Illinois CPA Society announces new president

The Illinois CPA Society (ICPAS) has announced the appointment of Todd Shapiro as its new President and Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. Mr. Shapiro will also serve as President and CEO of the Illinois CPA Foundation, CPAs for the Public Interest as well as ex-officio board member of the CPA Endowment Fund of Illinois.

“After a comprehensive search it’s with great pleasure I introduce Todd Shapiro as the new President and CEO of the Illinois CPA Society,” stated Bill Graf, CPA, Board Chairperson, Illinois CPA Society.

“Todd possesses an extensive knowledge of and respect for the accounting profession and the issues surrounding it. For the past 14 years he has demonstrated an ongoing commitment of reaching out to members and played a key strategic role in shaping the vision of the Society. His strong business acumen, coupled with his talent for bringing people and ideas together, will foster a culture of innovation and excellence in serving the evolving needs of our members.”

Shapiro has served as CFO of the Society since 1998, and most recently as Interim CEO since January, 2013. Prior to joining the Illinois CPA Society he was Director of Finance for Unilever, a multi-national consumer package goods company. He has 20 years of financial and managerial experience with Helene Curtis, Quaker Oats, Zenith Electronics and Continental Bank. Shapiro has a bachelor of science degree from the University of Illinois and a master’s in business administration from DePaul University. He has held elected offices dating back to 1997. He is a current board member and past President of the Lyons Township High School Board of Education and a former board member and President of the La Grange Park Library District.

“I am honored to be entrusted with the stewardship of this great organization,” stated Shapiro. “The accounting profession is in an era of dynamic change. My focus is to be out front, talking with members everyday to understand their goals and challenges so we can provide the cutting-edge services they need to excel in today’s complex business environment. CPAs have a critically important role in our society and I am enthusiastic about working with the Board of Directors and the excellent Society staff to position ICPAS as a preeminent provider of education, information and advocacy for our esteemed profession.”

The Illinois CPA Society is the premier professional association representing CPAs in Illinois. Founded in 1903, ICPAS is the fourth largest state society in the nation with more than 23,000 members. The Society employs 60 professional staff members with offices in Chicago and Springfield. During its 110 years of existence, the Society has advanced the highest ethical and financial standards of the profession and remains a leader in educating the public on financial issues.