News: FICPA introduces Jim Gurowka, CAE, as Chief Growth Officer

hThe Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants (FICPA) is proud to announce Jim Gurowka, CAE, as its new Chief Growth Officer (CGO), effective Sept. 30.

A veteran association executive, Gurowka comes to the FICPA after a 19-year tenure as Senior Vice President of the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA). In his time at IMA, Gurowka was responsible for developing and executing the organization’s strategic plans and tripling the association's membership and revenue. He will now put his international experience to work at the state level, where he looks forward to working in service of the CPA profession in Florida.

“I could not be more excited to join this wonderful team and to support our more than 18,500 members across the state,” Gurowka said. “After my time at IMA, I knew I wanted to remain in accounting and finance. More than that, I wanted to be part of a society that was devoted to acting in the best interests of its members. I’ve long heard wonderful feedback about the FICPA under President & CEO Shelly Weir, and when I saw this opportunity, I knew: ‘This is where I want to be.’”

As CGO, Gurowka will oversee FICPA’s member service, sales, learning and development, and marketing and communications initiatives. He will work closely with Weir and the FICPA Council to execute the Institute’s strategic plan, with a special emphasis on creating sustainable growth opportunities and enhancing member value.

“Jim Gurowka is the perfect person to help the FICPA take its next step in redefining how professional associations deliver on our mission,” Weir said. “His unique experience growing associations, providing exceptional member service, and building relationships in corporate accounting and finance make him an ideal fit for today’s FICPA. I look forward to partnering with Jim, Chief Financial Officer Kristin High and Chief External Affairs Officer Jason Harrell as we take our organization to new heights.”

A native of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, Gurowka is a graduate of York University and holds a master’s degree in Industrial Relations from the London School of Economics and a Political Science. Prior to his time at the IMA, he served as a Senior Finance Analyst for Volkswagen Group Canada and as Partner at the consulting firm Focused Management Information, where he assisted clients ranging from Hewlett Packard and Toyota Motor Credit to the Ontario Teacher’s Pension Plan and the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. Since departing the IMA last year, he was as worked as a consultant, advising associations and non-profits on developing corporate relationships and creating successful fundraising campaigns. 

“The FICPA boasts the hardest working, most dedicated state society staff in the country,” said Board Chair Ed Duarte, CPA, CGMA, the Chief Financial Officer of Foreign Parts Distributors, Inc. “I have the utmost confidence that, together, Shelly and Jim will further elevate the FICPA’s exceptional service and support of our membership.”