peekpublishersKey Points:
- The AICPA Leadership Academy has announced the graduation of 36 CPAs from around the country
- The program aims to inspire, nurture, and empower the next generation of diverse CPA leaders
The American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) has announced the graduation of 36 CPAs from its Leadership Academy, a program designed to develop the next generation of CPAs as strong leaders. The Leadership Academy, now in its 15th year, took place from December 11-14 in Durham, N.C. The program aims to inspire, nurture, and empower diverse CPA leaders by providing them with advanced leadership training.
The Leadership Academy includes career development workshops and sessions with prominent leaders in the accounting profession. This year’s guest speakers included AICPA Chair Okorie Ramsey and AICPA President and CEO Barry Melancon. The program is led by Elizabeth Burkhalter, Senior Manager of the AICPA & CIMA Diversity and Inclusion team’s Emerging Professional’s Initiatives.
The program is divided into two parts. The first half focuses on leadership of self, encouraging participants to reflect on their own leadership skills and identify areas for improvement. The second half covers strategic conversations within organizations and in-depth discussions about the accounting profession and the opportunities available to emerging leaders.
The 36 graduates represent a diverse group from 25 states, with participants from various areas of the accounting and finance profession. The group includes individuals from public accounting firms, business and industry, government, not-for-profit organizations, academia, and consulting firms. The average age of the group is 31.
Since its inception, over 510 CPAs have participated in the AICPA Leadership Academy. Many of these individuals have gone on to take on leadership positions in their firms, businesses, and volunteer organizations. The AICPA Leadership Academy is part of the AICPA & CIMA’s efforts to develop a diverse pipeline of future leaders in the accounting profession.
