<strong>Danica</strong> E. <strong>Olson</strong>, <strong>CPA</strong>, named new WI<strong>CPA</strong> chair playing to win By Cynthia M. Hodnett wicpa.org On Balance May|June 2012 7
On the surface, it may not seem that <strong>CPA</strong> <strong>Danica</strong> E. <strong>Olson</strong>, accounting manager for the Milwaukee Bucks, Inc., has much in common with the team’s towering players. However, they do share a common interest in numbers. While the players focus on their stats, scores and salaries, much of <strong>Olson</strong>’s job involves managing the team’s finances. Now <strong>Olson</strong> has a new focus: as 2012–2013 chair of the WI<strong>CPA</strong>. “I didn’t really think about becoming chair, but I was excited when I was asked,” she said. “I was also kind of scared because I feel like I’m too young to be chair. When I take over as chair, I’ll be 40. I’m only the fifth woman, which is pretty exciting because there aren’t a lot of women in top leadership roles.” <strong>Olson</strong>’s professional experience, drive and personable demeanor will be an asset as chair, said James W. Woloszyk, <strong>CPA</strong>, director of finance for the Milwaukee Bucks. “I think all of those things, plus her being from industry, will bring a different perspective compared to some of the previous (chairs),” Woloszyk said. “She has a lot of energy and can listen to those around her. She’s not afraid to express her own opinion, but she’s not afraid listen to other people’s opinions.” Establishing a winning formula Increasing member involvement is one of <strong>Olson</strong>’s goals as chair. “We talk a lot about the younger generation being the future of the profession, and when we look around at our events, we don’t see a lot of them there,” she said. “We do a good job with getting them to events like the Brewers game, but what other events can we offer them? “A lot of people don’t feel comfortable in going to events by themselves, so why not set up a buddy system and start with our board members?” she said. “If you look at our board, it represents a lot of different industries and firms. Maybe each board member would be encouraged to bring at least one person to a WI<strong>CPA</strong> event.” <strong>Olson</strong> got involved with the organization shortly after joining in 2000. As a new member, she attended a KnowledgeShare Network Breakfast Meeting, which educates accounting professionals and their clients about trends affecting the accounting industry. At the meeting, several WI<strong>CPA</strong> members encouraged her to become active. Since then, <strong>Olson</strong> has served on the board of directors as its liaison of the Young Professionals Committee. She has also served on the Education Foundation, Inc. “She epitomizes what this profession is all about — hardworking, honest, dedicated and interested in improving the profession as well as her own skills,” said <strong>CPA</strong> Carver Smith III, search practice leader at Baker Tilly Search & Staffing, LLC and WI<strong>CPA</strong> board member. “<strong>Danica</strong> is extremely genuine, committed and gets things done,” Smith said. “I’m looking forward to continuing to serve on the board under her leadership.” Championing the <strong>CPA</strong> profession <strong>Olson</strong> also wants to continue promoting financial literacy. She also wants to encourage students to consider accounting careers, which she has done previously as a speaker at networking events at the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater. “I enjoyed doing that because I got to talk with them about my experiences as a <strong>CPA</strong>,” she said. “As <strong>CPA</strong>s, we need to talk to students about the things you can achieve in the profession.” A Milwaukee native, <strong>Olson</strong> developed a strong interest in numbers at early age. She decided to pursue a <strong>CPA</strong> career after taking her first accounting class in high school. “I really enjoyed it and I knew it would open up a lot of career options,” she said. “I 8 On Balance May|June 2012 wicpa.org
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