IOWA CPA - January 2026 by Iowa Society of CPAs

CPA

January 2026

Newsletter from the Iowa Society of CPAs, your primary source for profession-related information

Message from the CEO

Carrie Steffen

s we begin a new year, I want to start with something simple but important: thank you. While I’ve had the privilege of serving as CEO since May, this is my first chance to write to you at the start of a new year — and it feels a bit like the “official” welcome moment. I almost can’t believe that 2025 is in the rearview mirror. I suppose that’s proof that time moves quickly when you’re surrounded by great people doing meaningful work. I’m grateful for the work you do every day for your clients, your organizations, and your communities — and for the integrity and professionalism you bring to the CPA profession.

I’ll also share something personal: stepping into this role has brought change for me in all the ways change usually does. It has been uncomfortable at times, occasionally scary, and completely invigorating. As I’ve reflected on that, I’ve remembered that those feelings are also hallmarks of growth. In facing change in your firm, your organization, or your own career right now, you may feel that same mix of uncertainty, worry and energy. I hope you’ll see it as a signal that you are stretching into something meaningful. The CPA profession is evolving quickly and creating tremendous opportunities for those who are willing to lean in.

ISCPA is your community. Whether you’ve been a CPA for decades, are early in your career or are a student, meaningful relationships matter. This year

the ISCPA team is focused on creating even more opportunities for members in any phase of their journey to come together through conferences, town halls, events, networking gatherings, and specialized communities that bring people together around shared interests and challenges. Our goal is simple: to offer you access to the people and ideas to move your career forward.

Because learning is at the heart of professional confidence, we continue to be laser focused on trends and issues shaping the future of accounting. Expect timely education and resources on evolving standards, ethics and regulatory developments, the changing tax landscape, and the ways artificial intelligence and automation are transforming workflows and advisory services. These trends are not coming “someday.” They are here now. ISCPA will continue to serve as a reliable source of practical education that helps you not only keep up, but also stand out.

Advocacy remains a key pillar of our work — and in 2026, that work is more important than ever. ISCPA will continue to represent Iowa CPAs with a strong voice at the Statehouse and in Washington, D.C. Our advocacy is about profession, not politics. We encourage you to stay engaged and informed. CPAs remain central to a strong and healthy Iowa economy.

from page 1

One of the most significant developments for Iowa CPAs is the implementation of Iowa’s new alternative CPA licensing pathway, which goes into effect July 1 of this year. This is an important step toward strengthening the talent pipeline and expanding access to the profession while maintaining the rigor and trust that the CPA designation represents. As the rules are written, ISCPA is committed to helping members and firms understand what this new pathway means, how it will work, and how we can use it as a tool to attract future talent to our profession.

The year ahead is full of possibilities. There are rapid shifts in technology, client expectations, talent pipelines, regulatory oversight, and how firms are structured and staffed. While change can create uncertainty, it also creates space for new ways of working, new advisory opportunities, and new forms of leadership. In 2026, ISCPA will continue expanding ways for you to gain clarity amid ambiguity, connect with peers, engage with emerging issues, build your skills, and strengthen your influence in the profession and beyond. We can’t wait for you to see what we are building.

As we look ahead, I am genuinely optimistic. The profession is evolving, and that will continue to bring moments that feel uncertain or uncomfortable — but those moments will be where growth begins. The good news is that we are not navigating this future alone. Together, we will keep learning, keep adapting, and keep leading with integrity and confidence. The core of what makes CPAs indispensable has not changed: trust, expertise, and service.

Here’s to a year of meaningful growth. With gratitude and optimism,

A message from your board

The ISCPA board of directors met Dec. 5, 2025. Decisions and activities are listed below.

• Approved consent agenda items including

° Minutes of the Sept.26, 2025 meeting of the board.

° Reviewed Antitrust Policy Statement.

° Reviewed Foundation memorials.

° Reviewed financial statements.

° Iowa CPA Education Foundation statements.

