Young CPA Cabinet

Young Professionals Cabinet

Since 2002, NCACPA has been dedicated to providing a voice for YPs in North Carolina. Formerly known as the Young CPA Cabinet, this group transitioned in May 2021 to encompass a broader reach for all young accounting professionals. The Young Professionals Cabinet focuses on initiatives and events for its demographic and has diverse state-wide representation with 24 members (three classes of 8), 40 years of age and under.

The Cabinet’s mission is to personally engage young professionals by promoting and aiding their involvement and development in the accounting profession.

YOUNG PROFESSIONALS CABINET MISSION

The Cabinet’s description and role is to provide young professionals in the accounting profession with networking, community outreach, leadership development, and diverse opportunities. The Cabinet also seeks ways to enhance the value of Association membership for young members, increase membership and connections within the Association, and inform the leadership of topics relevant to young members.

YOUNG PROFESSIONALS CABINET DESCRIPTION & ROLE

THE YOUNG PROFESSIONALS CABINET…

ADVOCATES for the profession by building and maintaining relationships with legislators through NCACPA’s Key Person Program.

PROMOTES the profession through activities and events including involvement with the NC CPA Foundation Inc.

ENGAGES and collaborates with other young professionals within NCACPA, and other diverse organizations across the state, in an effort to serve both the community and the accounting profession.

SUPPORTS diversity and inclusion in the profession by collaborating with young professionals within NCACPA and other organizations across the state.

LEADS within their firm, the profession, and North Carolina’s business community by representing young professionals on behalf of NCACPA.

Jon & Jamie Passing the Gavel 2024

CABINET LEADERSHIP

Chair: One-year term
Vice-Chair: One-year term
Succession Planning Subcommittee Chair: One-year term
NC CPA Foundation Inc. Liaison: One-year term

Note: Each Cabinet member serves a 3-year term. 

CABINET OPERATIONS

The Cabinet creates and adheres to an annual action plan which details activities for the year. The action plan is discussed and agreed upon in the January meeting prior to the beginning of the next fiscal year for budget purposes and revisited at the first meeting of the next year to include the new class. This is an evergreen document and may be adjusted throughout the year as needs arise, however, all Cabinet activities must relate to the Cabinet mission.

May Raleigh Meeting Group Photo

NCACPA’s Young Professional Spotlight

THE CABINET IS EXCITED TO ANNOUNCE A NEW WAY TO CELEBRATE AN EXTRAORDINARY YOUNG PROFESSIONAL ON YOUR TEAM OR YOURSELF.

The “Young Professional Spotlight” is a nomination-based recognition with the goal of highlighting individuals who are making a positive impact on their peers, community, and/or the profession. Nominations are open to anyone, but the nominee must be an accounting professional who is 40 and under.

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Adam Vermillion, CPA

Adam's Story

Partner and Market Leader of Cherry Bekaert LLP

A dedicated leader and advocate for the accounting profession, Adam Vermillion, CPA, serves as a Partner and Market Leader of Cherry Bekaert LLP’s Charlotte practice. In this role, Adam is focused on strengthening firm culture, reinforcing alignment with core values, and driving sustainable growth within the local market. In addition to his leadership responsibilities, he is an Assurance Partner serving clients across the professional services, industrials, and private equity sectors.

With deep expertise in accounting, consulting, and compliance matters, Adam regularly advises clients on complex revenue recognition issues, mergers and acquisitions, initial public offerings (IPOs), and other highly technical accounting challenges. His client base spans from small, family-owned businesses to large SEC registrants, allowing him to guide organizations through every stage of their business life cycle with clarity and confidence.

Shane Cornuett (1)

Shane Cornuet, CPA

Shane's Story

Director of Finance at ZIEHL-ABEGG Inc.

Holding active CPA licenses in both North Carolina and Pennsylvania, Shane is deeply committed to advancing the profession. He serves on the Corporate Finance Steering Committee and the High School Scholarship Committee for the Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA), where he helps support and inspire the next generation of accounting leaders.

Passionate about scaling domestic manufacturing and making financial insights accessible to all, Shane is known for his ability to bridge the gap between financial data and strategic decision-making. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time in his garden—finding balance and creativity in nurturing things that grow.

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Janelle Shipotofsky, CPA

Janelle's Story

CPA at Bell & Associates PLLC

Janelle has been a CPA for one year and takes great pride in reaching this milestone! A New Jersey native, she began her academic journey at Nova Southeastern University before transferring to Wingate University, where she earned both her undergraduate and master’s degrees while competing in cross country and track.

