SCACPA Executive Director Erin Hardwick and Member Services Director Katherine Swartz Earn Certified Association Executive Credential

COLUMBIA, SC – February 3, 2009 – The South Carolina Association of Certified Public Accountants is proud to announce that two staff members have earned their Certified Association Executive Credential (CAE), Executive Director Erin Hardwick and Member Services Director Katherine Swartz.  The CAE is the highest professional credential in the association industry, and less than five percent of all association professionals nationwide have earned it.

Hardwick has been with the association since 2005 and has been in association management for some 22 years.  Prior to working at SCACPA, she was the founding executive director at the South Carolina Association of Non Profit Organizations. 

Katherine Swartz joined the staff in 2006 after returning to her home town, Columbia, from Atlanta where she worked for several trade associations and non profits.  She is the youngest person to earn their CAE in South Carolina.

The CAE program, developed in 1960, has served to elevate professional standards, enhance individual performance and designate those who demonstrate knowledge essential to the practice of association management. To earn the CAE credential, candidates must first submit an application satisfying professional experience and education requirements.  Once they are accepted, they must then pass a rigorous exam on all aspects of association management.

SCACPA now has a total of three staff members with their CAE.  Associate Director Reva Brennan earned her credential last year.

The South Carolina Association of CPAs, which represents nearly 4,000 CPAs across the state, strives to support all CPAs – whether in public practice, industry, government or education, with lifelong learning opportunities necessary for their success, the promotion of high ethical standards and legislative advocacy for both the public good and for the profession.