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January 2026 IN THIS ISSUE: ► Leading the Charge: How Firms Are Embracing AI Innovations

News from your accounting association

► Preferred Provider Spotlight - 8am CPACharge ► Marketing Roundtable ► Member News

Leading the Charge: How Firms Are Embracing AI Innovations

► CPAmerica Insights Grace Horvath

Interview with Rich Craig, 415 Group, and Lesley Hargraves, Maxwell, Locke & Ritter In the rapidly expanding artificial intelligence (AI) space, firms are working hard to ensure they are keeping innovation top-of-mind. There are many ways in which your firm can take the plunge on implementing AI tools and resources to save time and continue meeting growing client needs. Custom-created AI chatbots, utilizing the various Crowe Global GPTs and automating tasks are just a few of the ways members are making steps towards innovation. Working in partnership with Crowe Global, CPAmerica is offering member firms access to the OpenAI ChatGPT Enterprise subscription at a discounted rate. This grants firms access to Crowe Global’s expertlycrafted GPTs in a variety of niches, including tax (state and local, individual, corporate), audit and assurance (risk management, GAAP, GAS), and mergers and acquisitions (legal and financial document analyzer), just to name a few. Rich Craig, managing partner of 415 Group, headquartered in Canton, Ohio, has been utilizing many AI-related tools in their day-today business. These “digital workers” have significantly helped their team to cut down on time. “Working with the Crowe chatbots has been really helpful to us; it does detailed Rich Craig research, providing backend code and regulations, you just have to verify the data,” said Craig. “By having access to the enterprise level GPTs, we can now upload documents, tax returns, letters of intent, opposing expert reports, and anything else you’re working on into the system, and it’s all

secure.” At 415 Group, managers and above have the ability to use the full extent of the Crowe GPTs, what Craig has referred to as “Crowebots.” In addition, the firm has worked over the last year with CPAmerica Preferred Provider, alliant, on building custom chatbots for some intern processes. “We had alliant build a Form 8879 automation for us,” said Craig. “That has helped us replace some internal bodies with an automated system that collects signatures, releases documents, and rolls over our text and due date system, once everything has been approved by the IRS.” Lesley Hargraves, audit partner at Maxwell, Locke & Ritter (MLR), headquartered in Austin, Texas, has also been working on their firm’s AI capabilities and innovations. MLR has also been using Crowe Global’s GPTs and has had custom tools built by alliant. “Utilizing AI has been on our radar for a while, and at least the last Lesley Hargraves couple of years we’ve been making true strides,” said Hargraves. “Our goal in 2026 is to bring more firmwide AI awareness and training. We need to know how to use these tools, and we need to use them to do our job better. That’s our focus for moving forward.” “Next month we’re bringing in Juan Carlos Lara from Crowe Global for a two-day AI bootcamp workshop with our team. Using the Crowe-developed tools has been such a great resource right now when we’re all just scrambling to learn and keep up. So it’s been

nice to have that support available,” continued Hargraves. Hargraves emphasized the importance of individuals at MLR getting comfortable using these AI tools. With more than 170 people firmwide, everyone has a different comfort level with change and technology, so adoption is their biggest struggle. In 2026, they’re hoping to build a subset of people who are regularly using the tools to power what they’re doing really well, while keeping that peoplefirst client service at the forefront. Custom-built chatbots, like 415 Group’s “April” or Maxwell, Locke & Ritter’s “Ask MLR” are resources for staff members to find information like HR policies, PTO information, internal processes, the company handbook and more. These tools can be used in conjunction with the Crowe Global GPTs, and utilized by all team members, based on the necessary level of security. To ensure team members feel comfortable with using AI tools and the Crowe chatbots, 415 Group has implemented “Coffee with Chat” meetings twice a month. Through these meetings, team members can ask questions, share ideas and prompts that have worked for them, and even share what hasn’t worked great for them. Craig said that about 40 percent of the firm attends these meetings. Both Craig and Hargraves agree that it is crucial to have an AI champion at the firm to lead the cause, and to have discussions with other fellow CPAmerica member firms to understand additional use cases and adoption models. They also both mentioned making sure that the GPT is checking its work and not hallucinating data, taking the tools to the next level, thinking like a partner. At CPAmerica, we recently introduced the See Innovation, continued on page 2

