Sharing the American Dream
Traci Baker
Achievement. Dedication. Professionalism. Looking back over the career of Frank Brady, CPA—these are the words that his friends and colleagues use most often to describe him. You might also hear the words: family man, golf enthusiast and Connie’s husband (Brady has been married to his high school sweetheart for more than 38 years). Frank Brady is that perfect mix of career professional and family man—the embodiment of what many would call the “American Dream” and those who have had the opportunity to share—even for a few minutes—in that dream, go away just a little richer because of it.
After graduating from the
Talking with Brady about his career and the profession, you immediately get a sense of the passion he has for it. “Accounting is the language of business,” says Brady. “There is no one who knows more about a business or company than the auditor (besides maybe the CFO), and it really is just fascinating, the business of business. Really understanding what’s behind the numbers, what the numbers mean, is what it’s really all about.”
“It’s rare to find a CPA willing to give so much to the profession,” says Cindie Hubiak, president & CEO of the ASCPA. “The work he did while serving the State Board of Accountancy is inspirational to us all.” Indeed, Frank Brady went above and beyond what anyone would have expected, serving on the State Board almost continuously for more than 20 years. From his more than seven years with the Accounting and Auditing Standards Committee that he chaired in 1986, to his terms as secretary in 1995–1996 and 2002-2003 and treasurer in 1996-1997 and 2003-2004 and his two terms as president, one in 1997-1998 and the other in 2004-2005. Brady was an integral part of the organization during the good times, the changing times and some of the troubled times.
“Frank has been part of the changing landscape of the profession and has had a willingness to serve during times of transition,” said Valerie Elliott, executive director of the State Board of Accountancy. Such times include the long and controversial process of adopting the 150-hour rule and the difficult times brought on by the corporate scandals. “I have a great deal of respect for the profession. All the pain we went through, and the criticism, it really hurt—personally,” said Brady. “This is a truly great profession and it deserves the time and attention we can give it.”
In addition to his work with the State Board, Brady served on the ASCPA board from 1999–2001. He currently serves on the boards of directors of Aztar Corporation, Biltmore Bank and Sundt Corporation. He was chairman of the Catholic Community Foundation from 2002-2004, board member of Boys and Girls Club of Metropolitan Phoenix from 1989-1999 and currently serves as treasurer of the Paradise Valley Country Club.
“During Frank’s last term, at the January 2006 meeting,” said Elliott, “Frank seconded all the motions arising from the enforcement part of the agenda. After, Frank said, ‘Now my grandchildren will have something to remember me by.’ This demonstrates the type of person Frank is, one who thinks of others, whether it is his profession, his community or his family.” Elliott continues, “I will always appreciate the support and encouragement Frank gave me during his tenure on the Board.”
Between all of his work with Ernst & Young and the various boards and other volunteer work, it’s a wonder he had time for anything else, but as anyone who has ever spent more than five minutes with Frank knows, his family is a huge part of who he is. “Throughout the years, I would tell some of the people in the office, ‘you won’t learn how to sell from me, but what you will learn is all about my family. You will come to know them, their names and how important they are to me,’” says Brady. “I couldn’t have done it without my family. Connie’s support through those long months through tax season when there wasn’t a day off, was how I got through. The help and support of your family is invaluable.”
Ask Brady to sum up his life, and he’ll tell you this: “One career, one wife and one stinky golf game.” Add comedian to his resume.
Please join the ASCPA as we recognize Frank Brady as a Life Member at the ASCPA Annual Meeting & Awards Luncheon on May 15 at the Arizona Biltmore. Registration is available at www.ascpa.com.
Traci Baker is director of communications for the ASCPA.
Call-out:
I got to know Frank Brady when he and I served together for several years on the Arizona State Board of Accountancy. I found Frank to be a highly participative and dedicated member of the Board. He had a remarkable knack for quietly and quickly sizing up difficult situations on which the Board was required to make decisions and then coming up with carefully thought out solutions. His fellow Board members and I would often marvel at how easily Frank took these tough issues and presented answers that were so logical and easy to implement. During Frank’s term as Accountancy Board president his logic and calming demeanor made him a very effective leader. When I succeeded Frank as Board president, his counsel to and support of me were invaluable. I cannot think of anyone more deserving to get this special recognition from the Arizona Society of CPAs than Frank.
Henry & Horne
AZ CPA – May 2007
