Society Buzz
August 20, 2020
RI Society of CPAs/RI Business Forum President, Melissa Travis, is being recognized as one of PBN’s 25 Leaders & Achievers in 2020.
One of PBN’s newest award programs, 25 leaders and achievers are recognized for their notable success and strong leadership. Honorees were chosen based on their long-standing commitment to the business community as well as a sustained demonstration of leading others, community service, and mentoring.
“COVID-19 has created numerous challenges for our members. The uncertainty and angst that came with this pandemic has been incredible. Melissa quickly jumped into action, communicating with our members to understand where help was needed. She was instrumental in working with our political leaders, SBA and the Division of Taxation to organize calls that would help clarify rapid changes that were occurring and also gain the economic relief that entrepreneurs needed in order to keep their businesses alive. She worked tirelessly day in and day out to find answers for our members, assisting individuals when they had issues gaining access to various support programs like PPP. She worked with our internal team to create a daily newsletter that had links and formation to keep not only our members but also “friends” of our Society with access to critical information; the positive feedback we have received on this has been astounding. Her personal sacrifice has been nothing short of amazing during this time.
Melissa has also served as a mentor for a RJRI Accounting and Financial grant that provides critical training to college students majoring in accounting in their junior or senior year of college. In addition, she also serves as a mentor to students at URI alongside adjunct professor Karl Wadensten, who is also President of VIBCO.” ~ Marianne Caserta, CPA, CGMA, MBA, RISCPA Board Chair