William Bostick, CPA; Martha Berghahn, CPA; and Alan Feldstein, CPA Recognized for Their Contributions to NCCPAP and the CPA Profession
The National Conference of CPA Practitioners (NCCPAP) Westchester Rockland Chapter is pleased to announce its 40th Anniversary Silver and Bronze Award Winners. William G. Bostick, CPA of Mount Kisco, New York, is being recognized as the Silver Winner, awarded to the Chapter member who has demonstrated a longstanding commitment to NCCPAP and the CPA community. Martha Berghahn, CPA of Sparta, New Jersey is being recognized as the Bronze Winner, awarded to the Chapter member considered to be a rising influencer. Past President Alan Feldstein, CPA is also being recognized for his long-standing service to the Chapter and National NCCPAP.
Bill Bostick was motivated to join NCCPAP in the late 1980’s because of the organization’s focus on smaller CPA firms, and the opportunity to expand his skills and knowledge through good discussions and comradery with other independent CPAs. According to Bill, “To this day, I use much of what I learned at our ‘nuts and bolts’ problem-solving seminars, where we brought actual issues to the table and solved them as a group.” Bill served as Treasurer for several terms, was Program Chair, and also President of the Chapter; he has also been active at the national level over the years. Bill advises younger CPAs to “take a break from the computer and use an organization like NCCPAP to develop business contacts and share experiences with others in the same profession. There’s no substitute for getting to know your peers and becoming involved in something larger than your own practice to expand your knowledge and career satisfaction.”
Martha Berghahn learned about NCCPAP when she transitioned from a global career, public accounting, and long hours to a private CPA firm and a more balanced life. This ‘balance’ includes a growing tax and accounting practice, family time, and quite a few community volunteer activities, including the Junior Women’s Club of Sparta, an organization that raises money to support various charities in the local community. Working from home, Martha can more easily manage her busy life. What she enjoys most about her practice is giving advice that improves people’s lives and has a direct impact on her community. She explains, “People really appreciate that I can explain the tax law changes, and don’t just apply the math. I can help them readjust withholdings and make better financial decisions with information at a level they understand.” Martha continues,” I’m so honored to be recognized for this award. Younger CPAs can really make an impact with a private practice; it’s a great profession where you can contribute to building a better world.”
The Westchester Rockland Chapter is also recognizing early members as part of NCCPAP’s 40th anniversary celebration. National Past President (2001-2003), Alan Feldstein’s first exposure to NCCPAP was in 1988 when he joined a small CPA firm in Rockland County where his partners were members of NCCPAP. At the time, NCCPAP was an organization where CPAs received their continuing education credits, but nothing more. “Coming from a large firm to a smaller environment had a welcoming family feel, so I was happy to be a part of any professional organization with a personal touch. The people were friendly, and there was an atmosphere of comradery,” according to Alan. He became partner when he was just 29 years old and credits NCCPAP with grooming him for the position. Alan served as President of the Westchester/Rockland Chapter from 1995-1997 and also participated on some national committees. Alan’s enthusiastically sums up his NCCPAP experience, “In 1991, I went to my first national meeting in Washington, D.C. and loved it. I was with like-minded people…the best of the best.” His advice for younger professionals, “Work in a smaller firm where you can be exposed to different things and have direct client interactions, in addition to becoming an active member of a professional organization, like NCCPAP. It’s difficult to find that connection elsewhere. I have made wonderful lifelong friends that I’ve met through this organization and couldn’t be prouder of our collective accomplishments.” Learn more about Alan and how he became involved with NCCPAP, here.
About the Westchester Rockland Chapter
The Westchester Rockland Chapter of NCCPAP started in 1991, has grown to over 150 members, and is geared toward the smaller practitioner. The Chapter educates its members through regularly scheduled meetings and events. “That’s where the magic happens,” according to Mark A. Stewart, Jr., CPA, President, “We have in depth discussions where we learn from each other, in addition to our larger tax meetings which experienced a record turnout last year.” The Chapter also partners with NCCPAP’s Nassau Suffolk Chapter to regularly meet with the heads of the New York State Tax Department in Albany, New York. Mark also serves as Executive Vice President of NCCPAP National.
About NCCPAP’s 40th Anniversary
For NCCPAP’s 40th Anniversary, in addition to the Chapter recognition awards, a single Gold Award designee will be recognized for a lifetime of outstanding service to the organization and CPA community. All honorees will be recognized at a special event on October 23, 2019 at The Fox Hollow in Woodbury, NY. The event will be open to all NCCPAP members and their families, as well as prospective members and the press community.