Introducing NCACPA’s 2019-20 Leadership
In recognition of the Association’s milestone anniversary, we asked our board members to share their thoughts on a variety of topics, including our centennial, the importance of being an engaged member, and how NCACPA and the profession are navigating change. Take a look at what our volunteer leaders had to say on the following:
The Significance of the Centennial
Austin Wachter, CPA, Chair
Nuveen, Charlotte
I’ve been involved with NCACPA for about a tenth of their 100-year history
and over that time have seen the Association change significantly! NCACPA
has evolved dramatically to stay current with the trends in the industry, and
I’ve seen first-hand the amazing tools that are available to members. I can’t
wait to see what’s in store for the next 100 years!
Arleen Thomas, CPA, CGMA
Bronxville, New York
Congratulations to the Association on 100 years of leadership and influence
in the accounting profession. This profession and the Association provide a
professional home and a guiding light for tens of thousands of CPAs within
North Carolina. That role is unwavering as is our role to guide each other
through times of tremendous change. Bring on the next 100 years! We are
ready.
How NCACPA Has Navigated Change
Scott Showalter, CPA, CGMA, Immediate Past Chair
North Carolina State University, Raleigh
I am impressed with the willingness of the Association to reinvent itself
in response to changes facing the accounting profession. In doing so, the
Association will be better prepared to serve its diverse members while
ensuring its continued future success.
Beth Monaghan, CPA
Business Coach and Consultant, Charlotte
During my time in the profession, NCACPA has become bolder and prouder!
Our organization is more involved as experienced and logical problem solvers
in our advocacy with the General Assembly. We are rising to the challenge of
honoring our profession, as we are committed to utilizing our skills to support
our elected legislators.
Michelle Tracz, CPA, CFE, CGMA
Michelle Tracz, CPA, CFE, PLLC, Fletcher
It is a true privilege to be a CPA, a member of this amazing association, and a
board member with the opportunity to honor and support the thousands of
fellow CPAs and accounting practitioners across the state. I have watched
the leadership and staff at NCACPA weather through some very tumultuous
times both internal and external to the organization. I am continuously
amazed how NCACPA has risen to every challenge and supported the
profession at all levels, while focusing on the opportunities presented
for growth. I look forward to seeing all of us grow together in the future—
congratulations NCACPA on the first 100 years!
Importance of Becoming an Engaged Member
Shawana Hudson, CPA, MSA, Treasurer
Thomas & Gibbs CPA, PLLC, Durham
One of my most memorable moments was attending the NCACPA
Inauguration as a new CPA. I truly felt the professionals in that room were
welcoming me into a community I was proud to be a part of. I also felt the
weight of responsibility to serve and move the profession forward.
Whitney Gann, CPA
Duke Energy Corporation, Charlotte
My involvement with the Association began with a student scholarship and
has continued through committee service, networking socials, mentoring
relationships, Young CPA Cabinet membership, community service
events, and now Board service. Through each of these opportunities, I’ve
experienced NCACPA’s commitment to including diverse ideas from our NC
CPA community. This patchwork of perspectives leads to creative, thoughtful,
innovative, and fun results!
Jared Korver, CPA
Beacon Wealthcare, Raleigh
I feel a tremendous amount of pride being part of this profession and the
Association. CPAs around the state serve their clients, employers, and each
other with an energy and commitment that I find amazing. I’m thankful for
the many ways in which NCACPA has stepped up to support and lead our
efforts.
Change Occurring Within the CPA Profession
Tim Fleischman, CPA
Deloitte & Touche, LLP, Raleigh
Having been an auditor and a public accountant for almost 18 years, I’ve
been encouraged by the profession embracing technology. Technology
is significantly improving audit quality when it is implemented properly.
Further technology is providing end-users the ability to extract more value
from their data and realize greater benefits to their companies and efficiencies
in their day-to-day operations.
Abi Raja, CPA
Cornerstone Building Brands, Cary
Accounting is and will remain an area where talented and hardworking
individuals can make profound contributions to successful organizations.
The value of accounting comes from the need for organizations to explain
their performance in the common language of numbers. I am excited for
the future of the profession as I believe the need to tell that story will never
go away. I look forward to disruptive technology, like artificial intelligence
and blockchain, which will make the job of telling that story easier and more compelling.
George Beckwith, CPA
National Gypsum Company, Charlotte
There are very few similarities between how businesses are run today and
100 years ago. There are even fewer similarities in how businesses are run
now than when I started 35 years ago. The one thing that seems to have
remained constant, is the character of the people who become CPAs. That
constant has helped the profession adapt when everything else has changed
and will be what carries the profession forward for the next 100 years.
Michael R. Gillis, CPA
DMJ & Co., PLLC, Greensboro
I have now been a member of NCACPA for 35 years. The profession has
changed enormously and will continue to change at a rapid pace. NCACPA has
always been on the forefront of these changes, helping members stay up-todate. The CPA profession continues to be a place for an excellent and rewarding
career.
Value of Maximizing Your NCACPA Connections
Jonathan Kraftchick, CPA
Cherry Bekaert, LLP, Raleigh
Becoming a member of NCACPA was an easy decision, but becoming an
engaged member was one of the best I’ve made during my career. Since I
joined, I’ve been able to build a network with some of the brightest, likeable,
and strategic minds in the profession. With so many diverse members in the
Association, there are so many who face all the same issues that I do and each
of them are more than willing to solve them together.
J. Scott Hughes, CPA
Johnson Price Sprinkle, PA, Asheville
Many years ago as a young CPA, I had the privilege to work in a firm that
recognized the value of NCACPA and encouraged its staff to invest their
time and effort into the many committees and activities provided by the
Association. By doing that, I can now reflect on a lifetime of relationships
which originated through NCACPA. Some of my longest professional
relationships and friendships came through this wonderful organization,
and if I receive nothing else from my support over the years, that would be an
incredible value.
Alex Lehmann, CPA
MPC Certified Public Accountants, Raleigh
Over the years, I’ve always admired how NCACPA facilitates and strengthens
member relationships through its many volunteer programs, emphasis on
education, and active advocacy efforts. In our careers, we often focus on
deliverables like financial statements, tax returns, and other reports, but
we shouldn’t lose sight of the fact that we are in a service profession that
revolves around relationships. As members of NCACPA, we are fortunate to
have an association that celebrates quality service by developing and growing
relationships with and among its members.
Not pictured:
Malcomb Coley, CPA
Ernst & Young, LLP, Charlotte
Walter Davenport, CPA
Walter Davenport, CPA, Raleigh
Kelli Knoble, CPA, Chair-Elect
Grant Thornton, LLP, Charlotte
Rob Rowan, CPA
SAS, Cary