UWF alumnus appointed to State Board of Accountancy

University of West Florida accounting alumnus and Destin business leader Steve Riggs, ’76, a partner and member of the executive committee of Carr-Riggs-Ingram, one of the largest accounting firms in the United States, was recently appointed to the Florida State Board of Accountancy by Gov. Charlie Crist. Riggs will serve a four-year term in the position. The Board of Accountancy establishes standards for top accounting firms in the United States.

“Steve Riggs is one of his profession’s most accomplished and recognized leaders,” said Florida State Senator Don Gaetz. “He has more than 25 years experience in virtually every aspect of accounting, auditing and counseling businesses and individuals on the best financial practices. He will serve our state and Gov. Crist with great distinction.”

Throughout his career, Riggs has specialized in taxation, representation before the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), divorce settlements and litigation, mergers and acquisitions and court appointed corporate/trustee engagements. He owns and has sold numerous businesses, geared around his interest in corporations relating to real estate, real estate property developments, plane charters, banking and radio stations.

Riggs, former president of the Economic Development Council of Okaloosa County, is also the founding member of the Community Development Corporation, an entity that helps low-income families put roofs on their houses. He also owns Destin Air Charters, is developing Heritage Plantation, a 1,000-acre golf course community in Crestview, and is benefactor of Steve Riggs Stadium at Fort Walton Beach High School, his alma mater.

Despite his busy schedule, Riggs has always made time to participate in professional associations and continues to be thoroughly involved with UWF. He is currently on the UWF Foundation Board of Directors, served on the Creating Great Futures Campaign Steering Committee and UWF presidential selection committee and is on the recently formed Athletics Visioning Committee. Riggs was also recently honored with UWF’s highest alumni achievement award.

“My UWF accounting degree is the basis for what I do for a living and provided me with a strong educational background in finance, business law and accounting,” said Riggs. “I feel like I received as good of an education from UWF as I would have received at any other university.”

Riggs is grateful for the concepts and knowledge he acquired throughout his collegiate career and the UWF professors who were always on hand to answer his questions.

“During the 1970s, it was a magical time for the UWF Accounting Department,” said Riggs. “All eight of the ‘Big Eight’ accounting firms interviewed on campus. Accounting students made up the largest percentage of students on campus. I feel I learned from the very best.”

For more information, contact the UWF Office of Development at (850) 474-2758. For more information on UWF’s Accounting Programs, visit uwf.edu/account.

Written by Megan Tyson, University Marketing Communications