CEO Compass - Winter 2023

by Ralph Albert Thomas, CPA (DC), CGMA | NJCPA CEO and Executive Director | January 4, 2023

An NJCPA New Year’s Resolution

Happy New Year from the NJCPA!

This is the time of year that throngs of people — maybe even you — choose a list of resolutions for the next year. While adopting a resolution shows a wonderful sense of positive intent, a more practical alternative could be to simply set new goals for the future. Goals give you a direction to aspire to. And, with the baby steps you may be taking toward your goal, you can still feel like you’re on the right track, which will, in turn, keep you focused.

With that in mind, I invite you to include the NJCPA in one of your goals. In the next few months, find one way to get engaged with us:

Not sure where to begin? Start your engagement journey by filling out your Volunteer Interest Profile. Whether you choose to get involved to gain personal exposure, build your competencies, gain leadership experience or give back, you’ll find a meaningful way to participate in the NJCPA community.

As with any professional association, we’re only as strong as our membership.

Every voice counts, every recommendation moves the profession forward and every CPA benefits from our combined efforts. More than 12,000 accounting and finance professionals have chosen to join. These professionals understand our value as an association. They know they’re contributing to something greater than themselves and yet also receiving something in return.

This is where I need your help and support. When you’re in a gathering of your peers, just ask, “Are you a member of the NJCPA?” If someone isn’t a member yet, see if they would be willing to have a conversation with me or one of our team members. Share positive stories with them. Tell a young professional why you joined. Explain how membership has impacted you.

As always, thank you for your membership and continued support of the NJCPA. I look forward to seeing many of you at an upcoming meeting or event.


Ralph Albert Thomas

Ralph Albert Thomas

Ralph Albert Thomas, CPA (DC), CGMA, is the CEO and executive director of the New Jersey Society of CPAs. He is a former national and chapter president of the National Association of Black Accountants, was chair of the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy’s State Society Relations Committee and is a member of the accounting advisory boards of Lehigh, Rutgers, Seton Hall, Montclair State, Felician and Thomas Edison universities and Middlesex County College.

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