Farewell Q&A as CEO: Melancon talks retirement, passion for profession

It’s no secret anymore: Barry Melancon, CPA, CGMA, is retiring as CEO of AICPA & CIMA. He was first named CEO of the AICPA nearly 30 years ago, and he leaves the now global organization with a legacy of change. His last official day is Dec. 31, and Mark Koziel, CPA, CGMA, is his successor.

In this episode of the JofA podcast, recorded earlier this week at Digital CPA in Denver, Melancon explains why he’s not counting down the days of his tenure, why there likely will be more recreation in his future, and why he expects he will “still wake up every day and think about the profession.”

What you’ll learn from this episode:

·         Why Melancon hasn’t been counting the days until his tenure as CEO ends.

·         His “stellar” assessment of how he will transition into retirement.

·         His relationship over the years with incoming CEO Mark Koziel, CPA, CGMA.

·         The “unsettled” nature of the world and how accountants can help.

·         Why Melancon prioritized the profession and the members before thinking of the organization.

·         The “humbling” messages he has received.