Distinguished Alumnus Joseph Peterson to Visit Campus

Joseph Peterson, managing director for the Washington, D.C. office of Urbach Kahn and Werlin (UKW) Advisors, Inc., will return to the State University of New York College at Plattsburgh as part of the Distinguished Visiting Alumni (DVA) Program on Thursday and Friday, April 22 and 23.

He will be making a public presentation, "The State of the Accounting Profession After Enron...Can We Survive?" on Thursday, April 22 at 4:30 p.m. in the Mowry Conference Room, Redcay Hall. The presentation is free and open to the public.

Peterson received his bachelor's of science degree in accounting from Plattsburgh State in 1987. Upon his graduation, he joined UKW as a staff accountant and worked his way into the top management of the firm.  In addition to his Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation, Peterson is also a Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM). He is currently a managing partner at UKW, a position he has held for more than four years. 

Peterson directs the office's business and administration operations. UKW's Washington, D.C. office focuses on government assurance and specializes in complex federal agency audits. Peterson assists clients with issues such as information technology, management and consulting, employee benefits and financial services.

In his current role, Peterson also serves as liaison for the firm's IT risk management services, which help government entities and companies assess technology-related business risks.

He is also actively involved in numerous professional organizations including serving as a member of the Federal Accounting Standards Advisory Board Liaison Task Force. For the Greater Washington Society of Certified Public Accountants, Peterson serves on the Board of Governors and the Managing Partner Council as well as chairing the Government Accounting and Auditing Committee. His additional professional memberships include both the New York State Society and Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

Dr. Mohamed Gaber, chair and professor of accounting, nominated Peterson for the DVA Program and said that Peterson has had much success in his career.

"Fifteen years is a relatively short time to achieve such a high level of professional designation that Mr. Peterson has achieved in such a large accounting and consulting firm that is currently ranked 15th in size in the United States," said Gaber. "Bringing him back to Plattsburgh State as a DVA is an excellent opportunity for our students to interact with, hear, listen to and see a role model of excellence in professional and personal achievement, growth and development."

Peterson will spend his time at Plattsburgh State meeting with students, faculty and staff members.

The Distinguished Visiting Alumni Program brings alumni to campus to discuss their careers with students, faculty members and others. They are invited to share new ideas and become more involved in the academic mission of the College. The program is sponsored by the Plattsburgh Alumni Association. For more information, call the Alumni Affairs Office at 518-564-2090.