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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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!

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




Christa Foy, CPA
Chair
Cherry Bekaert, LLP | Central Piedmont
Connect with Christa on LinkedIn
Jessica Saggus White, CPA
Vice Chair
Forvis Mazars, LLP | Central Piedmont
Connect with Jessica on LinkedIn
Juan Vigoya, CPA
Succession Planning
Subcommittee Chair
Gilbarco Veeder-Root | Triangle
Connect with Juan on LinkedIn
Katie Patterson, CDFA
Foundation Liaison
Peter Bell PLLC | Central Piedmont
Connect with Katie on LinkedIn
2022-2025 Class

Daryl Beville, CPA
Compass Group North America | Central Piedmont
Connect with Daryl on LinkedIn

Jessica Rhem, CPA, NCLGFO
Town of Apex | Triangle
Connect with Jessica on LinkedIn

Halie Conners, CPA
DMJPS PLLC | Triangle
Connect with Halie on LinkedIn

Devon Parker, CPA
Certified Heating & Air Conditioning | Eastern NC
Connect with Devon on LinkedIn
2023-2026 Class

Joe Baker
Oracle | Central Piedmont
Connect with Joe on LinkedIn

Christa Foy, CPA
Cherry Bekaert, LLP | Central Piedmont
Connect with Christa on LinkedIn

John Pujals, CPA
The Halifax Group | Triangle
Connect with John on LinkedIn

Emily Dooley, CPA
James A. Lucas and Company, LLP | Triangle
Connect with Emily on LinkedIn

Mike Trefzger, CPA
Stancil PC | Triangle
Connect with Mike on LinkedIn

Juan Vigoya, CPA
Gilbarco Veeder-Root | Triangle
Connect with Juan on LinkedIn
2024-2027 Class

Justin Allen, CPA
Smith Leonard, PLLC | Western NC

Madison Bell, CPA
Forvis Mazars, LLP | Triangle
Connect with Madison on LinkedIn

Brendan A. Garay, CPA
Fisher, P.A. | Central Piedmont
Connect with Brendan on LinkedIn

Rashel Korte, CPA
Enact MI | Triangle
Connect with Rashel on LinkedIn

Clay Nowlin, CPA
Aprio, LLP | Western NC
Connect with Clay on LinkedIn

Katie F. Patterson, CDFA
Peter Bell PLLC | Central Piedmont
Connect with Katie on LinkedIn

Jessica Saggus White, CPA
Forvis Mazars, LLP | Central Piedmont
Connect with Jessica on LinkedIn

Rik Ujaan, CPA
Wake Forest University | Triad (Winston-Salem)
Connect with Rik on LinkedIn
Welcoming the Incoming
2025-2028 Class

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

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

Dr. Gabi Juba, CPA, CFE
Walker Glantz | Western NC (Brevard)
Connect with Gabi on LinkedIn

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

Jessica Robinson, CPA
DMJPS PLLC | Triad (Greensboro)
Connect with Jessica on LinkedIn

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

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

Trent Williams, CPA
TRP Sumner PLLC | Eastern NC (Clinton/Dunn)
Connect with Trent on LinkedIn