In a fraternity whose fundamental purpose is achievement, Brother Rhen C. Bass has committed his life to this cardinal principle. Life Member Brother Bass, currently a Board of Director with the Los Angeles Alumni Chapter is testament of the high esteem in which he is held by all members of Kappa Alpha Psi. Brother Bass was bestowed the high honor of the Elder Watson Diggs Achievement Award in the summer of 2007. He has enjoyed a lengthy record of service in his accounting and finance profession, his community and as a member of Kappa Alpha Psi.
Bass is a licensed Certified Public Accountant and has over 34 years of work experience and leadership in the field of finance and accounting. According to the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, African-Americans constitute only 1 percent of the group’s membership. In essence, Brother Bass has achieved and paved his way into a very exclusive professional designation.
Having earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree with a major in accounting from Eastern Michigan University in 1978, Bass landed a full-time position with PriceWaterhouseCooper (one of the “Big Four” International Public Accounting Firms). Presently, Bass serves as Chief Financial Officer with the Housing Authority of the City of Ventura, California. His responsibilities include providing agency-wide leadership in the areas of accounting, finance, information technology and human resources. He has held previous prestigious positions as Chief Audit Executive, General Auditor, Controller and Vice President of Finance & Accounting with firms in Michigan, Texas, Tennessee, Nevada and California.
In addition to his impeccable professional record, Brother Bass has an outstanding record of service to Kappa Alpha Psi. Known as an advocate for collegiate members, Bass currently serves as chapter advisor at The Pi Alpha Chapter at the University of California at Santa Barbara Chapter. His 25 year history of dedicated work as a chapter advisor is a testament to his passion to provide guidance, counsel, direction, leadership, and brotherly love to undergraduate members throughout Kappa land.
A 1974 initiate of the Delta Nu Chapter at Eastern Michigan University, he has subsequently held leadership roles in the Pontiac Alumni, Memphis Alumni, Germantown Alumni, Austin Alumni, Sacramento Alumni, Ventura Alumni Chapters and Los Angeles Alumni Chapter. Other fraternal leadership roles included: Charter Polemarch to the Germantown (TN) Alumni Chapter; South Central Province Keeper of Records and Exchequer; Southwestern Province Keeper of Exchequer; Western Province Board of Director, Chairman of the National Chapter Advisors Committee and Chairman of the National Financial Review and Advisory Team.
A few of Brother Bass’ most cherished fraternity awards includes: The Elder Watson Diggs Achievement Awards; Grand Polemarch’s Distinguished Service Award; Los Angeles Alumni Tom Bradley Achievement Award; National Interfraternal Council’s Outstanding Alumni of the Year Award; Southwestern Province Polemarch’s Award for Outstanding Service and Dedication; Western Province Robert L. Harris Province Polemarch’s Advisor of the Year Award; and The Delta Nu Chapter Undergraduate Achievement Award.
Brother Bass has maintains a remarkable record of volunteerism.
- His community and educational service record includes: Ventura Housing Authority Youth Council, Los Angeles Reading Buddy Program; Board of Director at the Boys and Girls Club; President Obama’s Presidential Campaign; Vice Chairman of the School Site Council and School Advisory Committee; Treasurer & First Vice President of the Parent Teacher Association; Board of Director and Treasurer of the Center of Battered Women; Director of Director and Treasurer for the Sickle Cell Association;
- Professional Associations include: American Institute of Certified Public Accountants; National Association of Black Accountants; Board of Governors, Institute of Internal Auditors; and National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials
- Religious and Church Affiliations include: Ordained Deacon; Teens Sunday School Teacher; and Teens Vacation Bible School Teacher at St. Paul Baptist Church in Oxnard, CA
Brother Bass personifies one of his favorite quotations by Booker T. Washington: “Success always leaves footprints.” Brother Bass has left indelible footprints throughout Kappa Alpha Psi. He is a trailblazer, leader, tireless worker, outstanding professional and well-respected student advocate.