Rea's Founder and Past President Named Two of Ohio's Most Influential CPA

Rea's Founder and Past President Named Two of Ohio's Most Influential CPA

13 August, 2008

NEW PHILADELPHIA, Ohio – The Ohio Society of CPAs (OSCPA) has named the late Richard C. Rea, CPA, and the late Chester D. Stocker, CPA, posthumously to its list of Ohio’s Most Influential CPAs. OSCPA is recognizing society members who helped shape the accounting profession at the state and national level as part of its centennial anniversary celebration. Both were life-long area residents.

“We are honored to see Dick Rea and Chet Stocker recognized by their peers for their dedication to the accounting profession. The foresight and vision of these two men are the foundation of our firm today,” said Tim Michel, CEO, Rea & Associates, Inc. “I can remember both Mr. Rea and Chet spending countless days in service to the OSCPA. Along with others, they helped form the reputable and service-oriented OSCPA, which is one of the best and most active CPA societies.”

Rea was the first CPA in Tuscarawas County and founded Rea & Associates in 1938. The firm is now one of the largest in Ohio and one of the 100 largest in the nation. Rea was acknowledged for his service on many OSCPA committees and task forces as well as his role as vice president of the executive committee. He also led efforts to create practice management resources, including serving as editor of the Practitioner’s Forum in the Journal of Accountancy for nearly 20 years. He was one of the founders of the OSCPA Management of a Practice Committee and formed a group of small practices into one of the first accounting associations. He received the OSCPA Gold Medal for Meritorious Service to the Accounting Profession in its inaugural year.

Stocker succeeded Rea as president of Rea & Associates. He was cited by the society for giving willingly of his time and energy, including service on several AICPA committees, the AICPA Council and vice president of the OSCPA executive committee. He received the OSCPA Gold Medal for Meritorious Service to the Accounting Profession in 1992.