° ICPA/PAC statement.

° D&O insurance

° Membership report

• Received a report from Vice Chair Laura Meier.

• Received a CEO report from Carrie Steffen.

ISSUE NO. 2026-1

• Received and approved the Nominating Committee report from Erik Bonstrom, chair of the committee.

• Board meetings will go from three to four per year beginning in 2026.

• Received update on latest licensing deregulation developments in other states from CEO Carrie Steffen.

• Board members discussed legislator connections important to potential legislative activity impacting the profession.

• Received a report on the October AICPA Fall Council meeting from Jim Smith, AICPA representative.

• Discussed upcoming meeting dates.

• Scheduled a meeting for April 25, 2026.

Published 10 times per year by the Iowa Society of Certified Public Accountants (ISCPA).

Send address changes, advertising inquiries and all correspondence to: 1415 28th St., Ste. 450 West Des Moines, IA 50266

Email: iacpa@iacpa.org

Website: www.iacpa.org Phone: 515-223-8161 or 800-659-6375

Volunteer at an ISCPA High School Accounting Showcase

Help inspire the next generation of CPAs by volunteering at one of the ISCPA High School Accounting Showcase events happening near you! This engaging event introduces Iowa high school students to the world of accounting, finance, and business through interactive activities and real-world insights from professionals like you.

As a volunteer, you’ll have the opportunity to share your career story, answer student questions, and make a lasting impact by showing students the many paths a CPA career can offer. Whether you’re early in your career or a seasoned professional, your experience can start the path for a future CPA!

Join us in building the future of the profession, sign up to volunteer today and help spark interest in accounting across Iowa. Email member engagement coordinator, Madeline Ward, at mward@iacpa.org or sign up online today.

2026 Showcase dates and locations

Feb. 6 – Des Moines Area Community College, Ankeny

Feb. 10 – University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls

Feb. 12 – Morningside University, Sioux City

Scan Here to Sign Up

New partnership expands member insurance benefits

ISCPA is excited to announce a new partnership with AMBA, expanding access to insurance benefits for ISCPA members. AMBA is a market leader and trusted provider of affinity marketing solutions and supplemental insurance and benefits.

This partnership represents a significant enhancement to ISCPA’s member benefits, providing members with access to insurance solutions designed to support both professional responsibilities and personal needs. Through this partnership, ISCPA members can explore professional liability insurance, major medical insurance, and additional insurance plans.

Professional liability insurance through Proliability: Protects CPAs against claims related to errors, omissions, or professional services, with individual coverage that stays with the member regardless of employment status.

Major medical insurance options through Apollo: offering healthcare coverage options for members who are self-employed, between roles, or seeking alternatives to traditional employer sponsored plans.

“We are thrilled to be able to partner with ISCPA and look forward to a successful collaboration and the many opportunities ahead to help members achieve proper coverage for themselves, their families, and their businesses,” said Crista Phillips, AMBA relationship manager. Learn more about available insurance options by visiting https://www.iscpainsurance.com.

Opening doors to accounting: high school students get a first look

The accounting profession is facing a critical moment: more CPAs are leaving the field than entering it. ISCPA members across Iowa are stepping forward to help change that trend by introducing young people to the possibilities within the profession.

Throughout November, 42 members participated in Accounting Opportunities Experience (AOE), a national, month-long collaboration between AICPA and state societies designed to introduce high school students to the many career paths available in accounting. This marks the fourth year Iowa CPAs have joined the effort, and once again, the governor officially recognized November as Accounting Opportunities Month in Iowa.

Changing perceptions, one classroom at a time

A major hurdle in strengthening the CPA pipeline is the way students perceive the profession. Many still believe accounting is dull, the CPA Exam is insurmountable, or that artificial intelligence will make the role obsolete. Iowa CPAs are committed to challenging these myths, and AOE gives them a powerful platform to do so.

