Name: David J. Shepherd
Graduation Year: 1991
Major: Social Science Minor: Business Management
Current Position: CPA at Rosenstein, Halper & Maselli, LLP
City and State: Cumberland, Rhode Island
Tell us about your career and what you do now.
I began my career as a Social Studies teacher in the public schools of northern Rhode Island and I served at my home church as a Sunday school teacher. I continued my education and earned a degree in accounting from Rhode Island College and in 1994, I was hired by Ernst & Young, LLP in Providence, RI, as an auditor. I passed the CPA exam in 1995 and became a licensed CPA in Rhode Island in 1996. I was able to work on some of their larger clients, including several SEC clients in the manufacturing industry and also a large hospital.
My work experience includes working with regional CPA firms in Providence, RI as well as being a controller for a medical equipment company that manufactured X-Ray equipment for hospitals and clinics around the country.
I earned an MBA in finance from Bryant University in 2005 and I started working for my current firm, Rosenstein, Halper & Maselli, LLP in 2007 where I have now worked for just over 10 years. My firm is a local firm and our clients are largely family-owned companies and non-profit organizations in Rhode Island. My specialty is auditing but I also work on individual and corporate tax returns.
In 2000, I was elected to the Secretary/Treasurer position at my home church and we were able to complete the sanctuary for the building completion project during that time. I have also served on the Church Board as well as the Pastoral Search Committee. In addition, I have had the opportunity to provide accounting services and advice to Assemblies of God churches in southern New England through the years.
In 2015, I worked as an adjunct professor for Rhode Island College in the business department while I also worked for my firm.
I began getting active politically in Rhode Island in 2006 by volunteering for campaigns. In 2014, I served as a precinct captain for my part of my town and in 2015, I was elected Assistant Treasurer for the Rhode Island Republican Party and I served in that position until March 2017, when I was elected Treasurer for the Rhode Island Republican Party for a two-year term through the elections in 2018. I am also a member of the Cumberland Republican Town Committee.
What is your favorite memory from Evangel?
The social activities and intramural sports as well as serving as an RA and Hall President for Walther Hall are some great memories. For a preacher’s kid from New England, going to a Christian college in the Bible belt was very reinforcing to my faith as well as the Christian professors and supportive atmosphere of the college.
How did Evangel help you identify/develop your calling?
God has used the classes that I took in business, history, government, and biblical studies, to allow me to serve in many ways both in the secular work world, at my church, for churches in southern New England, and now, in politics.
When I graduated from Evangel, I obtained secondary teaching certification in Missouri and then also in Rhode Island. Although I am not in the teaching profession, God has used that training that I gained in teaching Sunday School and, now, in teaching as an adjunct professor. It has also assisted me with training new staff within the various firms I have worked.
How did your experience at Evangel prepare you for life after graduation?
The spiritual aspect of the Evangel experience, as well as the academic background, has helped me since I graduated. The development of the whole person, including the spiritual component, is something that Evangel offers that many other schools do not.
What advice would you give a current student preparing for the workforce?
Strive to be the best you can be and love and serve the Lord with all of your heart. In adversity and trials, remember that God has a plan for you and try to learn from every situation you are in and strive to maintain a good attitude and treat others with respect. Wherever God places you, be a missionary and a light there.
What would you look for if you were in a position to hire new graduates from Evangel?
Someone who is bright, hardworking and loves the Lord. Someone who is a team player, dependable, trustworthy, and honest. Someone who wants to give back, help others, and is eager to learn.
Name: David J. Shepherd