He was a member of the California Board of Accountancy-Continuing Education Committee, serving as Chairman for one year, and the California Society of CPA's Education Foundation-Trustees. He was recognized by fraternities and sororities as one of the Instructors of the Year in 2007. Professor Shames was responsible for industry training at Kenneth Leventhal & Company and Ernst & Young and consulted for small business clients while at Price Waterhouse.