Corporate Chairman Honored
The AICPAs business and industry executive committee presented its 1998 Outstanding CPA in Business and Industry Award to Robert R. Woodson, a 32-year veteran of John H. Harland, an Atlanta-based supplier of products and services to the financial industry. After a stint at Deloitte, Haskins & Sells (now Deloitte & Touche), he joined Harland and held a variety of positions before retiring as chairman in 1997. When Woodson became president, the company posted annual revenues of $300 milliona figure that more than doubled under his leadership.
Woodson did not devote all his time to the company, however. He also served as a director of the Atlanta Area Councils Executive Committee of Boy Scouts of America and as a trustee of several foundations. Woodson sat on corporate boards and participated in a number of professional and trade associations.
In a nomination letter, Ronald B. Bobo, president-elect of the Georgia Society of CPAs, said that Woodson has always demonstrated a sense of caring and a genuine interest in other people. He has the unique ability to inspire others to develop their potential. This interest in others is exemplified in Woodsons final letter to Harland shareholders: Presidents may set strategy, but it is the employees who achieve results.