AGA Past National President Douglas K. Haywood, CGFM, CPA, Passes Away

AGA is saddened to report the passing of 1997–1998 National President Douglas K. Haywood, CGFM, CPA, CFE, at the age of 59. He died suddenly on March 1 in Phoenix. A member of AGA’s Phoenix Chapter for 31 years, Doug spent most of his career working for the Arizona Auditor General’s office, where he served as the financial audit manager until his retirement last year. Since then he was the managing partner of Douglas K. Haywood, PLLC, an Arizona-based Certified Public Accounting firm. Doug is survived by Kathy, his wife of 30 years, and a 20-year-old daughter, Mary, a student at the University of Arizona.

A native of Buffalo, NY, Doug lived for most of his life in Arizona. He was proud of putting himself through the University of Arizona by playing the classical guitar at private parties. In addition to his CPA license, he was a licensed Realtor and held an FAA pilot’s license.

During his many years of AGA membership, Doug served the Association in a variety of roles and served on the Professional Development Conference Technical Committee, the National Executive Committee, the State & Local Government Leadership Committee, the State & Local Government Leadership Conference Committee, the Past National Presidents Council and the Nominating Committee. He received National President’s Award in 1999 and 2002, and the Chapter Service Award in 1993 for his service to the Phoenix Chapter.

He chose “Ensuring Compliance and Public Accountability—An Advocate for the Profession” as the theme for his presidency. Read the profile introducing Doug as National President. “I can think of no more useful and satisfying career and no better way of life than the business of government,” Doug said in the 1997 interview. During his year as National President, Doug often focused his remarks on the behind-the-scenes impact government had on the lives of citizens. We can enjoy our lunch and not worry about the ceiling of this big ballroom falling in on us, he would say, “because government was here before us.”

“When Doug was President, I had the honor to serve as the chair of the 1997 State and Local Conference in New Orleans as well as RVP for the South Central Region,” said National President William A. Morehead, Ph.D., CGFM, CPA. “After his presidency, Doug continued to support AGA in many facets. When visiting with Doug last year, he told me he had taken an early retirement, in part to spend time with his family, but also so that others might be able to keep their jobs during the difficult financial times in Arizona state government. Doug was truly an amazing man. 

“Doug arranged a visit to the South Central Region during his presidency where he visited four chapters in three days,” Morehead continued. “As the designated driver during this trip to each chapter, Doug and I spent several hours together. He shared his excitement about serving as President, his passion for his career in state government and his passion for life. He loved his family and always shared information about them. I am truly honored to have known him, served with him and to have been the recipient of one of his AGA President’s Awards. Doug made an impression on this world, and he will be missed.”

AGA Executive Director Relmond P. Van Daniker, DBA, CPA, said, “Doug opened his home to AGA any time we came to Phoenix, and we enjoyed many good times with Doug, his wife Kathy and their daughter Mary. Our thoughts and prayers are with Kathy and Mary at this difficult time. Doug was a gentleman and a friend, and we’ll miss him.”

“I had the honor being AGA executive director when Doug was National President,” said Past Executive Director (1997-2003) and 1996–1997 National Treasurer Charlie Culkin, CGFM-Retired. “I had only been executive director for three months when Doug became National President. Even though I was new in the job, he had great faith in me. He let me manage the National Office activities, while he devoted his year to chapter visits, board meetings and conferences. I will always remember the confidence that he had in me. Doug was one of the nicest and most caring individuals that I ever met. He was dedicated accountability professional who served AGA, the state of Arizona and state CPA Society with distinction and outstanding leadership. He will truly be missed.”

Upon hearing the news of his passing, Doug’s AGA friends and colleagues responded with an outpouring of sympathy.

“We in AGA and the government financial community are in shock and disbelief at the passing of our longtime friend and AGA’s Past National President Doug Haywood,” said 1992–1993 National President Charles L. Harrison, CGFM-Retired. “Doug had a true passion for AGA, the organization in which he placed his heart and soul. Our thoughts and prayers are with Kathy and Mary during this most difficult time.” 

“It is such a sad time to hear of the loss of my longtime friend, Doug Haywood,” said 2001–2002 National President Richard V. Norment, CGFM, CIA. “Doug was one of those rare individuals who always had a gentle, caring spirit and wanted the best for everyone. He worked tirelessly for AGA and for the improvement of his chosen profession. Doug set high standards for himself and wanted to be the very best representative for our association. Doug would be too modest to admit it, but he was a great mentor to those who worked with him. He will be remembered as someone who was very thoughtful and methodical in all the things he wanted to do and did. I thank Doug for his untiring friendship, his dedicated service to our profession and being that mentor to all of us who knew him. My heartfelt sympathy to his wife Kathy and daughter Mary.”

