Join us in congratulating the CPBI's 2022 Regional Volunteer of the Year

for the Ontario Region, Regina Baezner! Thank you for your continued support.

Regina is a Retired Partner, Grant Thornton LLP Assurance Services

For over 30 years Regina served public and private entities in a wide range of industries, but mostly in the pension, not-for-profit, professional services, manufacturing and distribution sectors. She specialized in providing audit services to pension plans, benefit plans, charities and not-for-profit clients.

Regina was the engagement partner lead on the audits for various pension and benefit clients, including multiemployer and single employer welfare & benefit trusts, employee health and life trusts (ELHTs), as well as defined benefit, defined contribution and hybrid pension plans.

Regina joined the Ontario Council in 2018, having participated at conferences and seminars in the past. She was attracted to CPBI because of the range of courses offered and the ability to learn in-depth about the industry and it environment.

Since retirement in 2021, Regina has been enjoying life at home and working on the family-owned farm, raising Percheron Horses.

Regina Baezner served as a regional council member in Ontario from January 2018 to December 2022 and more recently as our regional treasurer for the period 2021-2022.
The Ontario regional council has tremendously benefited from Regina's auditor expertise. She also participated and contributed in CPBI National working groups, helping the association implement new internal policies, protocols, and guidelines.
The Regional Chair, Vice Chair, Council Members, and the National Board are grateful for her support throughout the years and wish her all the best in the next chapter of her life.

Interviewer: Regina, can you tell us about yourself and your role at Grant Thornton LLP Assurance Services ?

Regina:   I served for over 30 years public and private entities, mostly in the pension, not-for-profit, professional services, manufacturing and distribution sectors. I specialized in providing audit services to pension plans, benefit plans, charities, and not-for-profit clients.  Since my retirement in 2021, I have been enjoying life at home and working on the family-owned farm, raising Percheron Horses.

Interviewer:  How and why did you get started in this industry, Regina?

Regina:  I started in the audit of pension and benefit plans as part of my general practice and quickly realized that this was an underserviced client industry. Pension and benefit plan administrators were often assigned the work in addition to their fulltime occupation. This meant that there were serious deficiencies in the basic knowledge of pension and benefit legislation as well as best practices. The same could be said of pension and benefit audit teams. There was a need to have dedicated pension and benefit auditors and other professionals that were knowledgeable about the industry, its legislation and environment. Specialized audit teams that could bring added value to the plan and its administrators.
Over the past 20 years, it has been very rewarding to service this industry and to participate in the growth of teams with members focused on this sector as a career. Our team members have flourished in both their knowledge of the industry and in their own personal fulfillment. And clients appreciated the insightful advice and support that they received. A win – win all around.

Interviewer:  We would love to know how long have you been involved with CPBI and what do you enjoy most about your involvement with CPBI?

Regina: I joined the Ontario Council in 2018 having participated at conferences and seminars in the past. I was attracted to CPBI because of the range of courses offered and the ability to learn in-depth about the industry and its environment.
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Interviewer:  Thank you for your time, Regina, it was a pleasure speaking with you!