Chief Operating Officer/ Chief Learning Officer

Rebecca Campbell Announces Resignation

BY KELLI DAVIS

When longtime COCPA member and CPE author/instructor Mark Soukup thinks of Chief Operating Officer/Chief Learning Officer Rebecca Campbell, CAE, he recalls her quick thinking in sticky situations, take-charge demeanor under pressure, and a deep commitment to the COCPA over the course of her 34 years with the organization. “Yet in my mind, what I will always remember is her incredible thoughtfulness, kindness, and strong faith,” Soukup says.

At the January 2023 Board of Directors meeting, Campbell announced her resignation. She will remain with the Society full time through April 21 and continue on a part-time basis through June 2. Thereafter, she’ll elevate her bookkeeping business to full-time status and looks forward to spending more time with her family, including her first grandchild, one-year-old Ellie.

Campbell is feeling bittersweet as she heads into her final months with the Society. “Every major life event that I’ve experienced has happened during my tenure with the COCPA. I graduated from college, got married, became a mom, and became a grandmother during my time here. The COCPA was with me every step of the way, going above and beyond to support me,” she says.

She is particularly grateful for the support, in both joyful and challenging times, of the Society’s now-retired CEO, Mary E. Medley. “She encouraged me, gave me advice, and let me verbalize my unguarded thoughts,” Campbell says. She adds that Medley hosted Campbell’s 1990 wedding to husband Tom in her backyard.

“I have been beyond fortunate to call Rebecca my colleague and friend for more than 30 years,” Medley says. “She is the ‘wing gal’ for whom every CEO wishes. Tenacious, committed, passionate, and steadfast, Rebecca pushed the Society forward in countless ways, applying her can-do spirit, no matter the challenge.

She has left her mark on the COCPA, her state society cohorts, and at the national level where she has inspired, educated, and mentored countless association professionals. I miss working with her every day, and I know she’ll be missed by all she touched during her career with the COCPA. I wish her all the best in her new endeavor.”

Making A Difference For Members And The Profession

Campbell has held several positions since arriving in 1989 as the registrar. Since then, she has served as assistant to the CPE director, out-of-state and onsite CPE coordinator, CPE operations manager, and CPE director before assuming the COO/CLO position.

“I came to the COCPA as a temporary worker and stayed for 34 years,” she laughs. “I am so grateful for the opportunity to work for an amazing organization and to build a career that will propel me into my next professional journey.”

Soukup, who currently chairs the CPE Board, notes that Campbell has led the CPE program through challenging times that required difficult, forward-thinking decisions. “Rebecca expertly navigated the complex and confusing CPE business landscape, answered hundreds of members’ CPE questions, and created a favorable public image of the Society … while also doing things like waking up at 3:00 am and driving in dangerous snowstorms to set up a seminar or conference,” he says.

“Rebecca exemplifies the definition of a ‘servantleader,’” Soukup adds. “She did it all, with insight, leadership, and compassion. We will all miss seeing her at the Society.”

In a regulatory capacity, Campbell’s current role includes maintaining liaison with the Colorado State

Board of Accountancy, keeping abreast of and weighing in on proposed changes. She is a past member of the State Board of Accountancy CPE Requirements Subcommittee and is proud of her contributions on behalf of Colorado CPAs and their important work.

On The National Stage

Nationally, Campbell has participated in several capacities to support the work of the AICPA, including serving on its Interchange Planning Committee, Engage Advisory Group, State Society Collaborative Task Force, and State Advisory Panel.

COCPA Chair Angela Roberts, CPA, notes that Campbell’s drive and dedication to the profession have elevated the COCPA to be among the most respected state CPA societies. “Rebecca built amazing relationships throughout the state, the nation, and the AICPA, and she will be missed by everyone,” Roberts says in thanking Campbell for her contributions.

A Certified Association Executive (CAE), Campbell also plays an active role in the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE), having served on its Associations Work Conference Planning Committee, as an annual meeting session peer reviewer, and, most recently, chairing its Professional Development Section Council.

Affecting Strategic Change

COCPA CEO Alicia Gelinas, CPA, points to Campbell’s unique ability to turn ideas into action, a talent that she’s deployed count less times to meet the needs of members.

“Rebecca has been devoted to continuous learning and development, and modeled this for our COCPA team and members as she led the way through new initiatives. We are so thankful for her contributions and leadership during her years at COCPA.”

Board member Jim Gilbert, CPA, who chairs the Technology Users Group (TUG), credits Campbell for helping to launch TUG in 2016. “Rebecca recognized that the CPA profession was changing with the rapid adoption of technology and changes in approach and practice,” he says.

Campbell helped the newly formed group to develop a charter, leverage organizational resources, recruit members, align with COCPA strategy, “and, most notably, serve the needs of CPAs who love technology,” Gilbert adds.

Looking Ahead

CPE instructor Robbie Glantz says of Campbell, “I think of leadership in terms of the high Cs: competence and character. Rebecca’s competence is undeniable. With regard to character, I believe Rebecca to and that she’ll bless others with her gifts along the way. In addition to relishing the prospect of spending more time with her family, Campbell looks forward to resuming her volunteer work as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), a role in which she helps guide a child or set of siblings through the court system to a safe and permanent home.

Campbell looks forward to spending more time with her family, including husband, Tom, and granddaughter, Ellie.

Campbell says that she’s grateful for the support, encouragement, and friendships that her 34 years with the COCPA have yielded, and she’s excited about what lies ahead. We thank her for sharing her talents and contributions, and wish she and her husband, Tom, the very best.

Connect with Campbell on LinkedIn by searching for “Rebecca Campbell, CAE."