities (particularly Seattle sports celebrities) when I’m out and about. I’ve had the opportunity to meet several local and worldwide celebrities because I happen to recognize them easily in everyday places.
Be yourself! It can be easy to identify a “mold” or “type” of person that you think is the blueprint for being successful, but remember that you were hired because you’re you, and your unique talents, perspective and insights are valuable and will set you apart. Take every opportunity you can to learn something new. I found that especially early in my career, being willing to jump into new guidance or a newly growing area allowed me to quickly provide insight and add value in a way that set me apart.
Director: Writu Kakshapati, CPA, CGMA
Term: 3 years
Writu Kakshapati, CPA, CGMA, is an assurance manager at Frost & Co, PLLC. She has been with the firm since February 2014. Her responsibilities include managing audit, review, and compilation projects. Writu has been an active member of the Olympia Area Chapter of the WSCPA for many years, joining the chapter board in 2015, and serving as a past chair. Writu is also a committee member of the CPAPAC, and has volunteered with the WSCPA financial literacy program in the past. Her past board experience includes serving on the board of a non-profit organization based in Seattle combating human trafficking. Her hobbies include outdoor activities, reading and learning new skills.
Any fun new quarantine hobbies you’ve picked up?
Not really a hobby, but during quarantine I learned an ancient yogic meditation technique and have been practicing it daily. With the busy season, and working from home with kids, this has been tremendously helpful.
Improving my writing. I tend to be very informal in my writing and realized that this is one area I would like to see developed further.
Director: Bryce Rassilyer, CPA, CFE
Term: 3 years
Bryce Rassilyer, CPA, CFE,™ is a Principal in CliftonLarsonAllen’s Nonprofit practice. Bryce oversees the nonprofit group in Bellevue, Washington, where he focuses on serving clients, team development and several national initiatives. Bryce is a current WSCPA Not-For-Profit Resource Group member and has served on the Not-for-Profit Conference Planning Committee. He serves on the boards of Children’s Therapy Center, Washington Autism Alliance and Advocacy, the Finance Committee of Kennedy Catholic High School. Bryce was recognized by the Puget Sound Business Journal as a 40 under 40 honoree in 2020. He lives in Renton with his wife (and accountant) Cynthia and their children Theodore, Olivia and Henry.
Do you have a hidden talent? What is it?
I also do woodworking. I picked up this hobby two years ago, not realizing it would be a fun artistic outlet.
What’s your favorite thing you own and why?
My historical items and document collection from World War II. My great uncle was a war hero during the Battle of the Coral Sea and I’ve been collecting items related to the Battle for over 20 years. I want to preserve his sacrifice for our country and remind future generations of where they come from.
Follow your passion – whether it’s the company or organization you work for - or the work they do. Accounting isn’t always the glamourous side of a company, but have fun and surround yourself with a fun and trustworthy team.
Director: Diane Pietrowski, CPA
Term: 1 year | Board Service: since 2019
Diane Pietrowski, CPA, is the Chief Financial Officer at Plymouth Housing Group, a not-for-profit in Seattle providing permanent supportive housing for the homeless. A graduate of the University of Washington, Diane began her career at Loveridge Hunt CPAs, specializing in audits of affordable housing. After 13 years in public accounting, Diane served as Controller at Quantum Management Services, before joining Plymouth in 2007. Diane was a founding board member of the Affordable Housing Management Association of Washington, and currently serves on the finance committee of Path with Art. She was recognized by the Puget Sound Business Journal as a CFO of the Year award winner in 2020.
Any fun new quarantine hobbies you’ve picked up?
Taking our dogs on long walks
Do you have a hidden talent? What is it?
I’m a great trip planner, but my skills are totally going to waste during COVID.
I’m trying to learn how to “manage up” better, when working with my boss. I hope she doesn’t read this.
Meet the Incoming Chair: Thomas Sulewski, CPA
Term: 1 year | Board Service: since 2018 Tom Sulewski, CPA, is the Shareholder in Charge of the Audit Department for Clark Nuber PS. He has been with the firm since graduating from the University of Washington in 1990. Tom is a past board member and chair of the Bellevue Chamber of Commerce and currently serves on a number of advisory boards for local universities. He also serves as an adjunct professor and has co-chaired the fundraising gala for the University of Washington-Bothell. Tom and Patti, his wife of 28 years, have two boys, Jackson and Truman, and two dogs—a Goldendoodle, Lexie, and an Australian Labradoodle, Watson.
Never, ever give up. The profession is dynamic and full of challenges you will have never seen before. Trust your history of good decision-making and solid work that got you here. Those same talents will get you through. Never, ever give up.
Do you collect anything? If so, what?
As a pre-teen I collected original matchbox cars and still have them to this day. Some handed down through family, some acquired through collectors and many still with their boxes. Based on auction website values, they may need to be part of my retirement planning strategy!
Do you have a hidden talent? What is it?
My talents are truly well hidden and I continue to search for them.
