State CPA Society News & Updates is a selection of recent announcements and initiatives by CPA associations in the United States and its territories.
The Tennessee Society of CPAs (TSCPA) has awarded $280,000 in scholarships through the TSCPA Educational & Memorial Foundation to 121 students attending colleges or universities in Tennessee.
TSCPA Educational & Memorial Foundation scholarships are funded primarily through an endowment program known as the Life Associates Program, which was established in 1978 to recognize CPAs who made significant contributions to the scholarship fund for accounting students in Tennessee. Since that time, the program has grown to more than 700 members. Together, Life Associates has helped approximately 4,000 students over the last 25 years pursue a degree in accounting and sit for the CPA Exam.
The 2025-26 academic year TSCPA Educational & Memorial Foundation scholarship recipients are listed on the TSCPA website.
Scholarship recipients were selected on the basis of academic achievement, professor recommendation, leadership skills, and financial need. For more information about TSCPA Educational & Memorial Foundation scholarships, visit www.tscpa.com/scholarships.
The Tennessee Society of CPAs (TSCPA) has opened registration for the Certified Public Accounting and Auditing Conference, the Technology Conference, and the Federal Tax Conference.
The Accounting and Auditing Conference will take place on Oct. 27-28. To register for the conference, visit the registration page.
The conference is offered in a convenient virtual format, which will provide attendees with updates on newly implemented ASUs, results and findings of the FASB’s Final (Stage 3) Post-Implementation Review Report on Topic 606, recently issued SASs and other AICPA activity through SAS No. 149, the three new SQMSs, and more. In addition to the virtual option, the conference will also be offered on demand to accommodate more participants.
The Technology Conference will take place on Nov. 10-11. To register for the event, visit the TSCPA registration page.
The Tennessee Federal Tax Conference is scheduled for Nov. 19-21. Both conferences will be held in the Nashville, Tennessee, area. To register for the event, visit the TSCPA registration page.
In addition to the in-person option, both conferences will also be offered virtually and on demand to accommodate more participants. Those who choose to attend live virtually or decide to purchase the on-demand package will receive the same high-quality continuing education content as participants attending in person.
The California Society of CPAs (CalCPA) has opened registration for its Family Law Conference, which will take place on October 21, 2025, at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles. For more information and to register, visit the conference page on the CalCPA website.
The Georgia Society of Certified Public Accountants (GSCPA) recently announced that James Underwood, CPA, has been elected Chair of the Georgia Society of Certified Public Accountants for the 2025-2026 year, beginning July 1, 2025.
Underwood has been an active and involved member of GSCPA for 15 years. He previously has served on the GSCPA Board of Directors and has volunteered his time on numerous committees and task forces.
Underwood is on a mission this year to help reshape how people view the accounting profession. “All people seem to hear is the horror stories of long hours, deadlines, and crunch times,” he says. “What that perception fails to convey is how great an opportunity being a CPA is, regardless of whether you’re in public accounting or industry. I want people to know that being a CPA sets you up for a lifetime of incredibly fulfilling work.”
Mr. Underwood is a financial advisor at Focus Partners Wealth. Mr. Underwood and his family are proud to call Atlanta, Georgia, home.
The Nebraska Society of Certified Public Accountants (NESCPA) has opened registration for the 25th Annual Fall Conference, which will take place November 6 & 7, 2025, at the Crete Carrier Riverview Lodge at Mahoney State Park. Visit the conference webpage for more information and to register for the conference.
The Massachusetts Society of CPAs (MassCPAs) recently announced the recipients of the 2025 Women to Watch Awards which recognize outstanding women in the accounting profession.
Emerging Leaders
Logan Luongo – Marketing Manager – Plante Moran
Logan Luongo is marketing manager at Plante Moran, where she has played a pivotal role in shaping the firm’s marketing strategy, leading initiatives that drive growth, engagement and brand visibility. She has built and led the firm’s marketing team, launched innovative programs that strengthen business development, and positioned marketing as a key driver in a traditionally conservative industry.
Katelyn Minichiello, CPA – Experienced Manager, Audit & Assurance Services
Grant Thornton LLP
Katelyn Minichiello, CPA, is an experienced manager in Audit & Assurance Services at Grant Thornton LLP, where she delivers high-quality audit services to both public and private clients while mentoring the next generation of professionals. Beyond her client work, she has contributed to firmwide technical trainings, publications and innovation initiatives that strengthen audit quality and efficiency.
Kaite Valliere, CPA – Audit Manager – AAFCPAs
Kaite Valliere, CPA, is an audit manager at AAFCPAs who combines technical expertise with a commitment to professional growth and mentorship. She has earned recognition for client service, pursued advanced forensic accounting credentials and actively contributes to MassCPAs’ Business Litigation and Valuation Committee. Within her firm, Kaite drives innovation, process improvements and staff development initiatives that enhance both efficiency and client service.
Experienced Leader
Kathryn McNaughton, CPA – Assurance Director – PwC LLP
Kathryn McNaughton, CPA, is an assurance director at PwC LLP, leading the Asset and Wealth Management audit practice with expertise in technical accounting, staff development and client engagement. She serves as co-chair of MassCPAs’ Regulated Investment Companies Committee, organizing quarterly meetings to address evolving accounting topics, and is an active member of PwC’s Northeast Women’s Leadership Council and AWM Women’s Group, supporting mentorship, leadership development and professional growth.
Trailblazers
Mitzi Keating – Partner –Citrin Cooperman Advisors LLC and Citrin Cooperman & Company
Mitzi Keating, CPA, CFE, partner at Citrin Cooperman Advisors LLC and Citrin Cooperman & Company, has built a distinguished career bridging public accounting, municipal finance and specialty advisory services. She is a founding member of her firm’s Women’s Leadership Group and the Cannabis Advisory Services practice, and actively contributes to MassCPAs’ Women in Accounting and Cannabis Committees.
Kelly Ann Miranda, CPA, MPAc – Partner – EJ Callahan & Associates, LLC
Kelly Ann Miranda, CPA, MPAc, partner at EJ Callahan & Associates, LLC, is a leader in advancing women in accounting and supporting professional development. She is an active member of MassCPAs’ Women in Accounting Committee and the CFMA Programs and Events Committee, where she drives initiatives that empower women and foster growth.
About the Woman to Watch Awards
The Women to Watch Awards were created by the AICPA to recognize outstanding women in the accounting profession and are given in two categories: Emerging and Experienced Leaders.
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