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Meet the 2007 Distinguished Public Service Award Winner

Raymond C. Keller, CPA

Raymond C. Keller (right) receives the 2007 DPSA plaque from Andy Weidman, 2006-2007 PICPA president.

Several decades after receiving the Purple Heart and Bronze Star for his courageous service in World War II, Raymond C. Keller, CPA, helped create a special memorial for his fellow veterans. These efforts, along with his more than half a century of service to his country and community, have earned him the 2007 PICPA Distinguished Public Service Award.

Keller, a Carlisle, Pa., native and retired partner with Boyer & Ritter CPAs, was appointed to the Pennsylvania Veterans Commission in 1990 by then Pennsylvania Gov. Robert P. Casey with the purpose of pursuing and promoting the development and dedication of a veterans’ memorial. Keller helped to raise millions of dollars to develop the Pennsyl-vania Veterans’ Memorial at Indian-town Gap National Cemetery in Annville, Pa.

Keller fought on the Normandy beaches in the summer of 1944, and in the following winter he was wounded during the Battle of the Bulge. In addition to receiving the Purple Heart and Bronze Star, Keller received the Infantry Combat Badge for his valor. He spent more than a decade on the Veterans Commission, being reappointed by Casey’s successors Thomas J. Ridge and Edward G. Rendell. On Oct. 7, 2001, the commission’s purpose was realized as the memorial was officially dedicated.

Keller graduated from Rider University in Lawrenceville, N.J., in 1948. He has spent a lifetime creating special moments for the many lives he has touched through his decades of community service. He steered his expertise to leadership roles with Kiwanis of Carlisle and Kiwanis International, the Exchange Club of Harrisburg, and the Carlisle YMCA.

In 1983, Keller received the George F. Hixson award for dedication and commitment to Kiwanis and its worldwide service project of eliminating iodine deficiency disorders, which can cause preventable mental retardation in children. He served as treasurer of the local Kiwanis for 15 years, and was honored for 40 years of membership in 2002. Keller still participates with the club today.

Keller spent many years with the Exchange Club of Harrisburg, an organization dedicated to the prevention of child abuse. The club honored him as Mr. Exchangite of the Year in 1993, which is equivalent to a lifetime achievement award for his organization of fundraisers and other club-sponsored activities.

Helping in the negotiations to secure land for youth soccer fields was one of the many tasks Keller performed for the Carlisle YMCA. He has served as a board member and treasurer for the YMCA, and he received the Adult Service Award and Doris Condit Award for his spirit and devoted service in 2005 and 2006, respectively.

Keller’s volunteer service has not been limited to the organizations above. He spent years as a member of Carlisle Lodge #578, BPO Elks, a fraternal group that promotes charity in the community, and the Carlisle Chamber of Commerce. He helped develop a finance committee for Grace United Methodist Church, and was a legislative committee member with the West Shore Chamber of Commerce. In July 2000, Keller was recognized by his home state with a citation from the Pennsylvania House of Representatives for his more than 50 years of professional and public service in Pennsylvania.

The long-time CPA was humbled by his latest honor. Upon officially accepting the Distinguished Public Service Award at the 2007 PICPA Annual Meeting, and after a lengthy and emotional standing ovation, Keller simply said, “This is a big surprise.” In fact, he did not know he was nominated for the award until right before the final round of judging.

Keller is reluctant to say his community service achievements are extraordinary. He says he just likes working with people.

“I became personal with my clients, which is why I served 50 years in the accounting field,” he explained. “You almost naturally get involved in the community when you work in public accounting.”

Keller retired from public accounting in 2000. He was a partner with Ritter, Haayen & Keller before the firm became Boyer & Ritter in 1979.