Reading Chapter

2007-2008 Chapter Leadership

President – Robert F. Firely Jr.

Robert F. Firely is a partner with Herbein & Co. in Reading with a specialty area of accounting and auditing. He joined PICPA in 1986 and is the past chair of the Reading Chapter Accounting and Auditing Procedures Committee and has served on the chapter executive committee. Robert is member of United Way of Berks County Planning Allocation and Resources (PAR) Cabinet, a volunteer with Boy Scouts of American, and several youth athletic programs. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from Penn State University.  Robert resides in Sinking Spring with his wife Meribeth and three children where enjoys running, reading and travel.

A Message from President Robert F. Firely, Jr.

The gals that have been established for 2007-2008 include the following:

• Industry outreach through the newly formed Business and Industry committee led by Natalie Brown.  The purpose of this is to bring more industry member into active chapter membership and leadership positions.   
• Continue with image enhancement. We believe this is an excellent initiative and in Virgil Kahl, we have a terrific person for this. 
• Work with the Emerging CPAs committee to bring their energy and enthusiasm into other parts of the chapter.
• As part of the schools and colleges committee we will explore the merits of a scholarship program.
• Review and amendment of the Bylaws, as begun under Marty Darocha.

2007-2008 Chapter Officers

President-Elect – Edward J. Peifer
Edward J. Peifer is a partner with Long Barrell & Company Ltd. in Reading. He is chair of the chapter’s Membership Committee, and a past member of the Accounting and Auditing Procedures Committee. He is vice president of the Evangelical Congregational Church Board of Pensions, treasurer of Mt. Penn Rotary Scholarship fund, and secretary of Union Lodge No. 479 Free and Accepted Masons. Edward, who joined PICPA in 1985, holds a bachelor’s degree from Bloomsburg University.

Secretary – Natalie T. Brown
Natalie T. Brown is a staff auditor at FirstEnergy, who specializes in internal auditing. She received a bachelor’s degree from King’s College and a master’s degree in finance from St. Joseph’s University. Natalie has been auditor for the chapter, and served on the Lifestyles and Family Issues Committee and Members in Industry Taskforce. She is also chair of the Members of Business and Industry Committee. Natalie resides in Reading with her husband, Keith, and their two daughters, Julissa and Katarina. She enjoys hiking and swimming. Natalie has been a member of PICPA since 1992.

Treasurer – Diane E. Renninger
Diane E. Renninger  is a partner with Pancerella & Associates LLC in Shillington.  She has been a member of PICPA since 1991.
Diane has served on the Reading Executive committee, chaired the Relations with Schools and Colleges committee and also worked with the Reading Chapter CPA Image Enhancement and Emerging CPA Committees.