The Iowa Society of CPAs (ISCPA) has appointed Carrie Steffen as its next CEO, effective 19 May.
Steffen, who has more than 25 years of experience in the accounting profession, will succeed Dawn Latham.
Latham resigned from the position in November.
A committee of current and past ISCPA executive committee board members engaged a local executive search company to assist in the recruitment process.
Steffen’s most recent role was as co-founder and president of the Whetstone Group. Before her tenure there, she served as a national marketing director for RSM US.
She is a former president and current member of the CPA Consultants’ Alliance (CPACA) and holds various positions within the National Association for Accounting Marketing (AAM).
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By GlobalDataThese include board member, treasurer, finance committee chair and education committee chair.
Steffen said: “CPAs have so many incredible opportunities, and while the accounting landscape is changing quickly, what remains the same is that people are at the heart of the profession. I am excited to work together with the ISCPA team and its board of directors to support both current and future CPAs in pursuing their passions.
“Also, as a vocal advocate for the accounting profession, I am eager to help ISCPA become a leader in solving some of the profession’s most pressing challenges.”
Ardis Kelley, a former executive at the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines and an ISCPA member, has been serving as interim CEO since Latham’s departure.
Kelley will continue in this capacity until 19 May and will support the organisation thereafter to ensure a seamless transition.
ISCPA chair Erik Bonstrom said: “I also want to thank Ardis Kelley for her excellent leadership as ISCPA’s interim CEO. Ardis successfully led a significant legislative initiative for an alternative pathway to becoming a CPA in Iowa while also stabilising the organisation, supporting staff and positioning ISCPA for continued success.”
Earlier this month, Senate lawmakers in Iowa passed legislation launching a new pathway for CPA licensure.
This is expected to enable candidates to become licensed with a bachelor’s degree, two years of accounting work experience and after passing the CPA exam.
