Gary R. Gerson
MBA, Founder Emeritus
“Organizations in today’s business world face two significant challenges: risk and change.”
THE BACKGROUND
Hard Work Meets Talent
Gary R. Gerson, the founding senior partner of Gerson Preston, achieved success through talent, hard work, and an unwavering commitment to his clients and to his community. His tremendous dedication continues to drive him today.
Mr. Gerson’s beginnings were at the University of Florida in Gainesville where he graduated with high honors earning his Bachelor’s degree in accounting in 1954 and a Master’s degree in business administration a year later. At age 21, he distinguished himself then as the youngest CPA in the country. Receiving a U.S. Navy Commission in 1955, and after serving on a destroyer escort for two years, LT. Gerson was appointed Officer in Charge of the Navy Area Audit Office in Orlando. It was three years later that he began the practice of public accounting in Miami Beach, laying the foundation of what was to become Gerson, Preston, Robinson & Company.
1
Fairleigh Dickinson University
Received a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Fairleigh Dickinson University in New Jersey.
2
Youngest CPA in the United States at age 21.
In 1958, at age 21, he distinguished himself then as the youngest CPA in the country and begins his accounting career in Miami Beach, FL.
3
U.S. Navy Commission
Receiving a U.S. Navy Commission in 1955, and after serving on a destroyer escort for two years, LT. Gerson was appointed Officer in Charge of the Navy Area Audit Office in Orlando.
EXPERIENCE
Tradition and Expertise
Mr. Gerson has more than 60 years experience in public accounting, taxation, healthcare, manufacturing, retail, financial institutions, government and not-for-profit organizations.
Additionally, he holds a special expertise in the field of litigation support for business damages. Mr. Gerson and Mr. James P. Robinson co-authored a manual for the Florida Department of Transportation called, “A Presentation Regarding A CPA’s View of Varying Interpretations of Business Damages under Florida Law.”
Mr. Gerson employs a “hands on” philosophy, overseeing all aspects of business operations within the firm. A significant portion of his public accounting practice concentrates on litigation support engagements, tax planning, international taxation, and other key areas of growth in the 21st century.
In addition, Mr. Gerson is qualified as an expert witness in 13 Florida county courts and the Federal Courts of Central and South Florida. Mr. Gerson is a member of both the American and Florida Institutes of Certified Public Accountants.
SOCIAL CONTRIBUTIONS
Giving Back to The Community
Throughout his long and distinguished career, Mr. Gerson has generously and consistently “given back” to the community by contributing his time and considerable financial resources to many charitable, civic and educational organizations. He is a former President and Chairman of the Board of the Mount Sinai Medical Center and served as Chairman of the Board of Israel Bonds Organization of South Florida for 10 years. Mr. Gerson has been a member of the Executive Committee and Board of Directors of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation, Douglas Gardens Jewish Home for the Aged, Temple Beth Sholom, the Concert Association of Florida and the Dade County Industrial Development Authority.
He is also a life member of the University of Florida Foundation andestablished the University of Florida Academic and Tutoring Department for the University Athlete’s and was inducted in the Universities’ Athletic Hall of Fame.
Mr. Gerson also built the Student University of Florida Accounting Building which is the only free standing University Accounting building in the country.
