J. Keith Christensen, CPA, MBA, PFS
1972 Graduated from Idaho State University, Began working for Arthur Anderson & Co.
1974 Passed CPA Exam
1979 Moved to Richland, Washington, set up CPA firm
1985 Merged two sole proprietorships, to form Christensen King & Associates
1994 Commenced working on MBA at WSU Tri-Cities
1997 Completed MBA at WSU Tri-Cities
Member and chair of the Washington State CPA Financial Statement Review Committee for 15 years
Member of the American Institute of CPAs Tax Forms Committee for 6 years
Founding member of Tri City Community Foundation
Practicing at 1334 Jadwin Ave., Richland as Christensen King, PC with 18 employees
Specialization includes: tax, auditing, financial management and planning, construction and agriculture, forensic accounting and expert witnessing
I have been asked many times why I went back to get an MBA (graduation ceremony was on my 50th birthday). I think my motivation was to remain proficient, to challenge myself, and there was a thought that I might want to teach at the college or university level so the MBA seemed appropriate.
My thoughts about WSU Tri-Cities: I took 10 courses in completing my MBA, 8 at the Tri-Cities campus and 2 at Pullman. I enjoyed the college scene at Pullman but my professors, the students and class time was significantly more interesting at the Tri-Cities campus. I thought the students were more dedicated and experienced and the professors were up to the challenge of teaching many who had been successful and dynamic in the business world for many years. I still enjoy working with and associating with many professionals that I got to know at that time. Many of the professors have remained relevant to me including Dave Lemak who taught me much about organization design, Pam Henderson, who created a completely new awareness and appreciation for dynamic marketing, Robin Gould who we hired after working with her in the classroom,and others who are not in the area any longer. We have hired additional MBAs and continue to encourage our staff to continue their degrees to learn more and to become more powerful in the profession.
Since completing my MBA we have developed better processes for business succession. I think our organization looks differently than it would have if I had not gone to WSU. I know where and how to tap into some of the best minds in the Tri-Cities, some of whom were classmates and others professors. Our business has grown 140% in revenues since my WSU days. I think WSU has been a significant part in my success. That is why I continue to support WSU.