CEO's Message—Fourth Quarter 2019
Change, Challenge, Opportunity
Parnell Black, MBA, CPA, CVA
NACVA's Chief Executive Officer
This title was 2019’s Annual Conference theme intended to capture the essence of our current period in time affecting the evolution of NACVA and the professions we support. I have come to more fully appreciate just how on point this title was at capturing this moment in time for me and our Association. Processing this theme, I break it down as follows:
Change—Represents our sincere belief that one must vigorously pursue other perspectives and viewpoints in order to evolve and grow in one’s profession, and this often leads to change; sometimes in small ways and sometimes in big ways, but always it should be in meaningful ways.
Challenge—To change alone can be a challenge, but to challenge oneself to change is a big leap. I have always been an advocate of challenging myself and our organization to look for ways we can change to improve who we are, and improve the services we provide to members but in a meaningful way. Change for the sake of change is meaningless and sadly, meaningless change is commonplace, in my opinion. Change must have purpose, and it must represent a step forward. But all forward motion is challenging. Thus, change and challenge go hand in hand.
Opportunity—We live in a very dynamic world, one that is radically different from where I and many of you began our careers. I could list a litany of things that have changed the way we think, operate, and function over the last 20+ years, but I think you know what I am talking about, and I do not want to date myself. The point I want to make is there are two ways one can view the dynamic nature of our current existence: you can curl up and dream of simpler times, or you can challenge yourself to change and adapt to the current times and seek out the whole host of opportunities just waiting for those willing to do the work necessary to seize the day and stay one, two, ten steps ahead of the competition.
Opportunity—We live in a very dynamic world, one that is radically different from where I and many of you began our careers. I could list a litany of things that have changed the way we think, operate, and function over the last 20+ years, but I think you know what I am talking about, and I do not want to date myself. The point I want to make is there are two ways one can view the dynamic nature of our current existence: you can curl up and dream of simpler times, or you can challenge yourself to change and adapt to the current times and seek out the whole host of opportunities just waiting for those willing to do the work necessary to seize the day and stay one, two, ten steps ahead of the competition.
Opportunities are abundant for those that seek them out, and NACVA’s Conferences are a great place to explore, listen, learn, engage, and maintain the vital nature of your being, which is what brought you to us in the first place.
2020 Business Valuation and Financial Litigation Super Conference Announced—We have recently announced the agenda for NACVA’s 28th annual Super Conference to be hosted at the Loews Philadelphia Hotel in Philadelphia, PA, June 18–20, 2020. This coming Super Conference will absolutely not disappoint because we keep getting better with age by listening and paying attention to our member’s needs and wishes. I am confident you will find next year’s Super Conference outstanding in all regards. Click here for more information and to register for maximum early registration discounts. I look forward to seeing you.
Thank you,

Parnell Black, MBA, CPA, CVA
Chief Executive Officer, NACVA