CPAmerica Advantage | January 2026 | 2

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Continued from Innovation, on page 1

member-exclusive AI prompt library. Through this AI prompt library, members have access to a growing collection of AI prompts designed specifically for accounting firms and professional services. Whether you’re building proposals, client communications, marketing content, advisory insights, training materials, or technical documentation, great prompts save time and deliver better results. Scan the QR code to the right to access the

CPAmerica AI Prompt Library.

Scan here for the AI Prompt Library

To get in contact with the individuals featured in this article, contact Rich Craig at RCraig@415group.com and Lesley Hargraves at LHargraves@mlrpc.com.

Marketing Roundtable

Rancho Mirage, California | May 20-21 The Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Resort & Spa

What’s Ahead for 2026 Your CPAmerica Benefits & Resources Sharing Call January 14 | 1-2pm ET

Start your year off right with CPAmerica! Join our 2026 CPAmerica Sharing Call to learn about upcoming events, webinars, Preferred Provider benefits and much more. You’ll hear from the CPAmerica team along with fellow members on these various CPAmerica resources. Call highlights include: 2026 conferences & meetings, webinars, LMS powered by LCvista, Center of Excellence, Preferred Provider benefits, surveys, Crowe Global and more!

Enhance your marketing strategies, connect with peers, and address your unique challenges at the 2026 Marketing Roundtable. This year’s agenda features sessions related to strategic planning, leadership, business development, member sharing by firm size, and more. In addition to your fellow members, attendees will enjoy two sessions with Gary Thomson (Thomson Consulting LLC) about marketing’s critical role in guiding firms through change. We’ll also have plenty of time for collaboration during our networking dinner (included in registration) and member sharing by firm size.

Upcoming Event Dates Scan this QR code for complete 2026 event information, a full list of events and to complete your registration.

CPAmerica Advantage | January 2026 | 3

Stephano Slack LLC expands its Delaware presence with merger of Boyer & Boyer CPA and announces a new strategic advisor Stephano Slack LLC, a premier regional accounting firm offering comprehensive outsourced accounting, audit, tax, and transaction advisory services, is pleased to announce its merger with Boyer & Boyer CPA, a well-established accounting firm based in Wilmington, Del. Through this merger, the Boyer & Boyer team will join Stephano Slack’s Wilmington office, while continuing to operate from their existing Middletown, Del., location, ensuring seamless service and accessibility for clients throughout the region. “Joining forces with Stephano Slack marks an exciting new chapter for our clients,” said Donald Boyer, CPA, founding partner of Boyer & Boyer CPA. “This merger lets us continue providing the personalized service our clients value while offering expanded resources and support.” “Expanding our presence in Delaware through this merger is an important step for Stephano Slack,” said Michael Stephano, CPA, founder and managing partner. “We are thrilled to welcome the Boyer & Boyer team and continue delivering exceptional service across the Tri-State area.” Additionally, Wayne Kaplan has joined Stephano Slack as senior strategic advisor to the firm, bringing over 35 years of public accounting leadership and strategic insight to support the firm’s continued growth and excellence in client service. Kaplan previously served as office managing partner for Grant Thornton’s Philadelphia office, where he led largescale cross-functional teams and oversaw significant market expansion, while Wayne Kaplan representing a large diverse client base of privately held and public companies. Most recently, he served as an Advisory Board member and interim chief financial officer at Makosi. In his new advisory role, Kaplan will work closely with Stephano Slack’s audit and accounting leadership team to advance strategic initiatives, strengthen quality and efficiency, and help guide the firm’s next phase of growth.

