Q&A Alumni Spotlight
5 Questions
Deloitte Retired Partner Frank Dubas
What are your career highlights?
Looking back, I’m amazed at where my career with Deloitte led. When I started, I had never traveled to New York City and by the time I retired, I had worked with our professionals providing services to businesses in almost 100 countries, on every continent except Antarctica.
I started as an audit intern in the New York office and, 11 years later, was admitted to the partnership of Deloitte Haskins & Sells. By the mid-1990s, I found myself at a crossroads, unsure of what I wanted to do next. As I was thinking through that, a New York-based client reached out seeking support for a financial transaction project with an international component. I offered to join the working group overseas, and when the project wrapped up, its success led to similar opportunities and a great deal more international travel.
After more than 40 years at Deloitte, I retired in 2016. It was a wonderful ride.
What have you been involved with since you left Deloitte?
Almost immediately after I retired, I was invited to join the board of trustees at the University of Scranton, which brought me back to my hometown frequently for meetings. During one of my visits, I noticed a vacant lot in a neighborhood and thought it would be a perfect spot for a community garden.
Inspired by this idea, I purchased the lot and started a not-for-profit organization. I designed the garden myself incorporating accessible, winding walkways throughout. Now in its third year, the Garden of Cedar brings together individuals and groups from the community to grow food that is shared with those in need. We’re proud to be feeding more than 100 families.
The lot that inspired a garden.
The Garden of Cedar in full bloom.
Frank and his wife, Marigrace.
Was the career pivot to running a community garden hard to do?
I don’t know much about gardening, but I do know how to network and organize — skills I honed during my years at Deloitte. Now, I’m putting those abilities to use by collaborating with a variety of people and organizations, including several colleges and universities. The garden operates year-round, and we regularly host community events and educational programs that bring people together and support our mission.
What was meaningful to you about Deloitte’s culture?
I remember flying home from Brussels after a long stretch of meetings. I was feeling completely exhausted. As I settled in, the person next to me noticed the Deloitte name on my bag and remarked, “You’re lucky to work for Deloitte. No matter where you touch down, you’ll be working with smart people.”
That simple comment energized me and it really stuck with me. It was one of the best things someone could have said and perfectly captures what makes Deloitte’s culture special — the opportunity to collaborate with talented people and make a real impact.
Frank enjoying retirement
"Don’t become so absorbed in your career that you let family and relationships take a back seat."
What career advice can you share?
Don’t become so absorbed in your career that you let family and relationships take a back seat. When my son first started playing baseball in elementary school, my involvement was limited to attending a few games.
Then, one spring, there was a sign-up form for volunteer coaches. When I think of all the documents that I signed in my life, I was never as nervous as I was signing that coaching form knowing the commitment it would involve — and yet, it turned out to be one of the best decisions I ever made.
This article is part of an ongoing series of interviews with alumni. Frank Dubas’ participation is solely for educational purposes based on his knowledge of the subject, and the views expressed by him are solely his own. This article should not be deemed or construed to be for the purpose of soliciting business. This article contains general information only and Deloitte is not, by means of this article, rendering accounting, business, financial, investment, legal, tax, or other professional services. This article is not a substitute for such professional advice or services, nor should it be used as a basis for any decision or action that may affect your business. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your business, you should consult a qualified professional advisor. Deloitte shall not be responsible for any loss sustained by any person who relies on this article.
