Capstone CPAs hosting retirement celebration for MacAfee

Lou MacAfee has been well known in the local accounting community for a long time.

An enrolled agent for Capstone Certified Public Accountants, MacAfee moved to Idaho about 50 years ago from southern California. Upon arriving in Sandpoint, her first job was at the Bank of Idaho where she worked her way up to controller for Dr. Forrest Bird for three years.

Following the birth of her daughter, Katie, Lou worked for Magnuson and McHugh in their Sandpoint office. Shortly after, MacAfee and her husband Terence pulled up stakes and moved to California where Lou received her associate degree in accounting. Returning to Sandpoint in 1995, Lou then began to work for local certified public accountant, Brad Williams. During her 17-year tenure with Williams, Lou became an enrolled agent.

She joined local CPA, Jim Hutchens, at his practice in 2012. In addition to her work as an enrolled agent, Lou also was a QuickBooks Pro Advisor, benefiting many of her small business clients and local bookkeepers over the years.

During her career, MacAfee has worked to give back to the community. She has been a part of Community Cancer Services since its inception and served as its treasurer for many years. She also served on the Rocky Point Sewer District Board and the East Bonner County Library District Board for a few years. She has a heart for nonprofits and has worked with many over the years as their tax preparer.

Now after over 40 years, Lou is looking forward to retirement.

“I have loved working with my clients, especially the small businesses and the non-profits,” MacAfee said as she reflected on her career. “It has been rewarding to be a part of their growth and changes through the years.”

MacAfee has also done much to educate the community and her colleagues, both in her role as a QuickBooks Pro Advisor and acting as a mentor to her fellow employees. While she will miss that interaction with her clients, Lou is looking forward to more free time.

“I look forward to spending more time with my daughter and 5-year-old grandson in northern California and also spending more time on the Oregon coast,” said Lou. “I am also eager to spend more time here in North Idaho enjoying the outdoors and taking walks in the beauty that surrounds us.” Lou adds she will finally get to weed her flower gardens, grow a bigger vegetable garden, clean out her closets, read books, and spend more time with her husband, mom and friends.

In celebration of Lou’s retirement, Capstone Certified Public Accountants will be hosting a party for Lou on Wednesday, Nov. 9 from 5-7 p.m. at Pend d’Oreille Winery. They invite clients and friends to stop by, enjoy a glass of wine and appetizers, and thank Lou for all she has done for them and the community.