Susan Pierce

Susan Peirce passed the certified public accountant exam and entered the industry at age 33. Despite the relatively late start by most career standards, today she is a principal of Moore Stephens Apple, an Akron-based certified public accounting and business advisory firm, as well as the company's specialist in third-party administration and employee benefit plans, a division she created.

Peirce finished her education — a bachelor's in accounting from Kent State University and a master's degree in taxation from the University of Akron — after supporting her husband's education (a bivocational minister and church pastor) and her two children as a stay-at-home mom who worked part time here and there.

While her "workhorse" lifestyle may not be the ideal role model for everyone, putting in long hours on the job certainly paid off. Peirce admits her husband's flexible schedule and having an employer that values and encourages active involvement in family life, helped.

"I worked very hard, did a lot of self-study and have a lot of energy and drive to make up for those years I missed," says the sole female partner of Moore Stephens Apple. "But if the kids had a sporting or other event to attend, I never felt bad about attending them."

Perhaps it's her "come from behind" attitude that contributes so strongly to the unwavering support she provides young women at work, church and in the community, whether she's giving career advice or just encouraging their success.

"It's just the person I am and because I've had such great opportunities and support from my family." says Peirce. "Both my parents were actively involved in influencing me."

Peirce is treasurer of the Women's Endowment Fund of the Akron Community Foundation and immediate past president of the Women's Network, two of the many community organizations to which she belongs. She spearheaded the Women's Central Project, a jointly sponsored forum that focuses on important issues impacting women's lives. It connects community leaders and nonprofit organizations to better assist women and girls in need of services.

"The forum is really a listening session to assess the needs of the community so we have some idea where our funding should be going," Peirce explains. "We also work with women to help them recognize the importance of their own philanthropy and how they can make a difference in the community."

But it's her own sense of purpose and seeing the accomplishment of other women that gives Peirce her greatest satisfaction. And it's something she strives for every day. "We've been active within our firm in looking at creative ways so our part-time working women can have successful careers and manage work, and balance family."