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“Salem State made me the person I am today,” recalls Adam Lord CPA, CNAP ’08, a recent inductee into the university’s 40 under 40 program, which celebrates remarkable individuals who positively contribute to the communities they serve.

Adam’s energy is infectious as he details his Salem State journey and the path that led him to today.

“I went into Salem State thinking I would be a lawyer. When I was working my way through school at a bank, I learned the president there was a CPA, so I steered myself in the direction of accounting. Long story short, I found my passion.”

Adam lauds the quality education he received at the university and continues to appreciate that his classes and professors made him earn his stripes. “There is a level of responsibility that forces you into a mindset to be prepared. I had professors tell me that I could do anything as long as I set my mind to it, so I did.”

He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a concentration in accounting in 2008 and secured a job at a CPA firm right out of college. His education taught him how to work strategically with mentors, applying the complexities of what public accountants handle in the field. Adam was also able to put himself in front of a client and have a conversation on a range of topics that went well beyond accounting, creating a well-rounded businessman.

“Public accounting is an integral part of the community–from communicating about taxes, working with financial institutions, creditors and other users of financial statements, to assisting in implementing strategic plans. There is such value in our interaction with clients–that is when accounting comes to life.”

Eventually, Adam settled in Manchester, New Hampshire and became actively involved in the area. He joined the Chamber of Commerce Leadership Program, the NH Society of CPAs, the Concord Coalition, and founded the NH Log Cabin Republicans, which is NH’s largest conservative gay rights organization that works toward promoting the state as an inclusive, equitable, diverse, and welcoming place.

“Salem State is actually the first place that encouraged me to get involved. The community it gave me back then still serves me to this day.”

Today, he is a partner at Penchansky & Co., PLLC, where he has worked since 2013. He continues to push the importance of mentoring and credits the firm’s founder, David Penchansky, as someone who has been a personal mentor throughout his career.

When asked what Adam is currently excited about, he smiles and talks about his family and love for horseback riding. “Between my husband, house, boat, horse, and job, I have a lot to be excited about.”

Advice that he has for the senior class? “Get excited. Take the knowledge you’ve acquired and be a mentor to someone who needs support.”

Adam is passionate about staying connected to his alma mater and has come back to Salem State to talk to classes about his journey. “It’s important to continue to provide opportunities for new graduates. We must pay it forward to the next generation.”