Outstanding Alumni 2022: Tim Unnerstall

Tim Unnerstall, of Washington, received his Associate of Arts degree in General Studies and his Associate of Applied Science degree in Business Management from East Central College in 1982. He went on to obtain a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration from the University of Missouri-St. Louis in 1990 and gained his certificate as a Certified Public Accountant. Unnerstall is currently the President of Unnerstall and Unnerstall, CPA, PC in Washington.

After graduating, his commitment to ECC never stopped. He has been a donor to the Friends of the Foundation, a Patron of the Arts, has participated in the Falcon Invitational Golf Tournament, and discounts the ECC Foundation’s 990 preparation fee each year.

The Outstanding Alum award is the highest award presented to an alum by the ECC Foundation. It recognizes an alum who has brought honor to the college through professional achievement, leadership, and community impact. Unnerstall was chosen as the 2022 ECC Outstanding Alum for both his dedication and generosity to the college and commitment to help and improve his community.

A life-long resident of Washington, Unnerstall has been involved in several organizations, giving back to his community. Unnerstall has been a member of the Washington Rotary Club for over 30 years, having served on the board for seven years and a term as president. He is currently the Executive Secretary and Controller. He also volunteers as a financial advisor and helps with fundraisers for the Friends Foundation and Advocates for Community Choice, organizations that offer assistance and companionship for individuals who have developmental and intellectual disabilities.
“Tim never does seek praise for his countless hours of volunteering, but instead works to better the Franklin County community,” said Tim’s brother, Kurt Unnerstall. “I know of no one who speaks so highly of the need to have a community college than Tim.”

Additionally, Unnerstall serves as Treasurer on the Board of Directors for Exceptional Equestrians, a therapeutic horsemanship organization for those with disabilities. He also is a Washington Chamber Ambassador and a member of the Washington Elks Club.

For 10 years, Unnerstall served on the Emmaus Homes Board of Directors, including two years as president. He has been a member of St. Francis Borgia Catholic Church his entire life and supports the parish, grade school and high school. He also is a standing member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants which is an organization of peer accountants that approves CPA firms.
“Tim has been an incredible member of the community and we love that he is still a part of the ECC community too,” said Bridgette Kelch, ECC Foundation executive director. “The Foundation is very excited to grant the 2022 Outstanding Alum award to Tim and honor his impressive achievements. He certainly is deserving of it.”

Unnerstall lives in Washington with his wife, Lynne Unnerstall.