A Profile of Roxanne Coady
Two things drew Roxanne Coady to a career with BDO in 1979, when she was just 30 years old: the firm's exceptional client service and its commitment to women.
On the verge of becoming a partner in a smaller Connecticut-based firm, Coady was looking for a change and set up interviews with several other firms, including BDO. Ultimately, she chose BDO for its entrepreneurial spirit. Coady also believed BDO truly cared about its clients and their success.
Coady sensed right away that BDO was a place where women could rise to the upper ranks of the firm - and she was right. Following in the footsteps of such tax luminaries as Ben Grund, Bernie Barnett and Dr. Mario Borini, Seidman & Seidman appointed Coady to the role of national tax director in 1986. Coady was the first woman to receive this prestigious appointment - a huge milestone for the firm and for Coady.
During Coady's BDO service, from 1979 until 1989, women accounted for just six out of 214 partners, but she always felt she had a voice in the firm - something that differentiated BDO from many of its peers in the accounting business.
After leaving BDO, Coady pursued her passion for books, launching a new career as founder, president and chief executive officer of R.J. Julia Booksellers in Madison, Conn. She is now a well-known industry speaker, trend expert, National Public Radio contributor and frequent guest on Good Morning America and Today.
