Vassel Receives Institute Award for Public Service

At the spring council meeting, the AICPA named Tommie A. Vassel, CPA, president of the Vassel Group in New Orleans, the 2001 Public Service Award recipient for serving his community for more than 20 years as a mentor, tutor, counselor and role model for inner-city youth.

A proponent of self-help and volunteerism, Vassel founded organizations such as 100 Black Men of Metro New Orleans, which has the motto “What They See Is What They Will Be”; For the Children Reading Program, a project to combat illiteracy; and Junior Achievement of Greater New Orleans, which mentors children.

Vassel is active in the Greater New Orleans chapter of United Way and the National Association of Black Accountants. He also serves as chairman of the board of the Louisiana Economic Development Corporation.

The annual award honors AICPA members who have made significant contributions to their communities.