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- Tama Bynes
- Diane J. Frost
Director of Finance
Legal Aid of Western Missouri
Tama Byrnes found her place in the legal field by auditing it. As a staff accountant for the local CPA firm now known as MarksNelson, she was assigned to work on an audit of Legal Aid of Western Missouri. She didn’t know much about the nonprofit organization when she started, but her work opened her to its mission to help the less fortunate with, as she puts it, “keeping a roof over their heads, peace in their homes and food on their tables.” When a position opened in Legal Aid’s fiscal department in 1994, she jumped at the chance. Twenty-four years later, she is its director of finance, handling everything from tax forms to grant applications. “Tama is very humble,” wrote a nominator. “She would never take credit for what she has accomplished on behalf of our organization.”
What is the best part of your job?
Working with 100+ unsung heroes which include the best-ever fiscal-department staff.
What is the best career advice you’ve ever received?
“Find a job that you love and you’ll never work another day in your life.”
What is your favorite thing to do away from work?
Spending time with my family — they are “my sun, my moon and all of my stars.”
— E.E. Cummings
What is something that would surprise people about you?
I am a twin and a certified scuba diver.
Anything else you want people to know?
To the staff at Legal Aid — thank you. You make a positive difference in people’s lives every day.
-Scott Lauck
Finance Coordinator
Paule, Camazine & Blumenthal
Diane Frost has spent nearly 20 years at the St. Louis law firm of Paule, Camazine & Blumenthal, part of a career in which her accounting skills have well-served the legal community. Frost was in the inventory-control department of A.G. Edwards when in 1988 she jumped to the law firm of Gallop, Johnson & Neuman. She saw it as a new opportunity to use her accounting skills and continue learning. She later joined Bryan Cave before landing at Paule, Camazine & Blumenthal’s accounting department in 1999. She worked her way up to director of finance and now serves as the firm’s finance coordinator. “She is instrumental with listening, helping and problem-solving with clients and their concerns,” writes a nominator.
What is the best part of your job?
It’s the people — the attorneys, staff and clients. It’s how quickly everyone pulls together anytime anyone is in need, personally or professionally. #pcbstrong. For the last 19 years, each and every day, I have the pleasure of doing work that I love for people that I’m extremely fond of.
What is the best career advice you’ve ever received?
I couldn’t narrow it down to one thing. Everyone makes mistakes; admit them as soon as possible, figure out how to fix them and learn from the experience. Always give open, honest communication. Treat everyone fairly. Maintain the highest level of integrity. Follow your moral compass. Having boundaries is a good thing.
What is your favorite thing to do away from work?
Spending time with my husband. No matter where we are or what we are doing, as long as we are together, life is great.
What is something that would surprise people about you?
I’m not as tough as you may think.
Anything else you want people to know?
I’m forever grateful to Don Paule, Tom Blumenthal and Alisse Camazine for taking a chance on me. I appreciate the support and confidence placed in me by the board of directors and shareholders. I couldn’t have found a better place to finish out my career.
– Scott Lauck
