The Kentucky CPA Journal

Cover

KyCPA Annual Members Meeting

Issue 2
July 30, 2025

On June 13, the KyCPA Leadership Luncheon and Annual Members meeting took place at the Olmsted in Louisville. 

The luncheon included keynote speaker Todd Sloves, the AICPA Director of Congressional and Political Affairs. 

Olivia Davis, 2024-2025 KyCPA Board Chair, thanked the other members of the KyCPA Board for their service and leadership and recognized the following Board members whose terms ended on June 30, 2025:

• McKale High
• Lori Klumpp
• Kayla Gremillion (2023-2024 KyCPA Board Chair)
• Neil Patton

Davis recognized the recipients of the 2024-2025 Outstanding Committee Chair Award:

Christy Burge, Women's Initiative Task Force

Jo Coffey, Accounting Career Opportunities Committee

Mindy Heck, Nonprofit Committee and Employee Benefit Plans Committee

Simon Keemer, Accounting and Auditing Committee

Sarah Kerrick, Women's Initiative Task Force

Vicki Romanko, Members in Industry Committee

Davis reported on the progress towards the the passage of the STEM Accounting Pursuit Act and the STEM Education in Accounting Act. H.R. 3541 was introduced to the U.S. House and S. 1705 was introduced to the U.S. Senate. The bills authorize the use of federal Student Support and Academic Enrichment grants to develop and strengthen accounting programs in elementary and secondary schools, with a focus on increasing access for students from underrepresented groups. The legislation emphasizes early exposure to accounting as a career path, aiming to diversify and strengthen the future accounting workforce. Both bills were referred to their respective committees for consideration.

Davis wrapped up her year as KyCPA Board Chair by thanking the many volunteers whose efforts are shaping the future of the Society and the CPA profession, then introduced Lee Ann Watters, the 2025-2026 KyCPA Board chair. (Click here to read the Member spotlight featuring Watters.)

Watters thanked Davis for her service and presented her with the Chair plaque and pin.

Then she introduced the 2025-2026 KyCPA Board members and lined out the Board's focus and goals for this coming year. 

KyCPA Board of Directors 2025–2026 focus and goals

1. Strengthening the CPA pipeline

• Support for the STEM Accounting Pursuit Act: Continued advocacy for legislation aimed at expanding the accounting talent pipeline.

• Accounting Pipeline Task Force:

  • Ongoing work from the task force, led by Amanda Biven, which was originally created to evaluate licensure pathways and UAA amendments.

  • Emphasis on the shared responsibility of all CPAs in addressing the pipeline shortage.

  • Guidance offered to the profession:

    • Be mindful of how you portray the CPA profession.

    • Share your personal "why" for being a CPA.

    • Stay informed on licensing changes and pipeline developments.

2. Membership growth and retention

• Value proposition of membership:

  • Showcase benefits for CPAs across all sectors (industry, government, nonprofit, education and public practice).

  • Highlight how collective member expertise gives KyCPA credibility in advocacy.

• Advocacy engagement:

  • Continue strong involvement at the state and federal levels on tax, licensure and business issues.

  • Active participation encouraged—members urged to respond to calls to action.

3. Enhanced member benefits

Click here to view all member benefits.

• New in 2025–26:

  • Members-Only Mega CPE Day: Free seven-hour virtual event on August 14 for members whopay this year's dues before the event. (Easy registration and dues payment available online.) 
  • Members-Only KyCPA Town Hall Series: Our first KyCPA Town Hall is on August 21 for members who pay this year's dues before the event. (Easy registration and dues payment available online.) The August KyCPA Town Hall will focus on the new Tax Portal with the Department of Revenue including a demo of the new update and information about the initial rollout.
    Note: KyCPA Town Halls will be held the third Thursday of each month. Upcoming topics and speakers will be available soon. Watch your email or click here to register.

4. Fostering community and relationships

Watters emphasized the intangible benefits of membership—especially the professional relationships and sense of community built through KyCPA involvement.

The KyCPA Board of Directors will convene in early August for their annual strategic planning session. Be sure to check your email and upcoming publications for exciting new initiatives and ways to connect with fellow CPAs.