Build the momentum

As 2005-06 chair, Lou Satchell wants MACPA to expand its good work

By Bill Sheridan
Statement editor

Logic dictated that sooner or later, Lou Satchell would get around to chairing the Maryland Association of CPAs' Board of Directors.

He's held virtually every other MACPA volunteer position, after all.

An exaggeration? Perhaps, but only a slight one. Since joining the association 33 years ago, Satchell has served on:

the Professional Ethics Committee,
the Peer Review Committee,
the Nominations Committee,
the Insurance Committee,
the Financial Services Industries Committee,
the Federal Legislation Committee,
the Legislative Strategy Committee,
the Legislative Executive Committee,
the Eastern Shore Chapter, and
as a trustee for the MACPA's Political Action Committee.

He is also a director who has served previously as vice chair and secretary / treasurer of the MACPA's board — but only after completing a four-year stint on Maryland's State Board of Public Accountancy.

"From Day One, Lou has been an active participant in the profession," said MACPA Executive Director Tom Hood. "Very few CPAs have the passion that Lou does for our profession and our organization. He's the right person for this job."

Satchell, 60, began his year-long stint as the MACPA's 69th chair on July 1. His plan for the coming year is simple: Keep the momentum going.

In recent years, the association has developed innovative strategies to increase membership, taken great strides toward increasing enrollments in accounting programs at Maryland schools, and scored key legislative victories in Annapolis and Washington. Satchell wants to see more of the same.

"There are a few more things we have to do to protect our members and the public interest, and Lou has clearly said, 'Those things have to happen,'" Hood said. "We are going to see a lot of neat things (from the MACPA) this year things that will take the work we've done in some key areas a step further."

"Lou has been a strong leader in the profession for many years, and his involvement on our Board of Directors is just part of that," said Patricia Reese, who served as MACPA chair in 2003-04. "The insight he gained while serving on the State Board can only benefit us as he takes the MACPA reins."

Active in Easton

Satchell's sense of commitment extends far beyond his chosen profession. He is a lifelong resident of Easton, a director at Easton-based CBIZ Beatty Satchell, LLC, and is tirelessly active in that community.

He has been a member of the Rotary Club of Easton for more than 30 years, and an officer and director for nearly a decade.
He was named Easton's Rotarian of the Year in 1995 and earned the Rotary Club's Directors' Service Award in 1997 and 2001.
For nearly 20 years, he has been a member of the Board of Directors for Easton's annual Waterfowl Festival.
He is a co-founding trustee of the Pickering Creek Audubon Center in Easton.
He has been a board member of the Talbot Hospice Foundation, a member of the Talbot County YMCA and a member of the Talbot County United Fund, for which he has served in several volunteer positions.
In his spare time, he has held several positions in local youth sports programs.

His true passion, though, is for his profession.

"Lou is so passionate about the profession and is always thinking through each issue carefully," said MACPA Vice Chair Tamara Basso Bensky, who will succeed Satchell as chair in 2006-07. "His experience on the State Board allows him to bring a unique dual perspective as both a practitioner and regulator to board discussions. This perspective is so important when making decisions that will affect so many people in our profession. I've truly enjoyed working with Lou over the last few years and am looking forward to a great year with Lou as chair."

"He'll tell you he's a country boy from Easton, but his passion for this profession knows no bounds," Hood added. "He is most proud of being a CPA, of helping clients and serving the citizens of Maryland. That's what Lou is about."

Contact this Author: < William Sheridan > bill@macpa.org

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