Cooper Norman, PLLC announces three new partners Cooper Norman, PLLC, one of the largest Idaho-based advisory and CPA firms, has announced three new partners: Sheldon Anderson, CPA, Tyson Bingham, CPA and Thomas Ryan, CPA. Anderson works with

businesses and selfemployed individuals across a wide range of industries. He provides strategic tax planning and advisory services that help clients gain clarity and confidence in their financial Sheldon Anderson decisions. Prior to joining Cooper Norman, Anderson worked at Eide Bailly in Boise, Idaho, where he gained valuable experience in public accounting and served a diverse group of clients. Tyson Bingham Bingham has worked in various roles at Cooper Norman over the last 12 years, starting in Tax and Audit before transitioning to Client Accounting Services. He has worked with a variety of industries, with a concentrated Thomas Ryan focus on agriculture, construction, and medical practices. Bingham is passionate about helping clients improve their processes and providing valuable insights that enable businesses to grow and operate more efficiently. Ryan joined Cooper Norman in 2021, and for nearly a decade he has worked on all types of attestations and assurance projects across various industries, with a focus on construction clients. Ryan is passionate about performing quality assurance projects because he takes pride in helping clients improve controls, mitigate risks, and maintain compliance with confidence. He believes strong financial oversight helps organizations build trust and achieve long-term success.

Wegner CPAs announces two new directors Wegner CPAs, a Madison, Wis.-based CPA firm serving clients across the nation, is proud to announce the addition of two new directors. Victoria “Tory” Pitkin, CPA, has joined the firm as director of quality management. With decades of experience in public accounting, Pitkin’s background spans auditing, quality control, Tory Pitkin and firm leadership, and she has worked with clients across a wide range of industries including manufacturing, distribution, nonprofits, real estate, hospitality, and more. In addition to holding degrees in

both accounting and history, Pitkin has served on various committees for the AICPA and state CPA societies, and she brings a passion for precision and process improvement to every engagement! “Wegner immediately stood out amongst all the firms I have experience with for their intense interest in getting to know me as opposed to ticking off lines on a candidate wish list. Every interaction throughout the interview and hiring processes radiated warmth,” shared Pitkin. Additionally, Chris Roche, has joined the firm as director of finance. Roche brings over a decade Chris Roche of experience in public accounting, including both audit and CAS work. “I’ve worked closely with Wegner employees over the last 10 years through mutual clients, and I’ve always admired the firm from afar. Wegner’s commitment to retaining and mentoring staff, along with its dedication to work-life balance, is second to none. When the opportunity arose to join the team, it was a no-brainer,” shared Roche.

LattaHarris, LLP, welcomes new tax manager LattaHarris, LLP, a premier CPA and business consulting firm in the Midwest, is proud to welcome Casey Pence, CPA, as a new tax manager. Pence brings extensive experience in corporate, passthrough, and individual taxation, along with strong expertise in accounting and financial statement preparation. Since starting his career in 2019, Pence has Casey Pence worked with clients across diverse industries—manufacturing, construction, automotive, and consumer products—helping them navigate complex financial challenges with confidence. His ability to understand client needs and deliver tailored solutions makes him an incredible asset to the firm and the businesses they serve.

Whalen CPAs welcomes new member to Assurance Services Wegner CPAs, a full-service CPA firm located in Dublin, Ohio, is pleased to welcome Jackson Cromwell to their Assurance Services Team. Driven by the goal of improving just one percent every day, Cromwell is passionate about building lasting client relationships and being a positive, selfless presence for those around him.

