Carrie Minnich, CPA, Macct, reflects on the first half of her term as INCPAS Board Chair.
I can’t believe this is the last month of 2023, which means my time as Chair of the INCPAS Board of Directors is nearly half over. As I reflect on my experience thus far, it’s amazing to think back on all of the things I have been able to be a part of.
Attending AICPA Council meetings in Chicago, Washington, D.C., and Pasadena allowed me to meet CPAs from other states and learn about their initiatives. It was also a pleasure to hear other state societies refer to Indiana as a leader in certain areas. Our meeting in D.C. was especially interesting in that we had the chance to meet with legislators to discuss the key issues impacting the profession, including the fiscal state of the nation, accounting as a STEM profession, tax filing extension “safe harbor,” and expanding 529 plan usage.
Visiting members across the state at the Town Hall meetings in Fort Wayne, South Bend, Evansville, and Indianapolis with INCPAS President & CEO Courtney Kincaid gave me the opportunity to meet many of our members and hear not only their concerns, but also successes.
Taking part in the INCPAS annual board retreat, held in November, serves as testament to the dedicated and intelligent individuals I serve with on the board. All of the Society’s efforts are aligned with the strategic plan, which begins with the strategic planning framework — the mission statement, value proposition, core values, and public interest filters. From there the board has numerous conversations on issues facing the profession and the Society’s role within each. Having board members with different backgrounds and experiences provides representation from all areas of the profession in our discussions. This has also allowed me to learn from other professionals I would likely not have the opportunity to interact with otherwise.
"During this year’s retreat, the topics focused on barriers to the profession, the 150-hour requirement, and CPA license mobility/reciprocity. These issues are not 'light' topics but ones that could significantly impact the future of the profession."
The changing environment and challenges within the profession sometimes create difficult conversations that need to be had. During this year’s retreat, the topics focused on barriers to the profession, the 150-hour requirement, and CPA license mobility/reciprocity. These issues are not “light” topics but ones that could significantly impact the future of the profession. That is why it is so important to understand how the board’s decisions affect our membership.
As the board of a nonprofit, we also must ensure the long-term financial health of the organization so it is able to continue to serve our members by connecting, protecting, and developing all CPAs and aspiring CPAs through trusted relationships and resources. Are we using our resources appropriately? Are we successfully carrying out the mission? Is our membership model effective?
Finally, attending this year’s CPA Celebration and co-emceeing the event with Courtney was a blast! Not to take anything away from prior years’ Celebrations, but this year’s took on a “new” theme that really refreshed the event. It was so inspiring to hear from one of our first INCPAS Scholars, Malayna Pottschmidt, as she shared her journey to become a CPA.
As I wrap up the first half of my term, I look forward to the second half and what is to come. I truly appreciate this opportunity to serve and give back to the profession.