Neil McCarthy

Neil McCarthy

Neil McCarthy, a senior tax manager with EisnerAmper, wants to give back to other community college students the way that community college helped him.

McCarthy grew up in southern Maine and moved to San Diego when he was 17 years old. He said he didn’t like high school and didn’t get good grades. After working as a busboy and cashier and other various jobs, he realized he needed education to improve his life. He started attending San Diego Mesa College.

“It really helped me turn my life around,” he said. “It was an amazing opportunity to not be locked out of college and have a second chance.”

After attending San Diego Mesa College, McCarthy transferred to San Diego State University, where he earned an accounting degree. He went on to earn a master’s degree in accountancy from San Diego State University. McCarthy was the first in his family to graduate from college.

After completing his studies in 2012, McCarthy began working at a small accounting firm, then moved up into his current position. McCarthy said a friend of the firm, Matt Adams from the wealth management firm Corient, was ending his service on the MiraCosta Foundation board and said the board was seeking members with a financial background. McCarthy joined the board in August 2024.

“I’m very lucky I had the opportunity to go to college,” he said. “I look forward to doing what I can to contribute to the success of the next generation of college students.”

McCarthy said he has been impressed with the work of the foundation, such as offering emergency assistance to students in need.

“Education is amazing because it transforms lives,” McCarthy said. “The foundation’s programs help keep students in class and it’s an honor to be part of that mission.”