OKLAHOMA CITY – An Oklahoma City certified public accountant received the society’s highest community service recognition during the Oklahoma Society of CPAs annual awards ceremony on June 12. The ceremony was held in conjunction with the Annual Members Meeting at the Renaissance Hotel and Convention Center in Tulsa, Okla.

Nick Gales, CPA, Managing Partner of Gales & Associates in Oklahoma City, was chosen based on contributions he has made to his community and for his volunteer service to Oklahoma City.

Gales served for 14 years as Ward 8 representative on the Oklahoma City Planning Commission, which steers the development of the city by implementing the City’s Comprehensive Plan. It makes decisions on everything from the appearance and economic development of the city, to the efficiency of public and private enterprise in the city. Since he began this volunteer endeavor, he has served an average of 25 hours per month, which is equal to two years of full-time volunteer service.

He has also served on the Oklahoma City Board of Adjustment, the Oklahoma City Plan Update Committee and the city’s Tax Increment Financing Project Review Committee, all mayor-appointed positions.

In 1981, Gales participated in the first Reserve Deputy Academy of the Oklahoma City Sheriff’s Department. He has remained an active volunteer since then, sacrificing his time for the safety of the citizens of Oklahoma County. As a Reserve Deputy, not only is he required to provide his own equipment, but he is also required to complete at least 16 hours of service a month along with 40 hours of annual re-training. Throughout his 28 years of service, he has volunteered with almost every division of the Sheriff’s Office.

Oklahoma City Planning Director, Russell Claus said, “Not a lot of people have the opportunity to impact their entire community. Few do it in an entirely volunteer capacity. Mr. Gales’ long volunteer involvement with the City and his wisdom in the execution of his duties has benefitted everyone living and working in Oklahoma City and visitors to our city.”

Of his community work, Gales said, “It has always been my belief that if you are to be a part of something, it is your responsibility to participate and contribute to that endeavor. I have attempted to do that through my volunteer service with Oklahoma City and Oklahoma County.”

The Public Service Award winner is selected by the OSCPA’s Nominations Committee and is given to a CPA who exemplifies leadership, community involvement and impact. Members receiving the OSCPA Public Service Award volunteer their own time and personal talents to public service activities at the local, state or national level. Gales was selected from a pool of three finalists.

With more than 6,600 members in public practice, industry, government and education, the OSCPA is Oklahoma’s only statewide professional association of CPAs. Since 1918, the organization has continued to provide professional education, conduct quality reviews and promote and maintain high standards of integrity and competence within the accounting profession. Visit http://www.oscpa.com/ for information about joining the OSCPA, http://www.knowwhatcounts.org/ for a free CPA referral and 30-minute consultation.

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