Learning about Servant Leadership from My Boss – Clarence Asbury

I came to McKonly & Asbury as a young staff accountant because one of the co-founders took a flyer on a kid who was a marginal student from a good school, who exhibited the kind of tenacity and work ethic he himself had learned growing up on a farm.  Clarence Asbury taught me a lot about accounting, and was always a tough, but fair task master, making sure we served the firm’s clients well. 

After over thirty four years in public accounting with the firm he co-founded, Clarence officially retired in 2007.  But I think our founding partner is as busy now as he ever was, and he continues to leave his stamp on the culture of McKonly & Asbury the same way he did as its managing partner – by serving others.  He leaves a legacy of community service that will shape the culture of our firm for generations to come.  Clarence has made service to others a central component of his professional life. 

Clarence has spent decades in service to others through Rotary International.  He was a charter member of the Mechanicsburg North Rotary Club – forming one of the most successful and active rotary clubs in our region.  With his wife, Susan – also a member of the club – they have devoted hundreds of hours of their own time annually to serving others locally, nationally, and around the globe.

Although Clarence has always been active in the mechanics and governance of rotary club and district wide projects, it is the hands on service projects that he participates in and leads that deserve special recognition.

In this past year, Clarence has participated in two major initiatives of his club.  In a joint effort between his rotary club and his church, Clarence has participated in multiple rehabilitation trips to the Mississippi Gulf Coast to rebuild homes ravaged by Hurricane Katrina.  And this year when the floods devastated Iowa, Clarence drove a van full of supplies and volunteers to the Midwest to assist with the cleanup. 

Where most people of his age and station would lend their support through monetary donations alone, Clarence took up hammer and shovel and actively participated in rebuilding the homes of families in desperate need.  His efforts inspired the firm and its employees to support this effort financially.  His leadership by example, and his tenacity in taking and organizing multiple trips to the region are true examples for us to follow.

Clarence, and his wife Susan, have also devoted a great deal of time and resources to the cause of international orphanages.  Themselves parents of four, including two adopted children, they know first hand the importance of finding loving and caring homes for all children. 

This past year, Clarence and Susan participated in a service mission to an orphanage in South Africa. Ravaged by AIDS, this troubled country leaves far too many orphans to fend for themselves.  By providing basic medical mission services, and simply giving of themselves to spend time with these lost children, they exhibit the ultimate in human compassion. 

There is no finer example of leadership, and of rotary’s motto, “Service Above Self” than of Clarence Asbury, my mentor in public accounting. 

We learned from him far more than how to complete an audit, or manage a client relationship.  We learned from his actions that a life spent in service is the true measure of a professional.  We carry these lessons to our service to clients, and we share our success with the community, in money, in time, and in our own sweat equity. 

Clarence Asbury is a “Servant Leader.”