Five Questions: Bill Compere

Many who have been active in nonprofit or public service in Springfield are likely to know the name Bill Compere. The 38-year certified public accountant has held leadership positions with Urban Districts Alliance, United Way of the Ozarks, Springfield Rotary and Springfield Jaycees, among others. Most recently, Compere worked as a Realtor with CJR Commercial Group before Gov. Jay Nixon appointed him to fill the vacant position of Greene County treasurer. John Hoffman resigned from the post in December following the indictment of a staff member for stealing $25,000.

Q: Following the resignation of John Hoffman, how did you become a candidate for the treasurer’s post, and what was Gov. Jay Nixon’s hiring process?
A: I understood that the governor wanted somebody in the treasurer’s office who had expertise. I was encouraged by a friend to submit my name and qualifications. I was contacted by the governor’s acting appointments director, and I filled out a six-page or so application. I went to Jefferson City, and I interviewed with her. She had some references to contact, and … eight days later, she called and said, “congratulations.”

Q: How has your experience as an accountant prepared you?
A: I am a CPA, and I was in public practice for about 40 years. I did a lot of governmental work, a lot of auditing. It was a small practice with partners … so, I’m familiar with the procedures of an office from an accounting standpoint. Those can translate over to a county treasurer position. It’s an accounting job, and it’s a hands-on job.

Q: With Lisa Burns indicted on stealing more than $25,000, and Hoffman resigning following the indictment though not facing charges, what are you doing to ensure that controls are in place?
A: I think one comes into a job to learn the procedures and processes of the office. In consulting with the people, if there is some way I see that things can be done more efficiently, then we can make those changes. I’m not looking back. Our goal is to serve the public and preserve the liquid assets of the county and disperse things as they are required. When you are handling money, you always have to be aware that there are controls that need to be in place to protect employees … and make sure there is no flagrant opportunity to be tempted.

Q: There are a number of groups for which you’ve donated your time through the years, including the Vision 20/20 committee. Why is that work important to you?
A: I started out 40 years ago in the Springfield Jaycees. One of its (focuses) was community involvement, and I just became a believer. I was the president of the Springfield Jaycees in 1971. Since then, I’ve just always felt like that was part of my responsibility. It was something else to do besides accounting, and often it was something that I enjoyed.

Q: Has there been one organization or project that has meant the most to you?
A: Chairing the Vision 20/20 (committee) was really satisfying, as was the Ozarks Greenways. We had no trails when we formed, and now we are getting close to 100 miles of trails in Springfield and Greene County. It’s been a real success, and something people will enjoy from now on.
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