This year, ISCPA members visited 59 classrooms from Sioux City to Guttenberg, connecting with 1,184 students through presentations and career fair-type events. These conversations don’t just benefit students; business educators also gain a clearer picture of the breadth of accounting careers, allowing them to better guide future classes.

Extending the impact beyond November

While AOE takes place in November, ISCPA’s commitment to career awareness continues all year long. Members share their career stories with students in their communities all year long. ISCPA equips members with PowerPoint slide decks that can be personalized, suggested talking points and handouts to make classroom visits simple and impactful. Any member who wants to share their enthusiasm for the profession is encouraged to get involved.

We are grateful to the ISCPA members who dedicated their time and energy to this year’s outreach:

Delvin Addae

Mark Cronin

Ben Currie

Amanda Daughtery

David Deeds

Krista Downing

Marty Fredericks

Rod Foster

Lindsay Fuerstenau

Kevin Garrett

Paige Grimm

Kris Gulick

Joe Haley

Ben Hansen

Trey Jacobson

Mike Jensen

Mike Jones

Gina Keck

Ardis Kelley

Matt Klostermann

Dustan Kneip

Bob Krogmeier

Malorie Krikke

Rebecca Maire

Lee McFee

Patrick Meyer

Alec Mousel

Alexis Munsell

Rachel Ruplinger

Elsa Saemrow

Chris Scobba

Marshall Shedeck

Jenna Siberz

Cassie Silva

Sandi Smith

Mackenzie Sprain

Andrew Steckel

Susan Stutzel

San Thang

Mitch Thede

Todd Thorson

Joe Ugrin

Libby Van De Pol

Alison VanOtterloo

April Wilker

Your efforts are helping shape the next generation of accounting professionals. If you’ve presented to high school students this school year and don’t see your name listed, we want to recognize you, too. Please contact Madeline Ward at mward@iacpa.org.

Looking back, looking ahead

By Rick Tiwald, ISCPA 2025-26 chair

Reflecting on 2025: achievements and transitions

As I sit here at year’s end writing this article as your 2025-2026 board chair, it’s easy to reflect on what the past year has brought. The accounting profession experienced significant changes in 2025, from a wave of legislation addressing alternative pathways to licensure to the introduction of The Budget Reconciliation Act (H.R. 1), also known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). We saw ongoing conversations about deregulation and the growing influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in our field. Here in Iowa, the year was equally eventful, with the Iowa Society of CPAs (ISCPA) accomplishing much over the past 12 months.

Leadership transitions and organizational progress

One of the most notable developments was the successful transition of leadership as our new CEO, Carrie Steffen, took the reins in May. Carrie brought a fresh perspective and extensive experience in the profession to our organization. She has embraced the opportunities and challenges facing us now and in the future.

We also saw a smooth handover of board leadership from Erik Bonstrom, whose dedicated efforts, along with interim CEO Ardis Kelley, guided ISCPA through several initiatives. Their contributions have been invaluable, and we extend our gratitude for their hard work.

Advancing legislation and professional initiatives

Iowa distinguished itself by becoming an early adopter of alternative pathways legislation, allowing those with a bachelor’s degree and two years of experience to pursue licensure. This significant legislative achievement addressed concerns about the accounting pipeline (now being referenced as workforce development) and highlighted ISCPA’s leadership role in shaping the future of the profession.

The year also provided opportunities to engage with Iowa’s representatives in the United States House and Senate at the American Institute of CPAs

(AICPA) Spring Council meeting in Washington, D.C. Collaboration between the AICPA and state CPA societies, including ours, helped refine federal tax legislation for sound tax policy, including provisions of OBBBA. The profession played an active role in discussing with legislators topics such as the use of Section 529 Plan funds, disaster relief for taxpayers, and the protection of our profession from adverse legislative changes related to potential modifications impacting state tax deductions and pass-through entity tax (PTET).