Outside of work, Janelle enjoys life with her two pets, Apollo and Rocky, and is passionate about continuing to grow her expertise and contribute to North Carolina’s accounting community.

Faith Rives Gaster Headshot

Faith Rives Gaster

Faith's Story

Tax Supervisor at DMJPS PLLC

A proud native of Sanford, North Carolina, Faith Gaster began her journey with DMJPS in 2020 as an intern and has grown steadily within the firm ever since. After graduating from Campbell University, she transitioned into a full-time role and now serves as a Tax Supervisor. Throughout her time at DMJPS, Faith has supported clients across a wide range of industries and continues to deepen her professional expertise.

Currently just one exam away from earning her CPA license, Faith embodies perseverance, leadership, and a strong commitment to growth. Colleagues describe her as someone who leads by example—mentoring newer staff, embracing innovation, and demonstrating unwavering integrity and work ethic. Her mindset of “never stop learning” guides her professional development and inspires others around her.

Beyond the numbers, Faith’s authentic leadership and dedication to her community make her a standout young professional in North Carolina’s accounting field.

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Carmen Daniels

Carmen's Story

Accounting Specialist at Alpine Intel LLC

With nearly 14 years of experience in the accounting field, Carmen Daniels has built her career on a foundation of resilience, determination, and a genuine passion for the profession. Starting as a summer clerical assistant, she quickly excelled under the mentorship of her supervisor, eventually taking on two of the company’s largest accounts. Today, Carmen thrives on teamwork, supporting her colleagues through research, data analysis, and innovative problem-solving approaches. Her mantra, “One team, one goal—if one wins, we all win,” exemplifies her collaborative spirit.

Carmen Daniels Accounting Specialist at Alpine Intel LLC Carmen finds joy in accounting and embraces challenges as opportunities for growth. A natural leader with a kind heart, she views her authenticity and creativity as her superpowers. These traits, coupled with her unwavering commitment to excellence, have made her an invaluable member of her team.

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Lorin Hartley, CPA

Lorin's Story

Assurance Supervisor at DMJPS PLLC

Lorin is deeply engaged in her community, serving as Treasurer of The Arc of Greensboro. Her strong work ethic, integrity, and leadership have made her a key player in her firm’s efforts to recruit, train, and mentor young accountants. Always displaying a positive attitude, she is a go-to resource within the firm for networking and client relations. Lorin is also highly regarded for her advocacy for the profession, particularly in her work with college students.

Originally from South Florida, Lorin moved to Greensboro in 2019 and works as an Assurance Supervisor at DMJPS PLLC. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance from Florida State University and a Master of Science in Accounting from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. She became a licensed CPA in July 2023.

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Nick Leone, CPA

Nick's Story

Director at The Siegfried Group

Nick has been a professional resource at The Siegfried Group for 8 years! Prior to this, he spent 6 years at Time Warner Cable’s Corporate Accounting Department after beginning his career at KPMG. Outside of work, Nick enjoys golfing, traveling, and the Carolina Panthers!

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Angela M. House, MAcc

Angela's Story

Associate, Assurance at DMJPS PLLC

Hailing from Sanford, NC, Angela took a bold step, pivoting from a career in Pharmacy to dive headfirst into the accounting world. Her journey is a testament to her resilience and determination, showcasing her ability to navigate the rigorous demands of a Masters of Accounting program at UNC Chapel Hill’s Kenan-Flagler School of Business, all while embracing the joys and challenges of being a mother to two young children under the age of two and working full-time! 

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Meredith Schultz, CPA

Meredith's Story

Manager, ESG Controllership & Technical Accounting at The Clorox Company

Meredith’s journey into the ESG field has been an exciting adventure, showcasing the interrelation between accounting and sustainability. She enjoys the constant learning and collaboration with talented colleagues in this interdisciplinary field. Her educational foundation, with undergraduate and graduate degrees from NC State University, has been instrumental in her impactful career at Clorox, where she continues to drive meaningful change in the company’s ESG initiatives.

WHO IS AN “EXTRAORDINARY” YOUNG PROFESSIONAL?

The Cabinet describes an extraordinary young accounting professional as someone who exhibits excellence in the profession through one or more of the following areas:

  • Community Outreach/ Engagement/Volunteering
  • Networking and Engagement within the Profession
  • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
  • Advocacy
  • Leadership
  • Mentorship
  • Work Ethic
  • Integrity, Character, and Grit

The Cabinet encourages professionals to take this opportunity to acknowledge the contributions of your team and/or yourself.

Interested in nominating someone for
a Young Professional Spotlight?

Want to be a part of the
Young Professionals Cabinet?

