~ Distinguished Service Award for Service to the Profession ~
The CPABC Distinguished Service Award for Service to the Profession recognizes the dedication , commitment , and outstanding contribution to the CPA profession of members who were or are active volunteers , usually on committees , chapters , or task forces .
Paul Hargreaves , CPA , CMA Paul is the general manager of the BC Dairy Association and an active volunteer with the Accounting Standards Board ( AcSB ), an independent body with the authority to develop and establish accounting standards for use by all Canadian entities outside of the public sector . Since 2010 , he has volunteered hundreds of hours each year to improve accounting and financial reporting standards in Canada . Paul has participated in numerous consultations and educational presentations as part of the AcSB / Public Sector Accounting Board Joint Not-for-Profit Task Force . In 2014 , Paul was appointed as a member of the AcSB . He continues to serve as a member of the board and also chairs the AcSB ’ s Not-for- Profit Advisory Committee . In 2016 , Paul ’ s background in agriculture and his work with the BC Dairy Association enabled him to make valuable contributions to the 14 roundtables held across Canada for an AcSB discussion paper on agriculture . In addition to contributing to the profession , Paul shares his professional skills and expertise with his community . He has been an active volunteer with organizations that provide community recreation , youth outreach , and childcare programs , including the Parkgate Community Services Society .
Derek Johnson , CPA , CMA Derek is a senior strategy manager with TELUS Communications and a dedicated contributor to the CPA profession . A natural leader and team player , he is always willing to share his time and experience to help the CPA community evolve and grow . From 2011 to 2014 , Derek made a number of important contributions to his legacy CMABC chapter , including establishing the chapter ’ s online presence , arranging sponsorships , and increasing attendance at events . He went on to become the first chair of CPABC ’ s Vancouver Chapter , and he played a key role in uniting three legacy chapters and helping to establish a new chapter format and mandate . In 2015 , Derek also established the Vancouver Chapter ’ s Community Outreach Committee , which connects CPA members with other local not-for-profit organizations .
Derek plays a leadership role in planning chapter events . During the Vancouver Chapter ’ s first 18 months of operation , it hosted 37 professional development and social / community outreach events , for which over 3,000 members registered . Currently , Derek is a director of the Vancouver Chapter ’ s social networking initiatives , and he also serves on CPABC ’ s Membership Committee . In addition to contributing to the profession , Derek has volunteered as a facilitator with JA British Columbia , a not-for-profit organization that educates young people about business , and is treasurer of his strata council .
Geraldine Lai , CPA , CA , CGA Geraldine is the principal of Geraldine J . Lai , Chartered Professional Accountant in Burnaby , having become a sole practitioner in 2014 , after working for mid-size and international accounting firms . She is also a mentor and leader in the profession through her work with CPABC ’ s Burnaby / New Westminster Chapter . Since joining the Burnaby / New Westminster Chapter in 2014 , Geraldine has generously devoted her time to the profession . As Chapter chair since June 2015 , she has contributed to strategic planning and organizational initiatives , helping the Chapter grow through the expansion of its volunteer pool and an increase in member engagement . Geraldine encourages Chapter members to bring forward their talents and ideas , and she facilitates the introduction of new activities and courses that are of interest to them . Since 2015 , Geraldine has helped raise awareness of CPABC ’ s Sole Practitioners ’ Forum in Burnaby by promoting the forum during Chapter events and by encouraging practitioners to participate . In the community , Geraldine has served as a volunteer leader with the OtherHalf Chinese Stem Cell Initiative , a charity that works to increase the number of stem cell donors . She has also used her expertise in financial management , tax , and regulation issues to advise the board of Pacific Grace MB Church , and has played a major role in establishing and improving the church ’ s accounting , budgeting , and human resources practices .
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