MEET THE EXECUTIVE BOARD
What Has Been Positive During the Pandemic? Jay Niederhauser President
"We have been fortunate to be able to keep working through the COVID-19 period. We have been able to expand the services we provide to clients related to the PPP loans and other financial assistance. In the process, we have gained increased appreciation from our clients for what we do. We have benefited both financially and in client relationships."
Ray Langhaim Vice President "My days no longer begin at 5:15 a.m., and I still get my Orangetheory workout in. My wardrobe no longer requires dry cleaning, and I have implemented shorts into my dress code. Our finance group has been more productive in completing our monthly close faster and more accurately."
Troy Runnells Member-at-Large
Katrina Baird Member-at-Large
"At the beginning of the pandemic, it felt like I had a lot more time on my hands, but couldn’t do what I wanted. We decided to do too many remodel projects that more than filled up the free time. This pandemic has been an opportunity to re-prioritize what’s important to me and my family."
"A positive outcome, for me, has been watching the creativity in my company as it figures out how to allow 'on site' positions to work from home. I also love having meetings interrupted by children. It’s always comical. And I’m impressed with everyone’s patience level when this happens — especially when it’s my kids!"
Stacy Weight President-Elect
Monica Gardner Immediate Past President
"I am so excited about 'forced' innovation. The current circumstances have created a climate where innovation is not only necessary, but crucial to survival. This rapid change and growth is exciting to watch and I can’t wait to see what permanent changes will be made to the way we do business."
"I have a greater appreciation for my health and the health of my loved ones. This whole year has also been a good chance to reevaluate our preparedness for things like the earthquake and the pandemic. We have also spent more time outdoors and in our national parks, which has been great."
Paul Skeen AICPA Rep
"One positive outcome is remembering the importance of my personal and professional relationships. Life was stripped down to its most basic components. Very few things that were put aside were missed. Big gatherings with friends and family and day-to-day in-person interactions with co-workers and clients were definitely missed."
Susan Speirs CEO "The pandemic has given rise, at a much quicker pace, the ability to meet digitally, which has made for longer days. I’m learning how important it is to have some stress relievers. Who would guess that I would take up raising chickens? I love giving away the eggs and spending some much-needed time outdoors working in the yard while they free-
Not pictured: Nate Staheli (Member-at-Large), Aubrey Bickmore Neeley (Treasurer) and Katie Chandler (Emerging Professionals) 34
the journal entry | October 2020