Personal milestones and looking forward

December of 2025 marked a personal transition for me, as I retired from Deloitte after a 38-year career that began at Arthur Andersen in 1987. While there were some bumps in the road along the way, I am proud of my professional journey and the lasting memories I have from a long career in public accounting. I am confident that our practice in Des Moines and Iowa is in capable hands. Now, as I look to 2026, I find myself contemplating the next phase of my journey — for ISCPA and for my own role going forward.

Focus for 2026: continuing momentum

One of our priorities remains to ensure successful transitions within our organization. Thanks to the diligent efforts of Carrie and our staff, ISCPA is well managed. Our ISCPA Board of Directors and Nominating Committee have also prepared for seamless transitions at the board and committee levels for the next fiscal year.

As an organization, we must continue to address alternative pathways and workforce development issues in the accounting profession. This includes working with the state to help shape rules for administering the new alternative pathways legislation, which takes effect on July 1, and managing transition challenges as other states adopt similar measures.

We also remain committed to tackling broader accounting workforce development concerns by engaging students at the college and high school levels, promoting the value of an accounting degree. In addition, and to further the cause, we will look for ways to expand funding for the Iowa CPA Education Foundation to provide additional scholarships to help accounting students with educational costs.

Advocacy and the road ahead

With upcoming elections and a dynamic political landscape, part of our mission is to monitor and advocate for our profession locally and nationally. In recent Iowa CPA articles by Laura Meier, ISCPA vice chair, and Jim Smith, ISCPA’s AICPA Council representative, both discussed the AICPA Fall Council in Denver. At the Fall Council, deregulation of various professions, including the accounting profession, was a hot topic. As CPAs, we must be ready to address legislative challenges and

educate policymakers about the implications not only for our members but also for the broader economy and capital markets.

A call to action

In closing, I encourage our members to reflect on the past year and look ahead to the future. Your continued membership and support are appreciated, and I invite you to consider how you might give back to the profession - with your time, talent, and treasure - to further advance the accounting profession in Iowa and beyond. As I embark on my own next chapter, I am including a continued and enhanced commitment to ISCPA in my New Year’s resolutions. Thank you all, and best wishes for continued success in your careers in 2026. Please remember how the accounting profession has played into your success and look for ways to give back to others in a similar fashion.

Where are we on Iowa’s new licensing pathway?

In May of last year, ISCPA-backed legislation expanding CPA licensure pathways was signed by the governor. The bill adds an additional pathway to licensure in Iowa by enabling future CPA candidates to become licensed upon earning a bachelor’s degree with required accounting coursework, two years of accounting work experience, and passing the CPA Exam.

ISCPA continues to closely follow the rule-making process now underway with the Iowa Accountancy Examining Board (IAEB). The law will take effect July 1 and we are particularly paying attention to:

• Preserving mobility – following the Uniform Accountancy Act (UAA) which provides an “evergreen” model licensing law.

• Safe harbor language.

• Following the intent of the legislation – adding another option to the existing paths to a CPA license and avoiding language that can be interpreted as lowering standards.

The IAEB has been meeting regularly to create the new rules. Watch for more updates from ISCPA as we work to help answer your questions and transition to the new, three pathways to licensure in Iowa.

Time for an Update!

As we start a new year, it’s a great time to check and refresh your ISCPA profile! Go to your member dashboard on the ISCPA website to make sure your information is up to date. This helps us communicate the information you want so you can stay informed with news, events and learning opportunities including free CPE offerings. Visit www.iacpa.org/my-cpa to review your profile, job title, contact data, and adjust communication preferences.

Career Awareness Committee drives outreach efforts

ISCPA’s Career Awareness Committee is composed of more than 80 members who are passionate about the future of the CPA profession. The committee’s objective is to promote the accounting profession and CPA credential to students and influencers, and to provide education on career opportunities as a CPA.

The Career Awareness Committee has four subcommittees:

• Accounting Opportunities Experience Subcommittee. The subcommittee helps organize November’s Accounting Opportunities Experience (AOE) presentations, encourages volunteers, and develops effective messaging for high school students.

