AICPA’s Carl Peterson to retire

Carl Peterson, vice president of small firm interests at the American Institute of CPAs, will retire on June 30.

Peterson joined the AICPA in 2014 focusing on the organization’s relationship with groups focused on issues impacting small firms. He also liaised with state CPA societies and led small firm roundtables, including two major webcast series, “Small Firm Updates” and “Small Firm Issues,” which aided practitioners and state society staff stay ahead of emerging trends, technical updates and regulatory changes.

“Carl’s ability to connect with small firm practitioners, understand their realities, and elevate their perspectives made him an invaluable advisor to me,” Susan Coffey, AICPA’s CEO of public accounting, said in a statement. “He made sure our strategies and policies never lost sight of what matters most to our members operating smaller firms. Carl’s personal investment in building relationships — often through Sunday night phone calls or midweek check-ins — demonstrated his unmatched dedication to the profession.”

Peterson also worked for the International Federation of Accountants Small and Medium Practices Advisory Group as a technical advisor. Prior to joining the AICPA, he served as managing partner of a small firm in Minnesota. He also served as the chairman of the board of directors of the Minnesota Society of CPAs, and as chairman of the political action and legislative affairs committees. In 2013, he was honored by the MNCPA with their Distinguished Service Award.

“Carl has always understood that success in public accounting isn’t one-size-fits-all,” Mark Koziel, CEO of the AICPA, said in a statement. “His empathy, candor and deep experience gave small firms a trusted voice and brought tremendous credibility to our advocacy and resources. He made the AICPA feel personal.”

He has been recognized on Accounting Today’s Top 100 Most Influential People in Accounting each year since his appointment in 2014. 

“Carl’s legacy is one of deep connection, commitment, and service,” Lisa Simpson, vice president of firm services at the AICPA, said in a statement. “He didn’t just serve small firms, he brought their experiences into every conversation within the AICPA and raised the bar for how we support and listen to our members. Carl brought his own experiences serving on technical committees and being involved in state societies to give a holistic perspective to serving firms and their interests throughout the years.”