NASBA Center For Public Trust 
Ethics Matters
May/June 2014
Earlier this year, the NASBA Center for the Public Trust (CPT) presented Beth Bialy, a partner with Southfield, MI-based governmental auditing and accounting practice, Plante Moran, PLCC, with the Being a Difference award.
The presentation breakfast took place at the scenic Grosse Pointe War Memorial in Grosse Pointe Farms, MI, was hosted by the Michigan Society of CPAs, and was well-attended by a significant number of leading accountants in the state. The award was presented by CPT Founder, David Costello, and Alfonzo Alexander, CPT President.
Ms. Bialy has worked with Plante Moran for 25 years and specializes in local government auditing and consulting where, according to her coworkers, she has consistently demonstrated the utmost and unwavering integrity. At Plante Moran, amongst other accomplishments, she developed a pilot program to establish career mentorship for female associates in the firm. She’s also served as chair of the Michigan State Board of Accountancy (MSBA) under the appointment of two governors. Under her leadership, the MSBA added whistleblower protection policies and made unlicensed activity a felony.
“Recently, a former director of Evercore was charged with insider trading,” said Alexander. “When I saw that news report, I immediately thought if this person had a Beth Bialy in his life, he may have been stopped.” In her acceptance speech, Ms. Bialy shared about having to personally take a stand against clients who compelled her to dishonest business practices.
“In addition to her accomplishments is the fact that she inspires others to do the right thing,” Alexander said of Bialy’s selection for the award. Ms. Bialy was nominated by one of her colleagues, also a partner in the firm, who praised her for being a leader who is committed to personal growth, incredibly efficient, and balanced in both her challenging career and roles outside of work.
“For a fellow partner to recognize a colleague—where often there can be competition—shows that she is very well-respected,” said Alexander. “Also, to have such a great local turn out really says to us that we made the right choice.”