Mandy Parris

Market Executive – JPMorgan Chase Bank & Public Member – INCPAS Board of Directors

You are a public member of the INCPAS Board of Directors, which means you are not a CPA, but you work closely with the profession. How are you able to contribute to developing the future vision of the CPA profession? 
My goal is to share the perspective of someone who works closely with CPAs to highlight things less obvious to someone who is a CPA. I focus on communicating the perception of the CPA profession in the broader business community and raising awareness of the areas important to businesses and other centers of influence that interact with CPAs. As a board, we are able to collaborate and share ideas about the business environment, and workforce and generational concerns that impact a variety of industries, including the CPA profession. I’m so grateful to serve alongside so many amazing people on the board and the INCPAS leadership team. I appreciate the incredibly thoughtful approach we take as an organization to ensure the long-term success of the CPA profession.

You recently scaled a 23-story building in downtown Indianapolis to raise money for the United Way of Central Indiana (UWCI). How did you get involved with the Over the Edge campaign and what pushed you to do something so courageous? 
My engagement with UWCI began around the time I started my career at JPMorgan Chase during their giving campaign—over 20 years ago! My connectivity has evolved over the years, including participating in their Leadership United program and, most recently, joining their board of directors. My greatest motivation to participate in Over the Edge was my colleague, Pamela Anderson, who has participated three times and whose passion is inspirational; I couldn’t say no to her or this cause!

How else are you involved in the community? 
Community involvement is very important to me. I recently completed two terms with Circle City Prep, a K–6 charter school on the Far Eastside of Indianapolis. I also serve as a board member for Goodwill of Central and Southern Indiana. I was drawn to Goodwill during my participation in the Stanley K. Lacy (SKL) Executive Leadership Series (Class XL!). I am also committed to serving in my church, Mount Pleasant Christian Church, with my entire family.

What is your favorite part of your job? 
The people—my colleagues, clients and all of the individuals I get to interact with in and around the business community. I’m also grateful for the opportunity to mentor others and give back because there are so many colleagues who have poured time and energy into my life over the years.

What’s your favorite (or most used) app and why? 
BlackBerry Work, a mobile productivity app for teams. I’m committed to being available for my team and clients.

How do you unwind after a busy day? Any hobbies? 
I have two teenage daughters and they are incredibly active, so I enjoy watching all their various athletic events. It’s currently golf season, so I’m touring Central Indiana and walking the course to watch them. To ensure I also focus on myself, I start my mornings either running or biking, take long runs on the weekend with a friend, and I love to go boating with my family in the summer.

What is your favorite podcast? 
I really enjoy “Business Wars” but have been binging “Crime Junkies” recently.