• High School Accounting Showcase Subcommittee. The subcommittee provides support in organizing the events, coordinating volunteers, and shaping the structure and content of the case study. The new Accounting Showcase events are based on the very successful case competition ISCPA has hosted for the past three years. You can read more about the Showcase events on page 3. It’s not too late to sign up to volunteer..

• Community Colleges Subcommittee. The subcommittee shares updates, progress, and needs of Iowa’s community colleges and their accounting programs. Members also help man booths at career fairs, mentor students, and support educational pathways for community college students pursuing accounting.

• Four-Year Colleges and Universities Subcommittee. The subcommittee helps coordinate CPA panels and, class presentations. They assist in securing resources and support to enhance student engagement and career readiness initiatives.

The following ISCPA members are members of the 2025-26 Career Awareness Committee:

Maya Anderson, DMACC student member West Des Moines

Sarah Anderson, Williams & Company, Spencer

Emily Archer, Creative Planning, Urbandale

Tim Ashley, Hogan-Hansen, Ames

Anthony Bannasch-Ruzicka, Eide Bailly, Des Moines

Afley Barnabas, KPMG, Des Moines

Dirk Black, Iowa State University, Ames

Lisa Brandau, Murphy Coe & Smith, Osage

Olivia Brown, Meriwether, West Des Moines

Caitlin Cain, Meriwether, West Des Moines

Meghan Cowan, TDT CPAs and Advisors, Cedar Rapids

Mark Cronin, UHY, Holstein

Blake Crow, Eide Bailly, Des Moines

Valerie Culp, DMACC, Ankeny

Amanda Daugherty, Grand View University, Des Moines

Kevin Den Adel, University of Iowa, Iowa City

Krista Downing, Principal, Des Moines

Kelley Ellis, Drake University, Des Moines

Eion Fitzgerald, Deloitte, Richmond, Virginia

Rod Foster, RunFast Consulting, Clive

Dani Freeman, RSM, Des Moines

Kathy Gallegos, Meriwether, West Des Moines

Paige Grimm, Shive-Hattery, Cedar Rapids

Richard Hammond, City of Muscatine, Muscatine

Sadie Hase, Life Care Services, Denver

Matthew Hickman, Athene USA, West Des Moines

Faith Hinrichs, Gronewold Bell Kyhnn & Co, Atlantic

Trey Jacobson, Williams & Company, Estherville

Diane Janvrin, Iowa State University, Ames

Mike Jensen, Creative Planning, Waukee

Adam Johanson, Deloitte, Des Moines

Mike Jones, Gosling & Company, Manchester

Emily Junker, The Capital Collective, Clive

Emma Kazeze, MidAmerican Energy, Des Moines

Gina Keck, Keck Parking, Des Moines

Matthew Kelderman, Kroese & Kroese, Sioux Center

Ardis Kelley, Cornflower Studios, Urbandale

Adria Klaty, TaxAct, Cedar Rapids

Tiffany Latshaw, Innovative Captive Strategies, Waukee

Sara Lehan, Wellabe, Des Moines

Levi Luko, Tarbell & Company, West Des Moines

Carla Luksetich, Tarbell & Company, West Des Moines

Rebecca Maire, Deloitte, Des Moines

Lee McFee, Eide Bailly, Des Moines

Board Liaison

Jenny McGarry, University of Dubuque, Dubuque

Alex Merfeld, KPMG, Des Moines

Stephanie Moore, Holmes Murphy, Waukee

Alec Mousel, Wells Enterprises, Le Mars

Alexis Munsell, Deloitte, Des Moines

John Murphy, DMACC, Ankeny

Liz Narup-Zager, Deloitte, Davenport

Devin Neitzel, Eide Bailly, Des Moines

Jennifer Penning, Erpelding Voigt, Algona

Brandon Pratt, The Capital Collective, Clive

Jacob Puente, Tarbell & Company, West Des Moines