Questions about the Young Professionals Cabinet or application? Please contact staff liaisons Holly Bazemore or Mackenzie Williams

Cabinet Leadership 

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Jessica Saggus White, CPA Headshot
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Christa Foy, CPA
Chair

Cherry Bekaert, LLP 
Central Piedmont (Charlotte)
Connect with Christa on LinkedIn

Jessica Saggus White, CPA
Vice Chair
Forvis Mazars, LLP 

Central Piedmont (Charlotte)
Connect with Jessica on LinkedIn

Juan Vigoya, CPA
Succession Planning Subcommittee Chair
Gilbarco Veeder-Root

Triangle (Durham)
Connect with Juan on LinkedIn

Katie Patterson, CDFA
Foundation Liaison
Bell & Associates PLLC

Central Piedmont (Charlotte)
Connect with Katie on LinkedIn

2023-2026 Class

Joe Baker Headshot

Joe Baker, CPA
Oracle
Central Piedmont (Charlotte)
Connect with Joe on LinkedIn

CF Headshot

Christa Foy, CPA
Cherry Bekaert, LLP
Central Piedmont (Charlotte)
Connect with Christa on LinkedIn

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Emily Dooley, CPA
James A. Lucas and Company, LLP
Triangle (Raleigh)

Connect with Emily on LinkedIn

Aimee Jobe Head Shot

Aimee Jobe, CPA
Forvis Mazars, LLP
Central Piedmont (Charlotte)
Connect with Aimee on LinkedIn

Taylor Dill Headshot

Taylor Newsom, CPA
Cherry Bekaert, LLP
Triangle (Wake Forest)
Connect with Taylor on LinkedIn

John Pujals, CPA Headshot

John Pujals, CPA
Halifax Group
Triangle (Raleigh)
Connect with John on LinkedIn

Mike Trefzger Head Shot

Mike Trefzger, CPA
Stancil PC
Triangle (Raleigh)
Connect with Mike on LinkedIn

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Juan Vigoya, CPA
Gilbarco Veeder-Root
Triangle (Durham)
Connect with Juan on LinkedIn

2024-2027 Class

Justin-Allen

Justin Allen, CPA
Smith Leonard, PLLC
Western NC (Hickory)

Madison Bell Headshot

Madison Bell, CPA
Forvis Mazars, LLP 
Triangle (Raleigh)
Connect with Madison on LinkedIn

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Brendan A. Garay, CPA
Fisher, P.A.
Central Piedmont (Charlotte)
Connect with Brendan on LinkedIn

Rashel Korte Headshot

Rashel Korte, CPA
Enact MI 
Triangle (Raleigh)
Connect with Rashel on LinkedIn

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Cody Ellison, CPA
CliftonLarsonAllen
Triangle (Raleigh)
Connect with Cody on LinkedIn

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Katie F. Patterson, CDFA
Bell & Associates PLLC
Central Piedmont (Charlotte)
Connect with Katie on LinkedIn

Jessica Saggus White, CPA Headshot

Jessica Saggus White, CPA
Forvis Mazars, LLP
Central Piedmont (Charlotte)
Connect with Jessica on LinkedIn

Rik Ujaan Headshot

Rik Ujaan, CPA
Wake Forest University
Triad (Winston-Salem)
Connect with Rik on LinkedIn

2025-2028 Class

Alexis Feight Headshot

Alexis Feight, CPA
EY
Triangle (Rolesville)
Connect with Alexis on LinkedIn

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Lorin Hartley, CPA
DMJPS PLLC
Triad (Greensboro)
Connect with Lorin on LinkedIn

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Dr. Gabrielle Juba, CPA, CFE
Juba Forensics PLLC
Western NC (Brevard)
Connect with Gabi on LinkedIn

Marie Lyons Headshot

Marie Lyons, CPA
Forza CPA, PLLC
Triangle (Wake Forest)
Connect with Marie on LinkedIn

Jessica-Robinson-CPA

Jessica Robinson, CPA
DMJPS PLLC
Eastern NC (Southern Pines)
Connect with Jessica on LinkedIn

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James Benjamin Stevens, Jr., CPA (Jay)
PwC
Central Piedmont (Charlotte)
Connect with Jay on LinkedIn

Dylan Tuttle, CPA

Dylan Tuttle, CPA
Bernard Robinson & Company, LLP
Triad (Mayoden)
Connect with Dylan on LinkedIn

Trent-Williams-CPA

Trent Williams, CPA
Hog Slat, Inc.
Eastern NC (Dunn)
Connect with Trent on LinkedIn

Ready to level up your skills as a professional and advocate for young professionals in accounting?