"Doug had a great personality and was an asset to the financial community," said 1998–1999 National President Thomas D. Roslewicz, CGFM-Retired. "We will all miss him. I was honored to accept the gavel from him, knowing he'd had such a successful year as National President."

"Doug was a passionate supporter of AGA and of public sector financial responsibility and accountability no matter where you worked in government—federal, state, local or tribal," said 1995–1996 National President Virginia S. Brizendine, CGFM, CPA. "I will miss his commitment, his presence and his friendly smile." 

“This is a great loss to AGA and the accounting profession,” said 2000–2001 National President WA “Bill” Broadus Jr., CGFM, CPA. “Doug will be sorely missed by his AGA friends.”

“I am deeply saddened to learn that Doug Haywood, one of AGA’s most respected and well-liked Past National Presidents, has passed at such an early age,” said 2005–2006 National President Sam M. McCall, Ph.D., CGFM, CPA, CGAP, CIA. “Doug unselfishly devoted his time to AGA with the goal of doing the right thing, helping whenever called upon, and always having AGA’s accomplishments reflect on the organization and not on him. We will miss him and have his family in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.”

"Doug Haywood was a friend who I got to know through AGA," said 1994–1995 National President Clyde G. McShan II, CGFM. "He was very supportive during my presidency and was very gracious in opening his home to me and others when I visited Arizona. That is when I first got to meet his lovely wife Kathy and daughter Mary. I had the privilege to see Doug and his family at many AGA events over the years. Doug was a devoted family man and a great supporter of AGA and the profession as a whole. Whenever Doug visited New Orleans, we got together and enjoyed a meal at one of the local restaurants. It is extremely hard for me to believe that he has passed at such a young age. I will truly miss him. My thoughts and prayers go out to Kathy and Mary at this very difficult time."

“I will always remember Past National President Douglas K. Haywood's kindness in personal conversations and his dedicated service to AGA and the accountability profession,” said 2003–2004 National President Jullin Renthrope, CGFM, CPA, CFE, CGFO. “I very vividly remember his presidential visit to speak at the joint meeting of AGA's Baton Rouge and New Orleans Chapters. During our travel from Hammond to New Orleans, I made inquiry regarding the AGA National President, because it was my goal. Doug provided excellent insight and advice that assisted me in achieving that goal. Doug will certainly be missed.”

"What a sad time it is for those of us who had the privilege of knowing and admiring Doug Haywood for many years," said 1989–1990 National President Virginia B. Robinson, CGFM, CPA, DABFA. "His devotion to his profession was evident in his accomplishments in AGA and the many organizations in which he participated. Doug was a real gentleman who was hardly ever without a kind encouraging word in personal and professional surrounds. While we'll miss him dearly, he leaves us with wonderful memories. Warmest condolences are extended to Kathy and Mary."

“Doug was the ultimate family man, gentleman and professional,” said 1998–1999 National President Thomas J. Sadowski, CGFM, CPA. “I first got to work closely with Doug when he chaired an AGA governance committee many years ago. He was organized, thoughtful, inclusive and far-sighted. He shared his home and his family. He was always supportive of me and others, and especially AGA. He is missed.”

“Doug is one of the nicest, helpful and caring people I have ever met, and I always enjoyed talking with him,” said 2002–2003 National President William J. Anderson Jr., CGFM. “He was a dedicated accountability professional who served the state of Arizona, AGA and the state CPA Society with distinction and sustained outstanding leadership that will be truly missed.”

“When I learned of Doug's passing, I felt like I had been kicked in the gut,” said 2006–2007 National President Jeffrey S. Hart, CGFM, CFE. “He is simply too young and vibrant to leave us so early. Doug was a great friend to me and to all of AGA. More importantly, he was about the nicest guy you could ever meet. I will miss him greatly.”

“I am deeply saddened and feel a profound sense of loss,” said 1993–1994 National President Jeffrey C. Steinhoff, CGFM, CPA, CFE. “My thoughts and prayers go to Doug’s family, friends and the thousands of professionals whose lives he touched. Doug leaves a lasting legacy of leadership and service to AGA, the state of Arizona and the accountability profession. He always rolled up his sleeves and went the extra mile. He not only made an important difference but did so the right way with great integrity, humility, kindness and consideration for others. The consummate professional, Doug brought a passion to serving AGA and his profession and the drive and ability to be successful. While his professional achievements soared, his personal achievements were far greater as a son, a husband, a father and a caring person everyone could greatly respect. Doug, it was a complete privilege to serve with you in AGA and to get to know you. You are in my thoughts and prayers.”

