Background--Getting Started: It all started over a phone call one fine Saturday evening during family-time in Stamford, CT. The voice on the other line asked, "Is this the same Natu Patel that I know from (GAB) General Adjustment Bureau?" I thought the voice sounded familiar and, as I did work for GAB some 13 years ago, I asked, "May I know who is calling?" The voice said, "It's Tony Molnar--I am so happy to find you after all this time!"

While at GAB I did work for Tony and was delighted to hear from him. Tony told me that he was now the Corporate Controller at John Wiley & Sons, Inc., and was in the process of hiring a Tax Manager. He asked me if I would consider making a trip to NYC to meet with him to discuss the opportunity. I was reluctant because of the commute, but Tony convinced me to make the trip and, as they say, the rest is history. Tony Molnar hired me in June 1983 and thus begun my 25-year journey with Wiley. Tony left Wiley in the late 80s but I am still here, having celebrated my 25th anniversary in June. My official retirement date was September 30.

What a difference 25 years makes. In 1983 the company was led by Brad Wiley Sr. (Chairman) and Andrew Neilly (CEO). The fi nance leadership was represented by Ted Reynolds (CFO), Bill Smith (Treasurer), and Tony Molnar (Controller). Wiley's annual revenue then stood at around $200 million. I had the opportunity to witness the company's growth from $200 million in 1983 to almost $2 billion in 2008.

Over time, legislative and regulatory changes made the world of Corporate Taxation much more complex, invigorating, and exhausting due to new emphasis on quality tax accounting, SOX, Tax Shelter Disclosures, M-3, FAS109, FIN 48, e-filing and so on. The tax department at Wiley has historically been very successful and a significant contributor to Wiley's financial success, and I am proud to have been a part of this team.

I also progressed professionally at Wiley over this 25-year period, from being a manager, to a director, and then Vice President. The company's Finance leadership also changed hands several times--from the initial team I worked with when I was hired, to Bob Wilder, then to Kevin McCabe, and again to Bob Wilder and Peter Clifford. Ellis Cousens and Ed Melando are now in charge of the financial leadership. Over my tenure, I have found that each new CFO brings with him a different leadership style and perspective on taxation.

My personal commitment has always been to make a real difference to Wiley's success in my area of responsibility. This mantra has enabled me to make the necessary adjustments and adapt my individual approach to the new CFO's modus operandi--all the while remaining comfortable with my colleagues and environment while continuously meeting the expectations of the business. I am truly blessed and thankful to have had the chance to work with such a wonderful group of top-notch fi nancial executives at Wiley. Each of them has helped me become a better tax professional. I am very proud to have worked for Wiley for most of my working life, and I will cherish the many good memories and fantastic experiences.

Trips to Treasure: Trip to Tokyo with Wilson Learning Executives--The purpose was to assist Carlos Subbaugh resolve issues with Corporate charges to Tokyo (Mori san). I am not sure if we ever resolved the issue, but I witnessed the most bizarre and fruitless efforts to reconcile differences between two very distinct and strong personalities. I considered my trip successful as I think we at least avoided the real potential for a fist fight.

Trip to New Mexico--A three to four day Corporate Team Building exercise at Larry Wilson's Pico's River Training Center. I'm not sure how Larry Wilson convinced Wiley to send so many people, but I think it was a unique experience for me and most, if not all, of the people who attended had a lot of fun.

Trip to India with Stephen Smith--The purpose was to divest our minority interest in Wiley Eastern Pvt. Ltd. This was my only non-tax assignment at Wiley. It was a memorable experience, having to negotiate a deal with a group of smart and focused Indian businessmen like Eruch Desai and Asang Machwe. Stephen will recall how difficult it was to work out a sensible deal and walk out with a signed agreement--but we managed somehow and achieved a happy outcome for both sides. The best part was that the Hotel Oberoy gave me a special welcome back treat (mistaken identity) for the duration of the stay!

Trip to Frankfurt and Chichester with Pat Edgar--The purpose of the trip was to go over the German Step-up Plan detail with Ernst & Young in Germany and the WEIHL structure in Chichester. The unbelievable event came when we (Pat and I) walked into the only hotel in Chichester. The hostess at the reception desk looked at us and asked, "Are you guys from Wiley?" Pat was quick to catch on and said, "Don't tell me that you gave away our rooms?" The lady replied that it was not that bad--they had ONE room available for us. Making the long story short--and no, we did not share the room--we passed the night in separate, new but small rooms behind one of the pubs called "Gringo and Dragon." The room was equipped with a small platform bed and a tiny bathroom--a real squeeze even for my size. I cannot begin to imagine how Pat managed!

About the Wiley family: I always saw deep pride, commitment, and active participation by the Wiley family, right from the early years with Brad Wiley Sr., followed by Brad Wiley, II, and in our current Chairman, Peter Wiley. Deborah Wiley too has always been a dynamic person, keeping Corporate Communications just where it should be. The unique thing about this family is their down-to-earth approach. They truly care for the most important assets of the company, the colleagues.

Basic aspects of human dignity that we all crave--recognition, trust, and respect--are of foremost importance to them, and were the principles from which they conducted themselves. Their commitment to the Company's independent success in the world of publishing is unshaken. If yousaw them in and around the office, or chatting with colleagues in the cafeteria line, I am certain you could never distinguish them from any other Wiley colleague.

I have been very fortunate, over the years, to have had the chance to get to know them well. To me, the term "Wiley Family" does not just refer to those whose last name ends with "Wiley," but to all global colleagues who work for Wiley.

The selection and appointment of bright and successful CEOs (Charles Ellis and Will Pesce) have been instrumental to Wiley's growth over the years, and in truly making Wiley "the place to be." Mr. Pesce has such a wonderful way of making you feel right at home, while at the same time encouraging you to perform at your very best to make a real difference to Wiley's continued success.

I am indeed fortunate and glad that I invested 25 years of my working life at Wiley. Wiley has been very good to me, and I am so proud to have been a part of Wiley's success in this period of time.