Steve Warren, Volunteer Excellence Award
Corey Butler, MNCPA communications manager | October/November 2022 Footnote
Editor's note: Updated September 30, 2022
Not every CPA is ready for primetime. Steve Warren is a shining example of someone who is ready.
Steve, a senior manager at Schechter Dokken Kanter CPAs, has contributed to the MNCPA in many capacities in his nearly three decades as a member, but no greater contribution has been made by him than in the media spokesperson program, which he’s been part of for more than a decade.
It’s these many efforts that have earned him the MNCPA Volunteer Excellence Award, which honors those who have volunteered with the MNCPA for at least five years and provided leadership or significant contributions.
“I am very honored,” Steve humbly said. “The recognition is appreciated.”
Steve represents the CPA industry to the public in a professional manner, helping break down complex issues into digestible chunks for viewers, listeners and readers of Twin Cities media. From KARE 11 to MPR to the Star Tribune, Steve can be found anywhere and everywhere Minnesotans turn to keep informed about tax-related issues. Steve has developed such a great rapport with many local reporters and producers over the years that many of them contact Steve directly for help instead of working through the MNCPA.
Additionally, Steve has also been involved with BestPrep, the Student Mentor Directory, Talk to the Students, the Nominating Committee, the Diplomat Committee, the Editorial Committee and the Taxation Federal & State Committee.
One of Steve’s most memorable volunteering experiences came from a classroom visit while participating in the Talk to the Students program, which educates high school students about accounting careers.
“It was soon after the Bernie Madoff scandal came to light,” Steve said. “The students were especially interested in what I had to say that day. They also had more questions than I’d been asked by any other class. Many of the questions were about the events of the day and the role of forensic accounting.”
Steve suggested MNCPA members find where they can contribute to the profession, regardless of their career experience, owing to the variety of prospects within the MNCPA.
“There are many opportunities in a variety of areas where members can volunteer,” he said. “Some areas might allow you to take advantage of your current talents. Others might allow you to develop or fine tune your skills. For me, volunteering with MNCPA is a mutually rewarding experience that I am glad to do.”