Brandon Qualley, Sammons Financial Group, West Des Moines

Jacob Reuter, Ohnward Bancshares, Maquoketa

Twyla Rosenbaum, Morningside University, Sioux City

Tanya Ruden, F&G Life, Des Moines

Rachel Ruplinger, KPMG, Des Moines

Mason Sander, Denman CPA, West Des Moines

Bruce Schmiedlin, Bruce Tax & CPA, Grimes

Ali Sheley, ARAG Legal Insurance, Des Moines

Sandi Smith, Principal, Des Moines

Ben Spadt, Menke & Associates Inc, Des Moines

Committee Chair Andrew Steckel, RSM, Des Moines

Judi Steward, Moore Beauston Woodham, Ogden

Kyle Strauss, JC CPAs and Advisors Waukee

Heather Stumpf, GreenState Credit Union, North Liberty

Susan Stutzel, S Stutzel CPA LLC, Tipton

Brian Sweeney, Drake University, Des Moines

Ami Taylor, Taylor CPAs & Advisors, Iowa City

Elainie Turner, LattaHarris, Washington

Board Liaison

Joe Ugrin, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls

Libby Van De Pol, American Packaging Corporation, Story City

Derek Van Roekel, RSM, Des Moines

Heidi Verhagen, RSM, Cedar Rapids

Jade Vuong, UHY, West Des Moines

Danelle Willer, Bowser & Richman, Fort Dodge

Ben Winters, Forge Financial, West Des Moines

Connor Wiseman, Meriwether, West Des Moines

Jeremy Woolf, O’Connor Brooks & Co, Dubuque

WELCOME!

The following individuals have recently joined the Society. Please take time to welcome them and invite them to participate in events and programs with you. Find these members in ISCPA’s Member Directory at www.iacpa.org/my-cpa.

Tyler Brick

Holmes Murphy & Associates Waukee

John Bush

McCarthy-Bush Corporation

Davenport

Kyle Ebel

Ebel Heard & Co Rock Rapids

Affiliates

Luke Gregoire

Deloitte & Touche LLP Des Moines

David Negley

Negley Tax & Consulting LLC

Winterset

Brooke Pettengill

BMP CPA

Coralville

Laura Phelps

Northwest Bank Arnolds Park

Jared Nicholas Ernst & Young LLP Des Moines

Members in the news

Jeff Rasmussen

Rasmussen Tax & Accounting

Marshalltown

Dawn Steenhoek

E & M PLLC

West Des Moines

Glenda Stockwell

Stockwell Musich & Co CPAs

Bedford

Leah Zeimet

Deloitte & Touche LLP Des Moines

Beth Tichy-Golden Domestic Violence Intervention Program

Iowa City

Emily Van Kley

Anchorpoint Accounting+ Ankeny

Carson Zitlow

Deloitte & Touche LLP Des Moines

Congratulations to our members who are reaching new milestones in their careers! We’re thrilled to celebrate your recent promotions, new positions, and well-deserved recognitions.

Jared Bloustine, has been hired by Sallie Mae Bank, Newark, DE, as senior associate.

Alex Brennecke, has partnered with Stephanie A Mendenhall CPA PC to launch Main Street CPA PLLC in Humeston.

Amanda Busch, has been hired by River City Logistics, Dubuque, as director of finance.

Garrett Johnson, has been hired by Hogan-Hansen PC, Mason City, as a manager.

Karla Jones, has been hired by Arizona Community Foundation, Phoenix, Ariz., as chief financial officer.

In remembrance

David Rogers, has opened Rogers Tax & Consulting in Cedar Falls.

Janel Ruzicka has opened Ruzicka & Associates in LaPorte City.

Todd Samuels, has been hired by Landus Cooperative, Ames, as chief financial officer.

Hunter White, has been hired by Cornell College, Mount Vernon, as assistant controller.

Natalie Wingert-Lampman, American Equity, Des Moines, has been promoted to vice president, controller.

