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After a 35+ year tenure as executive director of the North Carolina State Board of CPA Examiners, Robert N. Brooks retired from the Board on December 31, 2021. His commitment to public protection and maintaining the integrity of the CPA profession is evident through his work with organizations including NASBA and the North Carolina Association of CPAs (NCACPA).  

Much of Brooks’ work with NASBA focused on the Uniform CPA Exam and mentoring fellow executive directors. For the past 24 years, he served on the NASBA committee that helped facilitate the change from a 19.5-hour paper-and-pencil Exam administered twice a year to a 16-hour computer-based Exam offered year-round.  

“Bob’s long history and leadership in support of the regulation of the CPA profession, expertise and institutional knowledge of the CPA Examination, and insight into the issues that strengthen public protection have been crucial to NASBA and State Boards of Accountancy,” said NASBA President and CEO Ken Bishop. “Personally, I will always consider Bob to be a good friend. I congratulate him on a great career and wish him a wonderful retirement,” he exclaimed.  

In 2012, Brooks received NASBA’s Lorraine P. Sachs Standard of Excellence Award, the award recognizing State Board of Accountancy executive directors who “have shown exemplary, dedicated and outstanding service and commitment to improving the effectiveness of accounting regulation, both locally and nationally.”  

Barton W. Baldwin, president of the Board, and president-elect of the NCACPA when Brooks became executive director, said he knew from experience that Brooks would be a leader for accounting professionals in North Carolina. “Everybody knows who Bob is, and they pay attention when he speaks about regulations or the best places to eat,” Baldwin explained. “He has led North Carolina through unimaginable transitions over the past 30 plus years, enabling us to proudly claim our place in the top tier of State Boards of Accountancy. I consider myself fortunate to call him my old friend,” stated Baldwin.  

Brooks hasn’t made plans for what he’ll do in retirement but says retirement won’t change his dedication to the profession. “I’ve had a good career with the Board. It was never just a job to me,” Brooks shared. “I’ll miss talking to people, but even though I’ll be retired, I’ll be available to answer questions. Especially if you ask me to recommend a good restaurant,” Brooks said with a grin. 

On behalf of everyone at NASBA, best wishes on your retirement, Bob!