“He was a role model for me,” said 2004–2005 National President Bobby A. Derrick, CGFM. “I looked up to him, as being the consummate professional, statesman and gentleman. He was a dear friend who was always ready and willing to do anything for you. I knew that if I called Doug, he would always be willing to help in any way that he could. For example, I give Doug total credit for providing the critical support in helping us establish AGA’s Southern Arizona Chapter. I loved it when he brought his wife with him to attend our first meeting in Tucson when we were creating the Southern Arizona Chapter. He was a devoted husband and father.

“One year he had planned to visit Indianapolis and attend the Indianapolis 500 with his family,” Derrick continued. “For some reason they could not come to Indianapolis for the race. To make up for it, I brought him an Indianapolis 500 hat for that year’s race, and sent it to him. He thanked me over and over and told me how much he enjoyed it, and how he wished he could have been there for the race.”

"We are all still very much in shock," said Phoenix Chapter President Lynne M. Davis, CPA. "He provided a great deal of knowledge and insight to me as president of the AGA Phoenix Chapter, and always had a smile."

“Doug Haywood was the true professional in every way,” said Jerry Snyder, past president of the Phoenix Chapter. “He always had a smile and enjoyed life to the fullest. He sincerely enjoyed his wife, Kathy, and his daughter, Mary. Doug will be greatly missed. I had known Doug for over 20 years and we had become the best of friends not only in our involvement with several professional associations but also personally. In fact, Doug, his wife and daughter, along with myself were scheduled for a trip to China in May with a Retirees’ Association, and Doug was anxiously looking forward to this trip. Every time that Doug and I talked, he mentioned this upcoming trip. It is with great sadness that we mourn the passing of Doug.”

“Doug’s strength and professionalism stood out in such a way that was truly unforgettable to me,” said AGA Southwestern Regional Vice President, 2010–2011, and Phoenix Chapter Past President Gayathri D. (Devi) Bala, CGFM, CPA. “He was a true inspiration to all of us at the AGA Phoenix Chapter, always encouraging us to do our best. He was willing to render help and guidance, even if that entailed traveling to Tucson to coordinate the opening of a new chapter or providing speaker resources for our chapter education committee. Personally, I’ll miss all the conversations that Doug and I shared about our daughters attending the same university. Doug will be greatly missed by the members of the profession that he so cherished and was proud of.”

“I knew Doug for over 20 years and was shocked at his passing,” said Jay Zsorey, Doug’s former colleague in the Auditor General’s Office. “He was a valuable team member at the Arizona Office of the Auditor General for over 30 years prior to his retirement. He was a mentor and good friend to many of his colleagues. We all will miss his energy, good sense of humor and passion for the accounting profession. Doug gave more of his personal time and energy for the overall benefit of the accounting profession than anyone I know. He truly believed that accountants can be a force for positive change.”

The National Office thanks the Phoenix Chapter for sharing the following interview with Doug, which ran in the chapter’s August 2009 newsletter.

Questions and Answers:

How many years have you been a member of AGA?
Doug: 31 years

How did you get started in AGA?
Doug: Doug Norton, former Arizona Auditor General, was and still is a big supporter of professional associations like AGA. I was with the Office about six months when Mr. Norton asked me to represent the Office as a member of the Phoenix Chapter of the Association. Of course, I accepted Mr. Norton’s offer and became a member in 1978. In those days, the chapter had a half-dozen active members. Today, of course we have over 200 chapter members.

Why is AGA valuable to you?
Doug: AGA has taught me the value of service. In the fall of 1990, Virginia Robinson, then National President, visited our chapter. I remember that day like it was yesterday. Virginia made a passionate appeal to our sense of self and the need for each of us to get more involved. There were only six members in attendance that night, but that didn’t deter Virginia from making her point. Virginia made it clear that the only one holding us back from making a difference is ourselves. This was a special moment for me as I realized that if Virginia, a high-ranking federal official, could find the time to give back to her profession and her community, I certainly should do the same. And as I look back on my career, I feel blessed to have had the opportunities that I have had. Opportunities that were presented because of a supportive family, supportive bosses, but more importantly, a willingness to take the first step toward making life happen. As my late Uncle John Alford would tell me, “Doug, you give until it hurts, and it comes back to you five fold.” Truer words have never been spoken. A special thanks to my family and my countless mentors for teaching me the importance of seeking a cause larger than oneself.

A memorial service is scheduled for Friday, March 12 at 1 p.m. at the United Methodist Church, University Boulevard, in Tempe, AZ.

Sympathy cards can be sent to Doug’s wife Kathy and daughter Mary at:

11827 S. Blackfoot Drive
Phoenix, AZ 85044