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CPAmerica’s 2026 Goals: Focused Priorities for a Strong Year Ahead As we begin a new year, I am energized by the position CPAmerica is in and confident in the direction we are headed. Our 2026 goals are not a reset; they are a continuation of deliberate work Grace Horvath, grounded in a strategic President & CEO plan that is revisited and refined each year to ensure it remains relevant, achievable, and aligned with the realities facing our member firms. In November, our Board of Directors— both outgoing members who bring critical historical perspective and incoming members who represent the future stewardship of the association—came together with the Executive Leadership Team for our annual strategic planning session. The session was led by Charles Hylan, co-founder of The Growth Partnership and former lead of Inside Public Accounting. Hylan brings a deep understanding of the public accounting profession and, just as importantly, a clear appreciation for how associations operate differently than firms. That balance between outgoing and incoming board members mattered. It ensured continuity without complacency and fresh thinking without losing sight of who we are. Hylan’s guidance helped keep our discussions grounded and practical. Rather than chasing trends or adopting buzzwords, we focused on what truly matters to independent firms and on the role CPAmerica must play to support them. The result was a focused set of priorities that reflect strong consensus, clear direction, and realistic expectations for execution.

A Position of Strength

CPAmerica enters 2026 from a position of strength. Our culture remains one of our greatest assets—defined by collaboration, trust, and a shared commitment to quality. Members consistently tell us that the relationships they build here, the peer-topeer connections, and the ability to share openly with like-minded firms are what differentiate CPAmerica from every other option available to them. Our conferences, training programs, and the Visitation Improvement Program continue to reinforce that value, while our affiliation with Crowe Global enhances both credibility and opportunity. These are not abstract benefits; they are practical advantages that help firms lead more effectively and navigate change

with confidence. At the same time, we are clear-eyed about the environment in which our firms operate. Private equity, consolidation, succession challenges, talent pressures, and advances in technology—particularly AI—are reshaping the profession. These forces do not diminish the importance of CPAmerica; they heighten it. Our priorities are designed to help firms remain strong, independent, and future-ready.

The 2026 Goals: Focused Priorities for a Strong Year Ahead Our 2026 goals are intentionally limited in number to ensure focus and follow-through. 1. Grow Membership—with Quality and Intentionality Growth for growth’s sake is not the objective. Our goal is to add quality firms that align with CPAmerica’s culture, values, and collaborative mindset. Given anticipated attrition across the profession, success in 2026 may mean modest net growth—or maintaining our current roster while strengthening overall engagement. Sustainability, not scale, is the measure. 2. Elevate Member Engagement We will continue to expand how we engage firms beyond the traditional Leading Partner model, creating more meaningful touchpoints for non-partners and emerging leaders. This includes evolving training formats, increasing participation, and defining clearer measures of engagement success. 3. Advance AI as a Strategic Resource AI is already an important part of CPAmerica’s work, and in 2026 we will continue to build on that foundation. Our focus will remain on helping firms better understand how AI can improve operations, client service, and decision-making, while also guiding thoughtful platform selection and responsible use, including continued integration into CPAmerica’s own systems and resources. 4. Transform the Website Past lessons have been instructive. In 2026, we will continue reimagining the CPAmerica website to be intuitive, mobile-friendly, and supported by AI—making it easier for members to find resources, connect with peers, and derive day-to-day value from the association. 5. Deepen the Crowe Relationship We will more intentionally educate members on how Crowe can serve as a strategic resource, helping firms better understand

and leverage that relationship in ways that support independence and long-term success. Our strength as an association is not defined by what we plan, but by what our members actively choose to engage in and build together.

Looking Ahead

These goals are supported by practical action items, including clearer mission and vision statements, defined target-firm profiles, and improved tools for identifying and supporting firms facing succession risk. Importantly, they reflect buy-in from both members and staff—the people responsible for delivering on these commitments. As we move into 2026, our focus is not on doing more, but on doing what matters most. The priorities ahead are ambitious, but they are achievable—and they reinforce the long-term sustainability of CPAmerica. I am grateful to our board, our staff, and our engaged member firms for their continued leadership, trust, and participation. Together, we are building an association our firms never want to leave—and one that continues to get better every year, with member participation serving as the catalyst that turns priorities into progress.

Send feedback and member firm news to: advantage@cpamerica.org