Sean Bird

2/12/19

Sean Bird grew up in Jonestown and graduated from NLHS in 1995. He attended Lickdale for kindergarten, then attended Jonestown from the first grade through the end of elementary school. After high school, he attended Penn State graduating with high distinction and with honors with a B.S. in accounting. During the summer of 1997 Sean was an intern in Harrisburg for Governor Ridge’s Office of the Budget. In the summer of 1998, he was an intern in NYC with Deloitte, an accounting and professional services firm. These internships were eye opening experiences into what an office environment is all about and very different from his previous jobs at the Hills department store and the Farmer’s Wife restaurant. But what was similar in all these jobs and internships was the importance of being ready to work, learn, and communicate effectively. Upon graduation from Penn State, Sean joined the audit practice of Deloitte in Washington, DC and moved to Alexandria, VA. On the very first day of work he learned that he would be serving clients in the energy industry, which he previously knew little about. However, it was all a great start to a professional journey. While living in Alexandria, Sean met his wife Shannon. They were married in Alexandria in 2003 and their first two children were born there too.

In 2007, Sean was offered an opportunity to relocate with Deloitte to Charlotte, NC for a career path to the partnership. Charlotte has been a great home to his family and also the birthplace of their third child. He serves as the Lead Client Service Partner for several engagements with a primary focus on the Energy, Resources & Industrials Industry. 20 years later, he is still serving energy clients just like he did on day one with Deloitte. Sean, Shannon, and their two daughters (13 and 9), and their son (11) are all very active in the Charlotte community. Sean is involved at Christ Church Charlotte where he has been a Sunday School teacher, chaired the Children and Family Ministry commission, and served on two visioning committees charting the path of the Church 5 years at a time. He also serves as the audit committee chair of the Community Building Initiative which is a not-for-profit organization that focuses on equity and inclusion. Sean is a supporter of public education and is the former parent lead of the School Leadership Team at Beverly Woods Elementary School.

The following are some things that Sean appreciates about NL: Northern Lebanon provided me with well-balanced opportunities in education and life experiences. What amazes me is how few people I know had classes like me including home economics, shop, two years of accounting, typing, and even a whole year with my homeroom in an agriculture classroom. These experiences were so helpful in my development. In fact, those two years of accounting with the late Mr. Frank Wickenheiser led me to my college major and my profession. Also, the extracurricular opportunities at NL are outstanding. I played sports including soccer and tennis and was involved in the arts including chorus, Northern Lites, class plays, musicals, and band. NL truly is a, “Place which taught us well life’s lessons.”

Sean offered the following advice for current students: The teachers and guidance counselors at NL are passionate about you. They want you to achieve your life goals. Northern Lebanon is preparing you well for further education if you choose, and definitely for life beyond school. Dream big, “And look forward to the future Unafraid, steadfast, and bold.”