Eugene Moore of Oskaloosa, passed away on Dec. 15, 2025. Eugene joined ISCPA in 1969.

Steve Plate of Grinnell, passed away on Jan. 13, Steve joined ISCPA in 1981.

Connie Scurr of Grinnell passed away Dec. 22, 2025. Connie joined ISCPA in 2018.

Marvin Steffensen of West Des Moines, passed away on Nov. 2, 2025, Steve joined ISCPA in 1969.

2025-26 PIPELINE INITIATIVES SPONSORS

Thank you to the following companies for their partnership in strengthening Iowa’s CPA pipeline. Your collaboration is fueling the momentum to attract and inspire the next generation of CPAs. Your commitment to growing Iowa’s accounting workforce is creating real opportunities and supporting the professionals who keep Iowa communities strong, stable, and thriving.

Visionary Partners - $5,000

Innovator Partners - $3,000

Advocate Partners - $1,000

Supporting & In-Kind Partners - $500

Caseys

Des Moines Area Community College

Erpelding Voigt

Gosling & Co

Hacker Nelson

Hy-Vee

Morningside University PwC

Tarbell & Co

University of Northern Iowa

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TYLER STRACHAN

POSITION: Marketing and Graphic Design Coordinator

ALMA MATER: Drake University

HOMETOWN: Rapid City, S.D.

First job as a teen:

My first job at 14 was as a dining room attendant in a retirement community.

Tell us about your career history: I recently graduated from Drake University this past May where I studied graphic design and public relations. Over the past few years, I’ve primarily had internships specializing in marketing and branding. I also served as the art director for Drake’s biannual Drake Political Review magazine and designer for Drake Magazine.

What attracted you to work for ISCPA:

I was attracted to the vast variety of projects and mediums I would have the opportunity to work in that allow me the ability to continue to grow my skills as a designer.

If I weren’t a graphic designer, you might: Find me working as a journalist! Writing and telling interesting stories has always been a passion of mine since I was younger and journalism was actually one of my minors during college!

My favorite thing about my new job so far:

The wide variety of projects I’ve been able to jump in on and expand my skills in marketing and design.

Best advice I ever received: You learn more from your losses than your wins. I never leave home without:

My headphones! I love being able to listen to music on walks and even when I just have random downtime.

Last book I read: “Jurassic Park” by Michael Crichton.

How to pronounce my last name: Strachan sounds like “Strawn.”

Best concert you’ve attended: Tyler the Creator at Lollapalooza in Chicago.

Three words that describe me best: Adaptable, passionate and creative.

Favorite food: Homemade mac and cheese

Favorite app: Pinterest

Favorite movie: “La La Land”

Favorite vacation spot: Going camping, particularly in Custer State Park in South Dakota

Favorite quote: “Keep moving forward,” from the movie “Meet the Robinsons.”

Favorite musician: Noah Kahan

Place I’d love to live: Chicago

CPE Spotlight

Your opinion counts

Have you ever wished ISCPA offered education on a specific topic? Do you see an upcoming business challenge your organization needs help navigating? We want to hear from you about the CPE programs that would best support your work.

Share your ideas directly with Senior Director of Learning and Operations, Katie Shields at kshields@iacpa. org, or be sure to include them on your course evaluation forms when attending our education programs. As we plan our 2026 programming, we welcome your suggestions for both content and speakers.

Upcoming learning opportunities for Business and Industry

Jan. 26:

Profitability Pricing: Boost your Bottom Line

Jan. 27:

Corporate Fraud Risk & Investigations 25-26

Feb. 11 (9-11 a.m.):

Common Sense CFO: Decoding and Mitigating Internal and External Risks

Feb. 11 (3-5 p.m.):

Common Sense CFO: Balance Sheet Issues Walk through to Understand and Build Value

March 23 (8:30 a.m.-noon):

Controller/CFO Update: Hot Topics Facing Today’s Financial Professional

March 23 (12:30-4 p.m.):