tr ailblazer
“Success is not final, failure is not fatal; it is the courage to continue that counts.” –Winston Churchill
derek pettifer, CPA
Te Tulsa Young Professionals (TYPros) group refers to Derek Pettifer, CPA, as a boomerang. Te audit senior with Stanfield + O’Dell in Tulsa grew up there but moved to Dallas for a short time before returning home in 2015. “Tere are many people who leave
Tulsa and return and have different perspectives from living in different cities,” Pettifer explained. “TYPros values boomerang people as we have ideas of how to make Tulsa better, such as attracting new businesses. Pettifer’s love for Tulsa started early and expanded to the University of Tulsa. “I grew up a TU sports fan, so I was always interested in the school,” Pettifer said. “I knew it would be a challenge to be accepted, so it motivated me during high school.” Pettifer’s inspiration worked. He graduated with a bachelor’s in accounting as a member of the Lantern Honor Society, the Scroll Honor Society, Omicron Delta Kappa and Beta Alpha Psi. “Not only being accepted into
the University of Tulsa, but also having success there and graduating was another great accomplishment,” Pettifer said. “I knew there were many other students from great pedigrees competing for good grades, so that motivated me and taught me good work habits, which gave me confidence. Passing the CPA was icing on the cake for all the hard work I had done.” In addition to TYPros, Pettifer is also active with Mental Health Association Oklahoma, where he volunteers for the Audit Committee, and he is a board intern for
108 Contemporary, a nonprofit community arts organization that supports Oklahoma’s contemporary fine craft artists by connecting them with audiences and opportunities through education, recognition and exhibit programming. Pettifer’s dedication comes as no surprise to his colleagues. Charlotte Henry, CPA, an audit senior manager with Stanfield + O’Dell said, “His efforts illustrate his personal commitment and enthusiasm in raising awareness for the organization and understanding the importance of giving back to the community.” David Hays, CPA, a shareholder
with Stanfield + O’Dell, added, “Derek is an example of a talented individual who has worked diligently to become successful in the accounting profession while giving back to his community.” Tough his volunteerism is
relatively new, Pettifer’s enthusiasm for his hometown and the organizations that help seem a natural fit. “I have never served on a board or been on a committee for a nonprofit, so it has given me a different perspective and I can focus on helping them however I can,” Pettifer said. “I have met some great people in the community and continue to be amazed at all the great things Tulsans can do.”
Getting to know
Derek
What scares you? Other drivers
Is there a quirky talent you wish you had? I wish I could dunk on a regulation basketball goal.
If you could have any animal as a pet, regardless of any restrictions, what would you have? An orangutan
What snack do you crave late at night? Oreos
What’s the most embarrassing song you have? LFO’s “Summer Girls”
If you could have an endless supply of anything, what would it be? Cooking utensils as I have a puppy now and he likes to chew on them when I’m away.
What is your personal theme song? Tag Team’s “Whoomp! (There It Is)”
March/April 2019
CPAFOCUS 23
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