A message from NCACPA CEO Sharon Bryson
It is with an extremely heavy heart that I write to you with sad news regarding NCACPA Chair-Elect Bill Ezzell. Bill suffered a heart attack last week and after spending time in hospice care, he passed away on Saturday, April 28. As you can imagine, this news has been quite shocking to Bill’s family, friends, professional colleagues, and the NCACPA team.
Over the course of his distinguished career, Bill made an indelible mark on the accounting profession. Bill served on the AICPA’s Board of Directors from 1998-2004 and as its Chairman from 2002-2003. In addition, he served as President of the Board of Trustees of the AICPA Foundation and was one of the original six members of the Pathways Commission. In 2009, he was awarded AICPA’s highest service recognition, the Gold Medal for Distinguished Service, and in 2011, the American Accounting Association recognized Bill with the Outstanding Service Award. In 2012, he retired from Deloitte LLP after 37 years as an audit professional. Although “retired,” his service to his profession continued via involvement with NCACPA. Bill proudly served on our Board of Directors for three years; led the NC CPA Foundation’s strategic planning process; and along with Eddie Sams, he jointly spearheaded an effort to research the health of North Carolina’s accounting programs. In 2017, Bill was elected Chair-Elect of our Board of Directors. This is indeed an incredible loss for our community, our association, and the profession in general.
Moira Gill, NCACPA’s Advocacy & Communications Strategist at the time, interviewed Bill for the upcoming issue of Interim Report. As you’ll recall, the June issue serves as an opportunity for members to “Meet the Chair” and learn more about their background and vision for the association. Bill was very happy with Moira’s work recapturing their conversation. We will continue our plans for this issue of the magazine, which members will receive in June. I am confident you will recognize how remarkable he truly was.
Last week, after learning of Bill’s condition, the Executive Committee made the decision to postpone the Annual Business Meeting originally scheduled for May 3 in Raleigh. During this meeting, Bill was to be elected Chair of the Association. Following the bylaws, Rollin Groseclose, CPA, will remain in the position of chair until the business meeting can be conducted. Understandably, the revised logistics have not been finalized, but June 27 has been identified as the rescheduled date. We will conduct an online meeting, at which time the slate of officers and directors will be voted on by the membership. More information will be forthcoming.
Based on the outpouring of support received by the family thus far, I know the CPA community will continue to honor Bill’s memory. The family gratefully declines visitors or flowers, and asks that any note be sent to the Ezzell Family at 5187 37th Rd. N., Arlington VA 22307. Service arrangements are still being finalized.
Please be assured that news regarding Bill will not cease here, but additional time is needed to make appropriate plans to honor our dear friend.
Sharon H. Bryson, M.Ed.
NCACPA CEO