Inaugural Leadership Academy Helps Participants Hone Skills for the Future

The first AICPA Leadership Academy gathered in Chicago for three days in July to focus on the future of the accounting profession.

Led by Institute Chairman Ernie Almonte, the group consisted of CPAs under age 35 who engaged in intensive workshop training sessions to develop and hone leadership skills and prepare to become the next leaders in their organizations, communities and the profession at large.

The 28 participants, selected from more than 100 candidates sponsored by their employers, state societies or both, were divided equally between men and women and represented a cross section of the profession, working in public accounting, business and industry, government and academia. (Click here for a complete list of Leadership Academy participants.)

Marty Linsky, adjunct lecturer in public policy at Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government, led several training sessions during the three-day workshop. J. Clarke Price, president of the Ohio Society of CPAs, discussed volunteerism.

J. Thomas Hood III, executive director of the Maryland Association of CPAs, and Janice Maiman, AICPA vice president– communications and media channels, co-presented a session on Internet-based social media. Almonte and Barry Melancon, AICPA president and CEO, led a roundtable discussion and other sessions on the future of the profession.

Upon graduation from the Leadership Academy, the AICPA assigned each attendee to either an AICPA volunteer committee or a state society volunteer committee in the participant’s home state. Former Institute chairs and members of the board of directors and governing Council are serving as personal mentors.