Joel Haaser, CPA “Let’s do this.” ~Unknown

The average homeless person in the United States is 9 years old, and 39 percent of the nation’s homeless are under age 18, according to Lindsey House in Tulsa, Oklahoma, an organization that offers long-term shelter and support for situationally homeless mothers and their children. Joel Haaser, CPA, a director with BKD CPAs

& Advisors in Tulsa, has served as a board member, finance committee member and volunteer with Lindsey House for two years. In 2015, Haaser was honored as a

Leadership Tulsa Paragon Star Award recipient for his dedication to the organization. “While I certainly appreciate being honored

with such a prestigious award, it means much more to know the recognition has created a platform to shed light on Lindsey House,” Haaser said. “It is another opportunity to create exposure for the organization and drum up more support for the mothers and children attempting to transition out of homelessness.” The Paragon Star Award honors exemplary

volunteers for the outstanding leadership and commitment they provide to Tulsa nonprofit organizations and the Tulsa community. “Involvement with this organization has

given me a unique, informed perspective and a sincere appreciation for those who have caught a tough break and find themselves in dire circumstances,” Haaser said. “I also have been

able to share this terrific mission with others as a standard bearer for their terrific work by hosting coworkers at fundraising functions, as well as just sharing their story in the community when provided the opportunity.” Don Williams, CPA, an audit partner with

BKD CPAs & Advisors in Tulsa, said, “Joel has an admirable set of values and healthy priorities, engendering integrity that is at the core of who he is as a terrific individual, teammate, leader, employee and volunteer.” Haaser, an OSCPA member for four

years, currently serves on the Governmental Accounting & Auditing Committee and has presented sessions at OSCPA conferences. Additionally, he is a Tulsa Area United Way volunteer and a member of the Government Finance Officers Association and its Special Review Committee. Todd Lisle, CPA, CIA, CFE, ABV, a

managing partner with BKD CPAs & Advisors in Oklahoma City, said, “Joel has a vision and a passion for different causes in the office, the profession, the community and beyond, and he is establishing himself as an emerging leader in his many circles of influence.” “I understand the importance of generosity

and collaboration, and I invest what I have in that spirit to make whatever difference I can,” Haaser said. “This award tells me it’s noticed and working, and to keep it up.”

Joel’s Trail mix You’ll never catch me wearing: Leggings as pants

If you could speak any foreign language, what would it be? Japanese (so I could figure out what my wife is saying when she’s mad)

What scares you? Having to teach my kids how to drive someday

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What is the kindest thing anyone has ever done for you? After being hit by a car as a kid, I took off running toward my house. A nursing student ran after me, caught me and began doing first aid, which probably saved my life.