The Ohio Society of CPAs honors Ohio’s Most Influential CPAs

For More Information: Amy Johnson, Senior Manager, Public Relations E-mail: ajohnson@ohio-cpa.com 614.764.2727, ext. 341

(COLUMBUS, OH – October 6, 2008) – Several CPAs have been named among Ohio’s Most Influential CPAs, an award which recognizes CPAs who have had a significant, positive influence on the growth and development of the CPA profession and The Ohio Society of CPAs.

To commemorate The Ohio Society’s 100th anniversary, members across Ohio nominated their peers for the award earlier this year. A member-led selection committee chose the finalists which include:

Lowell A. Baker, CPA, Meaden & Moore, Cleveland

A retired managing partner with Meaden & Moore, Lowell “Newt” Baker was instrumental in The Ohio Society’s efforts to help members compete in the consulting arena. A member since 1954, he was president of The Society in 1976-1977, in addition to serving on many committees, the Executive Committee and the Board of Directors. In 1985, Baker was awarded the Society’s highest honor, the Gold Medal for Meritorious Service to the Accounting Profession. 

Baker has been active nationally with the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). He is a past commander of the American Legion, past chair of the American Liver Foundation and past president of the Shaker Heights Country Club.

Charles H. Bauer, CPA, GBR Group, Hamilton

Bauer, a member since 1965, has been a strong advocate for the profession and a mentor to many CPAs. His support to the profession includes service on The Ohio Society’s Board of Directors, the Executive Committee and as chapter president. In 1999, he was awarded The Ohio Society’s Gold Medal for Meritorious Service to the Accounting Profession. Bauer is a long-time member of the Board of Directors for the Ronald McDonald House of Cincinnati.

Ronald B. Cohen, CPA, Cohen & Company, Cleveland

Cohen, a member since 1957, has focused on the needs of entrepreneurs during his career. One of his most significant contributions was advocating the cause of the small business owner, particularly in the areas of taxation and access to finance. Cohen has testified on tax and small business legislation before U.S. House and Senate committees and acted as a small business advisor to several legislators. He served as Chair of the National Division of the Council of Smaller Enterprises (COSE) and as a delegate to all three White House Conferences on Small Business in 1980, 1986 and 1995.

Cohen’s foresight, enthusiastic approach to education and willingness to empower created many opportunities for the employees at the firm he founded, Cohen & Company. Under his leadership, giving back to the community became one of the criteria for advancement at the firm.

Thomas J. DeLuca, CPA, Deloitte & Touche / Thomas J. Deluca, CPA, Dayton

A retired partner from Deloitte & Touche and Ohio Society member since 1972, DeLuca has been a strong supporter and advocate for The Ohio Society and the CPA profession. With 38 years of tax experience in general, corporate and individual tax consulting, DeLuca was an early leader on The Ohio Society’s Tax Committee. A specialist in corporate tax planning, DeLuca has testified on behalf of the profession and the Society on a variety of issues that resulted in revisions to Ohio tax law.

DeLuca has served in several leadership roles at The Ohio Society including the Board of Directors, the Executive Committee, chapter leadership and numerous committees. DeLuca is also a member of the Dayton Art Institute, the AICPA and the American Bar Association.

Harry C. Enslein, CPA, Mead Corporation, Dayton

Enslein, a member since 1977, has served in many capacities for The Ohio Society including on the Executive Board, on the Board of Directors, in chapter leadership and on many Society committees.

Enslein has served on the Board of Directors and as chair for the Dayton Better Business Bureau.  He has served on several finance committees for non-profit groups and is a member of the Dayton Chapter Board for Xavier University Alumni and a member of the Advisory Board for WORDS (Western Ohio Reading Service), a reading service for the blind.

Ray J. Groves, CPA, Ernst & Whinny, New York, NY

Ray Groves was with Ernst & Young for 37 years serving as chair and CEO for the last 17 years until his retirement in 1994. Groves has served on the boards of directors for more than 10 SEC registered companies and a number of private companies.

He is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations, and a former chair of the Board of Directors of the AICPA. He is a former member of the Board of Governors of the American Stock Exchange and the National Association of Securities Dealers, a member and former chair of the Board of Directors of The Ohio State University Foundation and a member of the Dean’s Advisory Council of The Fisher College of Business at The Ohio State University. He is a former member of the Board of Overseers of the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania. He is also an advisory director of the Metropolitan Opera Association.

The Ohio Society of CPAs, established in 1908, represents more than 24,000 CPAs in business, education, government and public accounting.  The Ohio Society’s members not only meet statutory and regulatory requirements as CPAs, but also embrace the highest standards of professional and ethical performance.  This is achieved through ongoing professional education, comprehensive quality review and compliance with a strict Code of Professional Conduct.

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