Adam Abplanalp, CPA
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Adam Abplanalp, CPA
He/Him
Managing Partner & Chief Executive Officer
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With plans to one day work for the United Nations, Adam went to pursue a Political Science degree at the University of Oregon’s Honors College. To ensure he had “some real-life skills” he added a business minor as well. Beginning with introductory accounting classes, it all just made sense to him. He says, “it was like something clicked when I started to learn about debits and credits -- and that's when I knew I wanted to pursue accounting.” He changed his major in the middle of his junior year and was the first Honors College student to get a degree in Accounting.
After seven years working at Umpqua Bank, Adam was ready for a new challenge. He founded Cobalt in May of 2015 and has been growing the business ever since!
DEGREES, CERTIFICATIONS, AND MEMBERSHIPS
B.S. in Accounting, Clark Honors College, University of Oregon
Certified Public Accountant (OR, WA, HI, NY)
Chartered Professional Accountant (BC, Canada)
Certified Fraud Examiner
Real Estate Principal Broker (OR)
Real Estate Managing Broker (WA)
Member, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
Member, Oregon Society of Certified Public Accountants
Member, Hawai’i Society of Certified Public Accountants
Member, Chartered Professional Accountants of British Columbia
Member, American Accounting Association
OUTSIDE OF WORK
While Adam is away from work he enjoys spending time in nature with family and friends. He also enjoys traveling to new places and experiencing the things that make them unique. Adam spent a year teaching English in China before starting the firm, and has enjoyed trips around the world.
Adam also contributes to Cobalt's commitment to give back to the community through his involvement as a member of the Board of Directors and Treasurer of Our Just Future, a non-profit that provides affordable housing and related services in Multnomah County, and in 2019, he was appointed by the Portland City Council to the City of Portland's Revenue Division Appeals Board where he currently serves as its Chair. Adam is also the 2024-25 Vice Chair of the Oregon Society of CPAs.
Favorite Podcast
NPR Throughline
"I really enjoy the connections that they make between current events and history. Looking at our past helps to shed light on where we are today."