Courtney Kincaid, CAE
The Society welcomed new president & CEO Courtney Kincaid, CAE, in early June. Though she has a new title, she’s not a new face. She has been with the Society for nearly 15 years.
Courtney shared, “I’m honored to be named the Society’s president & CEO. By working closely with our staff and board of directors, and leaning on what I’ve learned from years of strong organizational leadership, I know we are well positioned to help members—and all Indiana CPAs—to emerge from this challenging 18 month period and capitalize on new, exciting opportunities.”
Fresh out of Indiana University with majors in journalism and sociology, Courtney started working at INCPAS in 2006 as a communications specialist. She spent the next two years working behind-the-scenes, learning what made members tick and what resources were necessary for their professional success.
While she initially intended to be in marketing for the long-haul, that role ended up being a short-term layover. She realized she wanted to stay in the association realm but branch out at INCPAS. She decided to pursue her master’s with a focus on nonprofit management, graduated from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Institute of Organization Management program, and earned a Certified Association Executive (CAE) credential.
“Those of us who work as association executives have a running joke: ‘What did you think you were going to do when you graduated?’” Courtney said. “It’s funny because NO ONE thinks they were going to run an association. But, it’s a hidden treasure full of members who are dedicated, smart and giving. Plus, there is always the opportunity for growth. The culture supports and values lifelong learning, adaptation and innovation; there has never been a reason to leave. INCPAS and I have evolved side-by-side.”
Over the course of her tenure at INCPAS, she served in multiple capacities: as membership and volunteer manager, then senior manager of member services, then director of membership and engagement, and—her last stop before president & CEO—as the vice president of strategic initiatives.
“Serving in my previous roles enabled me to see how our programs and services were structured operationally,” she said. “As we created new strategies, it was often necessary to pivot how we did things so we could successfully realign to meet member needs’ in their ever-changing environment.”
She also noted that, as a mission-driven organization, strategic initiatives are primarily a matter of fine-tuning goals and internal resources—not a complete overhaul of the strategy itself. However, even minor adjustments still require in-depth collaboration with the INCPAS Board of Directors and staff in order to be successful. As she stepped into her role as president & CEO, she did so with experience working with the key stakeholders.
Operational changes often come with growing pains, but they are still necessary. These changes are what has kept INCPAS relevant and delivering value to members for over 100 years.
“One of my strengths is leading everyone through change,” she said. “Operational changes often come with growing pains, but they are still necessary. These changes are what has kept INCPAS relevant and delivering value to members for over 100 years.”
A change she did struggle with was social distancing this past year, when she and the INCPAS team went from seeing members in-person daily to not getting to see them at all. Before that, members would frequently come to the office for CPE, volunteer work on committees or sometimes even just to visit—face-to-face interactions that served as an ongoing reminder of INCPAS’ mission.
“Members are the reason we’re here,” she said. “They work so hard alongside us to give back. They are invested and want to make sure the CPA profession is living up to be all it can be.”
As Courtney helps guide staff and member efforts, she will keep the Society’s strategic plan on the forefront.
As Courtney helps guide staff and member efforts, she will keep the Society’s strategic plan on the forefront. Its four key focus areas are: Advocacy, Changing Role, Emerging Technology and Talent Pipeline. Of note is that the last year has actually sped up successes in areas that were previously slow to progress—particularly with organizations adopting new technology and modernizing their workforce expectations.
“What I want members to know about my vision as president & CEO is that I’m not new. I’m new to you. I’m new to this role. But I’ve been working with the profession for my entire professional career,” she said. “I’m committed to our existing strategic plan. I believe technology is revolutionizing the profession. The role CPAs play in business is changing. It’s not just about compliance. Members are moving into advisory positions and the pandemic only served as a catalyst for this change. As an association, we can best help our members by sharing the opportunities they can seize for both short- and long-term success.”
From the Desk of Courtney Kincaid
Personal notes about her life outside of work
FAMILY: Husband, Ryan, and sons Archer (8) and Fletcher (5)
HOMETOWN: Richmond, Indiana
FIRST JOB: My family owned the town bakery growing up. In fact, they bought it the year I was born. I was lucky to be born into an ideal “first” job that lasted for six years (ages 14–20).
HOBBIES: Traveling, boating, sailing and home renovations—our house was built in 1923, so we’ve been slowly but surely remodeling.
FAVORITE PART OF 2020: Dare I say there was a lot about 2020 I actually liked? I try to be a glass-half-full person; to me, I saw 2020 as a chance to slow down and be intentional with those I love. We might (hopefully?) never have that opportunity again.
NEW HOBBIES FROM 2020: My sister-in-law and I played innumerable games—I keep our score and deck of cards always at the ready in my purse.
FUN FACT: My husband has a thing for unique, old cars and I suppose I like riding around town in them. You might catch us in our 1958 MGA or 1974 VW Thing if the weather’s right.
FAVORITE PODCASTS RIGHT NOW: I’ve spent the last six months listening to the West Wing Weekly podcast. It sounds weird, I know. But, it’s really interesting and the hosts are hilarious and make me laugh out loud. Plus, I’m learning a lot! I’m also known to be a true crime junkie.