Senior Manager Spotlight: Get to Know Carrie Lapka
Join us in welcoming Carrie Lapka, CPA, CPPM, back to the firm as a senior manager. Let’s learn about Carrie and her perspective on her career, the best advice she’s ever received, and giving back.
What are your roles in the firm?
As a member of the Tax & Consulting Service Line, I specialize in consulting and practice management for healthcare organizations. I am a Certified Physician Practice Manager, and I have experience in revenue cycle management, human resources, healthcare billing and compliance, and general business processes. I also have a background in business consulting, preparation and analysis of financial statements, and tax planning and preparation.
Tell us about your career path.
I began my career at Yeo & Yeo in 2004 and built a lot of great relationships along the way. In my last few years at the firm, I closely managed a client’s medical practice and obtained the Certified Physician Practice Manager credential. Shortly after that, I went to work directly for that client as the Practice Manager while remaining a client of Yeo & Yeo over the years. I am returning to the firm with more than ten years of experience managing a medical practice and much more healthcare industry knowledge. I am now a senior manager in the Tax & Consulting Service Line, based in the Saginaw office. I look forward to serving as a valuable resource to our team.
What causes or organizations are you passionate about?
I serve as treasurer and board member of my local school district, Caseville Public Schools. I also chair our Finance and Sports Committees and was instrumental in passing a recent school bond proposal to fund some major security updates and improvements to our school’s campus.
What was the best advice you ever received?
“Surround yourself with a trusted circle of advisors.” As a business manager, you should always have a good relationship and close contact with your insurance agent, attorney, CPA, banker, and mentor. I’ve relied on each of these over the years, and routinely pass that advice on to anyone currently in business or thinking about going into business.
What do you enjoy doing outside of the office?
Playing volleyball is a passion of mine. I always enjoyed playing throughout my grade school years and was reintroduced to it a couple of years ago when my daughter showed interest in it. We have a co-ed group that I play with each week. I am also a volleyball coach at Caseville Elementary.
Share a story about a time when you positively impacted someone’s life, personally or professionally.
I restarted the volleyball program for our elementary girls last year, which rekindled my love for the sport. The league had been dormant for a few years following COVID, and the girls really wanted to play. We now offer the program to our third-, fourth-, and fifth-grade girls. It’s definitely a time investment, but I’m always reminded of why I do it when I watch their excitement build as they hit the ball over the net for the first time. I know they’re starting a love for a sport they’ll most likely continue to enjoy throughout their lives.