The state CPA societies of Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont have approved a merger to form the New England Society of CPAs, effective July 1.
The merger unites five state societies into one member-focused organization that will provide enhanced advocacy, expanded learning opportunities, broader peer networks, and increased resources for accounting and finance professionals, their organizations, and future talent entering the profession, according to a June 1 media release.
The new CPA society will maintain existing staff across the five states and is expected to have 14,500 members at its inception.
The regional organization is designed to expand value for members while building a stronger, more sustainable future for the accounting profession, officials say.
“This is a member-first opportunity to build on the strengths of each of our state societies and create a more impactful organization for the profession across New England,” Zach Donah, CAE, president and CEO of the Massachusetts Society of CPAs who will serve in those same roles for the New England Society of CPAs, said in a statement. “Together, we can expand opportunities for members, strengthen our collective voice, and invest more deeply in the future of the profession while preserving the local relationships and state advocacy that members value most.”
“The integration of five, strong CPA societies in the region will enable us to further our collective mission through greater scale, influence, and connection,” added Sadie Fischesser, CPA, executive director of the Vermont Society of CPAs. “As a part of the New England Society of CPAs, our members will continue to enjoy the aspects of membership that they have come to value most while gaining access to a broader landscape of resources and support.”
The combination reflects the changing needs of the profession and the members the societies serve. As firms, companies, and professionals navigate rapid shifts in technology, workforce development, regulation, and business models, the New England Society of CPAs will be positioned to deliver more responsive programming, stronger thought leadership, expanded learning opportunities, and greater influence on issues affecting CPAs and the broader accounting ecosystem, officials say.
State-specific advocacy and local member engagement will remain a central focus, guided by local leadership, committees, and member communities in each state.
“The New England Society of CPAs will enable us to build on the strengths of our member community while creating new opportunities for collaboration and growth,” Declan Lee, CPA, board chair of the Massachusetts Society of CPAs, said in a statement. “Members will benefit from enhanced programs, broader professional networks, and a stronger collective voice while state-specific priorities and local connections remain at the forefront.”
The merger also strengthens the profession’s ability to address one of its greatest challenges: building the future CPA pipeline. By combining resources and expertise across the region, the organization will have greater capacity to expand outreach efforts that engage students and future CPAs and elevate awareness of accounting career opportunities across New England, officials say.
“This merger creates a stronger foundation for serving our members today and developing the profession for future generations,” Ryan Black-Deegan, CPA, board chair of the Vermont Society of CPAs, said in a statement. “By combining resources and expertise across New England, we can deliver greater member value and a more influential voice while maintaining the local connections and state-focused advocacy that Vermont members rely on.”
“This merger reflects the way many firms, organizations, and professionals already work today: across state lines and throughout the region,” Donah added. “By coming together, we are creating a stronger, more connected professional community that is better positioned to support members and lead the profession into the future.”
Photo caption: Zach Donah
Sign in to get access to this free resource, and all of our whitepapers and reports.
Download this content today!
Register Now Already registered? Click here to Log In
