Bill Pickert, CPA, has been employed with Baird, Kurtz, and Dobson (BKD), LLP, a CPA and advising company, for 25 years. The company brought him to Wichita 11 years ago, where he now serves as a managing partner. Through his work with the local agency, he was introduced to a new client – Envision. For the past six years, Pickert has been a strong supporter of Envision's mission.
Pickert understands the struggles that individuals with low vision face daily. He watched his grandfather battle macular degeneration the last eight years of his life.
"I witnessed firsthand what a significant impact macular degeneration had on his quality of life," Pickert said. "Organizations like Envision serve a critical mission for people with low vision and I am glad to assist anyway I can."
Pickert and his wife, Traci, are Envision Society members as well as donors to the recent capital campaign. Most recently, Pickert had the pleasure, on behalf of BKD, LLP, to sponsor the warthog touchable art sculpture at the Sedgwick County Zoo. BKD, LLP and Envision co-sponsored the 2009 addition to the accessible art sculpture collection at the zoo, one of the largest of its kind in the nation. The Pickerts also served as hosts to Envision's 75th Anniversary Gala in September, 2008. Friends with Beyond 20/20 Capital Campaign Chair Dave Unruh, Pickert wanted to help.
"You have to pick and choose what you become involved in, but Envision is doing great things," Pickert explained. "The Gala supported the capital campaign for the new Envision Vision Rehabilitation Center, and I was glad to help."
The Pickerts have three daughters and one son, ages ranging from 17 to 11. Though keeping up with the kids' activities is a full-time job, both Bill and Traci are involved with several community organizations and boards.
"I've been able to serve on several great boards in this community," said Pickert. "It's great to be able to get involved and make a difference."
Pickert attributes his ability to serve and support local organizations to the openness of the Wichita community.
"When we first moved to Wichita, we had no idea how accepting this community would be of new people," Pickert said. "But we love Wichita. It's a great community to live, work and raise our family."