William R. Shipley

William R. Shipley was chosen as the recipient of the 2007 United Methodist Foundation Founders’ Day Award. Bill has served the Foundation in many capacities since first joining the Board of Directors in 1984, including becoming UMF Treasurer in 1987. After a period of time in Cincinnati, Bill returned to Pittsburgh and rejoined the Board in 1992. After faithfully serving on many Board committees, Bill became Chair of the Board from 1999 to 2002, and now serves on the Executive Committee.

During his tenure with the Foundation, Bill has been instrumental in incorporating many important efforts directed to improving our capabilities, including development of our first strategic plan, our system of annual performance reviews, our double-entry accounting system, and our hiring of field staff. This Award pays tribute to Bill’s boundless energy and enthusiasm for the Foundation and its activities.

Bill received his B.S. in Business Management from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and is a Certified Public Accountant in Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, and Indiana. IUP has recognized Bill with its Distinguished Alumni Award, its Outstanding Business Alumni Award, and its Lifetime Achievement Award. His corporate career spanned nearly thirty years with the accounting firm PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP, and currently Bill is Executive Director of the legal firm Thorp Reed & Armstrong, LLP.

Presenting the 2007 Founders’ Day Award to William R. Shipley at the Annual Founders' Day Celebration held on November 2 was United Methodist Foundation Board Chair Franklin H. Kelly.