2016 marks RSM’s 90th anniversary, and in recognition of the milestone, the firm launched 90-90-9 in late 2015. A team of employees and partners in the firm selected the winners from nearly 300 submissions.
“We are honored to be celebrating 90 years of service to our middle market clients across the country and around the world, said Doug Opheim, chief financial officer, chairman of the RSM US Foundation, in a statement. “Stewardship has been a hallmark of our firm since we began operating in 1926, so it’s no surprise that each of our 90-90-9 winners chose to pursue opportunities to give back to others. We are very proud of what our employees plan to do to benefit society as a result of this program.”
Michelle Nolan (project coordinator; Minneapolis, MN) was the first professional to win, using the prize to provide water to orphans in Africa and climb Mt. Kilimanjaro.
“With the support of RSM, I summited the highest free-standing mountain in the world and reached the highest point on the African continent, proving to myself and others that all things truly are possible,” stated Nolan. “As if I wasn’t already elated enough, I was then privileged to celebrate by funding and starting the installation of a water storage system benefiting 600+ children of a local school in Tanzania and residents of the surrounding village. I feel incredibly privileged that my workplace not only supports my professional goals, but also my personal dreams. As a result of being a 90-90-9 winner, I feel strong and courageous, and I’m so humbled and inspired.”
The remaining eight winners and their goals are:
- Jacqueline Pacquette (senior associate; Omaha, NE) – Keep a promise to pay it forward by providing a new smile to someone in need.
- Julie Kaehler (client service representative; Rochester, MN) – Purchase land for a school and community garden in Haiti while also teaching sustainable farming.
- Dee Komaromi (supervisor; Irvine, CA) – Open a school in Africa dedicated to her late father and father-in-law.
- Nyasha Gopo (manager; Charlotte, NC) – Become a certified coach to help immigrants assimilate to life in America.
- David Campbell (supervisor; Boston, MA) – Provide renewable, efficient energy to homes and businesses in sub-Saharan Africa.
- Terri Andrews (director; Charlotte, NC) – Provide mammograms and counseling based on personal experience to women facing breast cancer in Jamaica.
- Nicole Knudtson (project director; Minneapolis, MN) – Publish a children's book to help families connect and understand each other better.
- Jarin Hansen: (senior manager; Cedar Rapids, IA currently on expatriate assignment in Shanghai) Serve as a healing home to a Chinese orphan undergoing a life-changing surgery.
“At RSM, we value our employees and their unique skills, abilities and interests both inside and outside of the workplace,” said managing partner and CEO Joe Adams, per a statement. “When he founded our firm more than 90 years ago, one of Ira B. McGladrey’s core principles was, ‘treat employees well’. We have found that supporting people both personally and professionally while fostering diversity in thoughts and ideas creates better outcomes for our clients and our firm. Supporting these nine deserving employees in pursuing their passions has been a very rewarding way to celebrate our 90th anniversary.”
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