Larry Kamanitz, right, at CPA Day.

The lesson here is this: Volunteer and get involved in your profession — it is the best investment you can make.

I had the pleasure of spending the day with politically savvy CPA Larry Kamanitz, who is celebrating 50 years in the profession this year. Still very active, this retired Grant Thorton partner gave us an entre’ to meet with new Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot. In addition to helping us make sure our profession has a voice in our government, the day gave me time to get some insight from one of Maryland’s most prominent CPAs. (Larry is founder of the CPA firm Kamanitz, Uhlfelder & Permisson, past chair of the MACPA and former chair of the Maryland State Board of Public Accountancy.)

What is the secret to his success? Involvement with the Maryland Association of CPAs.

He says being involved in the MACPA gave him a much broader perspective on the CPA profession throughout his career. That bigger picture — combined with the excellent contacts and network and the ability to gain leadership exprience on committees and boards — ultimately made him who he is today.

He remains active in the MACPA, working with charities and staying very politically involved.

Wow! How fortunate are we as a profession to have CPAs that dedicated to volunteerism? Thank you, Larry, and all of those who volunteer on behalf of all of us.