In Pensacola, some people build careers. Others build communities.
For longtime CPA Cyndi Warren, the two have always gone hand in hand.
Raised in the small community of Bratt, just north of Pensacola, Warren’s story didn’t begin with spreadsheets or tax returns. It began with strong family values, high expectations, and a work ethic that would shape everything that followed.
“My dad was like, ‘Be better than me,’” Warren said. “He pushed me hard… but he also taught me to work hard and be generous.”
That foundation and discipline paired with generosity would become the through line of her life.
Finding Her Path
Warren didn’t set out to become a CPA.
Like many students, she explored different paths early on, from physical therapy to criminal justice, before a family friend offered advice that would ultimately change her trajectory.
“He said, ‘You’ll always have a job. With an accounting degree, you can do so many different things,’” she recalled.
She took the advice, earning both her undergraduate degree and a master’s degree in tax from the University of Alabama, and entered the profession in the late 1980s.
Nearly four decades later, she’s still at it.
“I think what kept me doing it is the ability to make a difference,” Warren said.
More Than Numbers
To many, accounting is about math. To Warren, it’s always been about people.
“You don’t have to be really good at math,” she said. “But you do have to be pretty good with people… you have to see it as a service.”
That perspective has shaped her role at Warren Averett, where she works primarily with business owners, helping them navigate complex decisions and long-term growth.
Over time, those relationships deepen.
“You sort of become part of their team,” she said. “They’re calling and saying, ‘Help me figure this out.’”
Just as meaningful, though, is the impact she’s had internally — mentoring younger professionals who have grown into leadership roles themselves.
“To watch people you’ve mentored become partners… that’s really cool,” she said.
A Heart for Service
If Warren’s professional life is rooted in service, her community involvement takes that commitment even further.
She serves on multiple boards across Pensacola, including the Sacred Heart Foundation and the University of West Florida Foundation — both focused heavily on fundraising and expanding access to critical resources.
At Sacred Heart, that work often translates directly into better healthcare for the community.
“I love the mission of Sacred Heart Foundation — advancing Sacred Heart’s mission of providing healthcare services that prioritize compassion, quality, and innovation for every patient, every day,” she said.
From children’s services to cancer care to upcoming improvements in women’s health facilities, the impact is both immediate and deeply personal.
“It’s easy to fundraise for something that has made such a difference in people’s lives,” she added.
At UWF, her role helps connect donors with opportunities that shape the future of the university — from athletics to academic programs to study abroad experiences.
“It’s really about connecting people,” she said. “Who do I know that’s passionate about this and can help make an impact?”
She also serves on the grants committee for the UWF Foundation, helping students access funding for international study — an experience that can be life-changing.
Serving Behind the Scenes
While much of Warren’s impact can be seen in boardrooms and fundraising campaigns, some of her most meaningful work happens quietly each week at Momentum Church.
As a campus leader, she helps lead the teams responsible for creating a welcoming Sunday morning experience — from the parking team to greeters to guest services.
Her role isn’t about being on stage. It’s about making sure everything — and everyone — feels cared for.
“It’s really about people,” Warren said, a theme that shows up in every part of her life.
She oversees the systems and volunteers that help first-time guests feel comfortable and connected, ensuring no one slips through the cracks. It’s detailed work, often behind the scenes, but it’s something she approaches with intention and consistency.
For Warren, it’s another opportunity to serve.
Whether she’s advising business owners, helping raise funds for major community initiatives, or simply making sure someone feels welcomed on a Sunday morning, the motivation is the same.
It’s not about recognition — it’s about showing up, doing the work, and giving back in ways both big and small.
Celebrating Pensacola
Warren’s involvement doesn’t stop with education and healthcare. She’s also part of Fiesta Pensacola, helping organize and support the events that celebrate the city’s culture and history.
“It’s so fun!” she said. “All these festivals that celebrate Pensacola’s heritage.”
From large-scale fundraising to community celebrations, her work reflects a consistent theme: investing in the place she calls home.
Looking Ahead
After nearly 40 years in her profession, Warren is beginning to think about what’s next — but not in terms of slowing down.
Instead, she’s looking forward to doing more.
“When I retire… I think I would really like to be more involved,” she said of her foundation work.
For someone who has spent a lifetime building both a career and a community, retirement doesn’t mark an ending — it simply opens the door to a new chapter of service.
