AICPA names Jan Lewis as new chair

The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) has appointed Jan Lewis as its new chair for a one-year term.

She will simultaneously chair the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants, the joint body of the AICPA and the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants.

Lewis was elected to the voluntary post by the AICPA’s governing council.

In her acceptance speech, she said: “We are part of a profession with a long legacy of integrity, adaptability and innovation. With that legacy comes responsibility to keep earning trust and to help shape what comes next.

“I am incredibly grateful for the trust you have placed in me, and I am excited about what the year ahead holds.”

During her tenure, Lewis will focus on helping shape the profession’s future, working closely with members to align the organisation’s “vision, strategy and direction” for success.

She will emphasise the certified public accountant’s (CPA) role in providing “clarity, reliability and sound judgment” and in acting as a trusted adviser grounded in ethics, quality and the public interest.

Lewis also intends to promote measured adoption of emerging technologies such as AI, aimed at improving efficiency and insight while preserving judgement, scepticism and accountability.

Her agenda includes expanding entry routes into the profession, supporting future CPAs and chartered global management accountant designation holders, and reinforcing lifelong learning and professional connectivity.

AICPA CEO Mark Koziel said: “Jan brings a deep understanding of what makes this profession strong, its commitment to trust, its ability to evolve and its focus on people.

“Her leadership reflects what we are hearing from our members and across the profession: focus on balancing innovation with responsibility, invest in the next generation and stay closely connected to the needs of our members.”

Lewis previously served as AICPA vice-chair and has held several other volunteer roles.

Following her appointment, BPM chief strategy officer Lindsay Stevenson has been elected as the AICPA’s new vice-chair.