2010 Most Influential Women Honoree: Brooke Liggett

Brooke Liggett’s formula for success is a blend of family, career and civic involvement.

She is a manager at Kirkpatrick, Phillips & Miller, CPAs PC, a firm she joined in 2002.

A certified public accountant since 1991, Liggett says she is most proud that she has been able to achieve professional success without sacrificing her personal and family life.

“My activities support my core values of developing a successful career, giving back to the community and maintaining a commitment to my family,” Liggett says.
Liggett earned her certified valuation analyst designation in 2009 and is a member of KPM’s valuation and litigation committee, as well as its mentor committee.

“As a mentor, I meet with my mentees regularly,” Liggett says. “I consider myself to be their coach. My goal is to help these young accountants develop into leaders within the firm and to help them achieve their career goals.”

She is involved with KPM’s college intern program, and she also shares her expertise through teaching a quarterly class through Missouri State University’s Small Business & Technology Development Center.

When working directly with clients, Liggett sometimes fills a similar teaching role, helping them to run their businesses better.

“I gain much satisfaction in knowing I have helped a client understand his or her financial statements or taught the client how to post entries correctly in order to generate a financial statement that is accurate,” she says. “With this accurate information, my clients can make better business decisions.”

The leadership Liggett has shown in her professional pursuits is also apparent in her civic contributions. She has selected causes for which she has passion. After her father was diagnosed with dementia, for example, she got involved with the Alzheimer’s Association, serving the organization as a three-year board member and as treasurer.

Liggett benefited from the services of the American Red Cross as a child, which she says ultimately led to her involvement with the organization as an adult. She has filled many roles for the Red Cross, currently as a member of the board of directors and finance committee.

She also is committed to the Junior League of Springfield where she became involved because of the league’s mission of helping children and developing the potential of women.

“While volunteering for the Junior League and American Red Cross, both organizations experienced great accomplishments,” Liggett says. “The Junior League opened a crisis nursery and expanded its largest fundraiser, the Plaid Door Resale Boutique. The American Red Cross moved to a much needed larger and better equipped facility and started a new fundraising program.”

Making a commitment to serve on a board or committee isn’t something Liggett takes lightly.

“I attend meetings regularly and learn as much as possible about the organization so I can make informed decisions,” she says. “During my involvement, I strive to attain a leadership position within the organization.”[[In-content Ad]]