The Alzheimer’s Association Accounting Industry Leadership Council (hereinafter the “Council”) was established in January of 2020, immediately before the COVID-19 pandemic was about to unfold worldwide. Regardless of these daunting circumstances, the Council moved forward with its mission to bring the accounting profession together as one to end Alzheimer’s and all dementias.
As a philanthropist committed to giving back to my community and to my profession, I co-founded the Council with Rob Lucas, Director of Corporate Initiatives for the Alzheimer’s Association. While serving as the Chairman for the Alzheimer’s Association Manhattan Walk to End Alzheimer’s signature fundraising event at the historic South Street Seaport District, I recommended a strategy for bringing industry sectors together as one to raise significant funds collectively to make a greater impact to support the mission of the Alzheimer’s Association.
The Council has enjoyed tremendous success in its inaugural year, securing Council members from all the Big Four accounting firms and most of the TOP 10 accounting firms. During 2021, the Council more than doubled in size from eight member firms in 2020 to now 20 member firms nationwide and still counting. One of our primary goals in 2022 will be to engage as many of the TOP 100 accounting firms to join the Council to make the most significant impact on ending Alzheimer’s Disease and all dementias.
As part of the responsibilities of being on the Council, members identify participating offices across the country within their respective firms, along with office champions to rally their employee’s office by office to participate in more than 600 Walk to End Alzheimer’s events nationwide that commence in August and continue through November of each year. The much-needed funds raised at these Walk events will support the Alzheimer’s Association mission of accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Together, a world without Alzheimer’s and all other dementia is possible.
“We created the Council to raise awareness of Alzheimer’s disease and to provide firms with information about care and support resources available through the Alzheimer’s Association,” said Donna McCullough, Chief Field and Development Officer for the Alzheimer’s Association. “Accountants often see the early warning signs of cognitive decline in their clients, friends and family. It’s critically important that all Americans who are navigating this difficult journey know they are not alone and that the Alzheimer’s Association is here to help. We are so thankful to these great volunteers for supporting our mission. Their participation — through the creation of company teams — in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s will help us advance Alzheimer’s care, support and research.”
Every year, on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, people take the time to celebrate the kick-off to the holiday season by giving back to their community and supporting philanthropy now fondly known as “Giving Tuesday” which falls this year on November 30th. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation to support the mission of the Alzheimer’s Association at alz.org/cpamagazine and help us find a cure.
A list of our current Council members and the accounting firms supporting the mission of the Alzheimer’s Association can be referenced at https://www.alz.org/media/Documents/ailc-members-2021.pdf
If interested in joining the Council, please contact Peter J. Scalise the Founding Chairman of the Council at
About the Author
Peter J. Scalise serves as the Federal Tax Credits and Incentives Practice Leader for the Americas at Prager Metis CPAs, LLC, a member of the Prager Metis International Group. Mr. Scalise is a highly distinguished Big Four Alumni Tax Practice Leader with approximately thirty years of progressive public accounting firm experience developing, managing, and leading multi-million-dollar tax advisory practices on a regional, national, and global level.
Mr. Scalise is also a prominent philanthropist who champions many charities nationwide in connection to poverty and hunger alleviation; economic development; health and social services; veteran and military service personnel along with preserving arts and cultural programs. Mr. Scalise is currently serving on the National Board of Directors for the Prager Metis Charitable Foundation Inc, a I.R.C. § 501(c)(3) organization and is the Founding Chairman of the Accounting Industry Leadership Council to benefit the Alzheimer’s Association. Mr. Scalise is the former Manhattan Event Chairman and Sponsorship Chairman for the Alzheimer’s Association’s annual signature fundraising event entitled “The WALK to END ALZ” at the historic South Street Seaport District.
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