Mike Crabtree, Volunteer Excellence Award
Corey Butler, MNCPA communications manager | October/November 2023 Footnote
Who's keeping score?
Certainly not Mike Crabtree, CPA, JD, a partner at Boulay.
His humility and giving nature are key characteristics that made him an easy selection as a 2022-23 recipient of 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 realize I participate in a lot of MNCPA activities, but it didn't strike me as above and beyond normal participation," Mike said. "I've always considered volunteering as a part of my professional life — being a part of an organization of my peers. My firm has always had a strong connection to the MNCPA, so it feels natural."
Mike has been a consistent, quality member of the MNCPA Media Spokesperson program for the past 10 years, conducting numerous interviews for TV, print and radio. He does an especially good job breaking down complex material into digestible information for the public.
While every interaction with the press can leave an indelible mark on a spokesperson, one still stands above the rest for Mike.
"A few years ago, I was on a local morning TV show at 8 a.m. on Easter morning, addressing changes to Minnesota tax law," Mike shared. "I was amazed at how many clients and friends said they saw me!"
Elsewhere, Mike has served on the MNCPA Tax Conference Task Force, the Tax Committee, the Instructor Development Program, and the Taxation CPE Advisory Group. He also recently joined the MNCPA Editorial Committee.
"The MNCPA creates a supportive professional community," Mike said. "Being on committees with my peers from other firms has given me a chance to meet other CPAs who I wouldn't have otherwise met. It's helpful to learn how other firms are dealing with the issues in our profession."
And, like many members over the years who have been honored for their involvement with the MNCPA, Mike said without hesitation that every MNCPA member should get involved because the benefits are countless.
"Everything I've participated in with the MNCPA has made me a better professional. Meeting people from other firms has given me insight and confidence in my own career, and being a part of a great professional organization like the MNCPA makes me feel good about my career choices," Mike said. "It's always good to be heard, and volunteering with the MNCPA gives you a chance to add your viewpoint to the direction of the profession in Minnesota."
