Society
Connecting Across Kentucky: A Year of Engagement and Outreach
Issue 2
July 30, 2025
Throughout the 2024–2025 fiscal year, the Kentucky Society of CPAs (KyCPA) made it a top priority to connect with members, students, educators, firms, and businesses across the Commonwealth. With more than 440 touchpoints across more than 50 cities, KyCPA’s presence was felt in communities large and small. These visits served many purposes—from advancing the CPA pipeline to strengthening relationships with current and future members.
Strengthening the CPA pipeline: Engaging students and educators
A key focus this year was investing in the future of the accounting profession. KyCPA staff made 11 campus visits to nine colleges and universities, speaking directly with accounting students about the CPA Exam, the benefits of KyCPA membership, and the rewarding opportunities within the profession. These events inspired and informed the next generation of CPAs.
In addition, KyCPA hosted the College to Accounting Professional University event, where 32 college accounting students from 11 schools came together for a multi-day experience focused on career exploration and soft skills development. The event was designed to bridge the gap between education and professional success, leaving students better prepared for the transition into the workforce.
To further support academic institutions, KyCPA held meetings with numerous college accounting faculty and administrators to discuss the evolving landscape of accounting education and ways to collaborate on strengthening curriculum and engagement.
Outreach efforts also extended to high schools. Staff visited classrooms to introduce students to accounting as a career path, while also meeting with high school teachers through advisory boards and other forums to ensure that educators have the tools and support they need to promote the profession to their students.
Building member relationships statewide
While pipeline initiatives were a critical focus, they were just one of the many reasons KyCPA staff hit the road. Member engagement remains at the heart of everything we do, and staff made consistent efforts to maintain personal connections with CPAs across the state.
A key component of that engagement included visits to 36 different 100% Champion firms and businesses in 11 cities. These organizations demonstrate their commitment to the profession by ensuring all eligible CPA employees are members of KyCPA. Our visits recognized and celebrated that commitment while also providing a chance to connect face-to-face.
During the 2025 tax season, KyCPA staff traveled to 57 cities to deliver goody bags to 204 locations—a simple but heartfelt way to show appreciation for the tireless work of tax professionals during their busiest time of year.
In addition to these visits, KyCPA staff made 111 visits, meetings, and drop-ins to firms and companies in 22 cities to cultivate member relationships, provide updates on Society initiatives, and explore opportunities to support firms and companies in new ways.
Opportunities to learn and network
Throughout the year, KyCPA hosted a variety of in-person events across the state to promote learning, networking, and professional growth. These included:
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7 lunch events providing informal opportunities to connect and engage with fellow members.
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3 emerging professional events tailored to those in the early stages of their careers.
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5 Professional Issues and Ethics Updates held in four different cities, where members received essential updates and insights.
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9 conferences that offered in-person attendance in three different cities, delivering CPE and professional development close to home.
Looking ahead
The 2024–2025 year has been one of meaningful connection, partnership and progress. Whether it was encouraging a high school student to consider accounting, engaging college students on their career path, or thanking a member firm for their support, every visit and meeting reinforced the value of community within the profession.
KyCPA remains committed to being a visible and active presence throughout the state—supporting our members, championing the CPA profession and inspiring the next generation.
Stay connected and get involved
KyCPA is always looking for ways to engage with members and support the profession across Kentucky. Here’s how you can get involved:
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Want a visit from KyCPA? If you’d like KyCPA to visit your firm or company, contact Brittany McGill at bmcgill@kycpa.org to schedule a time.
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Support the next generation: Make arrangements with your local high school(s) to host a presentation during the November 2025 Accounting Opportunities Experience—a month-long initiative to introduce students to careers in accounting. [Find out more here].
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Engage with colleges: If you're interested in presenting to accounting students or would like KyCPA to visit your college, reach out to Zoe Sapin at zsapin@kycpa.org.
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Connect with your peers: Don’t miss the chance to attend an upcoming member networking lunch or a Professional Issues and Ethics Update near you.
Together, we can continue to build a stronger profession and inspire the CPAs of tomorrow.