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WSCPA Membership Summit 2025 IN PERSON

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Hilton Seattle Airport & Conference Center

17620 International Blvd
Seattle, WA 98188

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8.0 Credits

Member Price $0.00

Overview

This year’s event isn’t just about learning—it’s about storytelling, connection, and celebrating the voices that shape our profession. We’re bringing Arel Moodie to the stage as our keynote speaker, where he’ll introduce the transformative Core Four Stages of Adult Development Theory, helping you understand what truly drives people and how to unlock your team’s full potential. His session will set the stage for a deeper exploration of leadership, engagement, and how we build thriving workplace cultures.

But we’re not stopping there. We’re turning the spotlight on YOU. John Garrett’s What’s Your And? session will ignite a storytelling movement—showing how your passions outside of work make you a stronger, more innovative professional. You’ll have the opportunity to capture and share your unique "And," celebrating the multidimensional talents that fuel our profession’s future.

Additionally, we'll be welcoming new AICPA CEO Mark Koziel to share his insights on what's next for the profession.

This summit is more than a conference—it’s a dynamic hub where we tackle the pressing issues shaping accounting today that rarely make the agenda elsewhere. Over 8 hours of immersive professional development, we’ll explore how to build stronger organization and staff retention strategies with Accounting Leadership Panels, showcase the latest technology with our Tech Talk Showcase, and dive into the cutting edge of AI with Byron Patrick’s Gen AI in Action, a must-attend session on how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing accounting practices.

New This Year: The Micro-adventure Lounge!
As a new offering, enhance your summit experience by stepping into our Micro-adventure Lounge—a vibrant space dedicated to fun and genuine connection. Sponsored by Explore Seattle Southside, this interactive area is designed to spark creative networking through engaging micro-adventures, playful icebreakers, a photo booth, games, and a social wall where you can share and engage with your peers. It’s the perfect complement to a day of deep professional insights—offering a relaxed setting to unwind, connect, and build lasting relationships.

Be sure to pencil in time after the last session for your Member’s Reception—a perfect way to celebrate new connections and keep the conversation going in a relaxed, festive atmosphere. Cap off the day by sharing experiences, reflecting on the sessions, and toasting to the future of our profession alongside fellow WSCPA members.

Don’t miss this opportunity to be at the forefront of industry innovation, build meaningful connections, and shape the future of our profession.

Membership Summit 2025 graphic

Highlights

  • Understand what truly drives people.
  • Unlock your team’s full potential.
  • How your passions outside of work make you a stronger, more innovative professional.
  • How to build stronger organization.
  • Staff retention strategies.
  • How artificial intelligence is revolutionizing accounting practices.
  • And more!

Prerequisites

None.

Designed For

WSCPA members at every career stage, whether current or aspiring CPAs, will enjoy this event’s educational content. This event is ideal for future CPAs; CPAs working in public accounting, industry, government, not-for-profit organizations, education; and retired CPAs who want to stay connected to the profession. 

Objectives

Learn about the pressing issues shaping accounting today.

Preparation

None.

Notice

Lodging & Transportation

Hotel Accommodations

WSCPA has secured a group booking rate of $209 for the night of June 11th at the Hilton Seattle Airport & Conference Center. The Hilton is conveniently located across the street from the Link Light Rail Station at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (Sea-Tac), offering easy access to downtown Seattle and surrounding areas.

To take advantage of this special rate, click HERE. Rooms must be booked by May 11th.

Transportation

For guests arriving by air, the Hilton provides a complimentary shuttle service between Sea-Tac Airport and the hotel. The shuttle runs every 20 minutes from 4:00 AM to 1:00 AM and is also available on demand outside of these hours.

Parking

Guests attending the event are responsible for their own parking fees. The daily parking rate at the Hilton is discounted for WSCPA attendees at $14 (not inclusive of taxes and fees).

Thursday, June 12

General Session

- Registration, Sign-in, and Breakfast

General Session

- Member Summit Kickoff

Start the day with the official kickoff of the WSCPA Annual Member Summit.

General Session

- The Power of the CPA Community

Raquel Nelson, Managing Partner, Baker Tilly LLP

Raquel Nelson

Kelly Nelson, CPA, is the Managing Partner of the Seattle Business Unit at Baker Tilly LLP. Kelly is driven by her passion for fostering an inclusive and supportive work culture that embraces diversity of thought, allowing professionals to be their authentic selves.

During her college years, Kelly received a Washington CPA Foundation scholarship, which enabled her to successfully complete her BA in Business Administration with a concentration in accounting from the University of Washington. While volunteering has provided her with a platform to give back, it is the connections with people and the opportunity for thought leadership that she finds most rewarding.

Kelly actively serves on the WSCPA Board of Directors and holds the position of Chair of the WSCPA Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council, where she passionately advocates for the profession.

Kimberly Scott, CAE, WSCPA President & CEO, shared, “Kelly has a leadership style that envelops and values individuals, making them feel valued and excited. Her dedication is evident through her active involvement in volunteering, speaking engagements, and mentoring aspiring CPAs.”

Kelly’s commitment to both current and future colleagues extends beyond simply keeping doors open; she strives to hold them wide, eliminating barriers and enabling others to achieve remarkable success.

Sarah Funk, CFO

Sarah Funk

Sarah Funk, CPA, CGMA, has more than 20 years of multi-national financial, operations, technology and telecommunication experience spanning accounting, budgeting and finance, compliance, audit, system implementations, transaction activities, money transfer services and public accounting. She was the Chief Financial Officer at Ben Franklin Transit. Sarah is an active member of various civic and community revitalization efforts. In her free time, Sarah enjoys spending time with her family and being outdoors.

Joel Williams, Senior Manager, Global Mobility Svcs, KPMG LLP (Seattle)

Joel Williams

Joel Williams, CPA, is a Senior Manager in KPMG’s Global Mobility Practice in Seattle. He has more than 20 years of experience in the global mobility industry. Joel has had the benefit of living and working in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, London, and Houston during his career and has served clients primarily in the Energy, Financial and Technology sectors.

Joel helps organizations identify technology solutions to effectively manage their global mobility programs. Regardless of the size of the program, he has been able to help mobility professionals leverage technology to better engage with their stakeholders and tell the unique story of their programs. He has also helped companies create mobility programs and develop tax equalization policies for their employees on foreign assignments.

In addition, Joel is a leader within KPMG’s Global Mobility Services Innovation team, an interdisciplinary group of professionals that develops and delivers emerging technologies and creative solutions to help solve our clients’ challenges.

Kimberly Scott, President & CEO, Washington Society of CPAs

Kimberly Scott

Kimberly Scott, CAE, brings over two decades of dedicated leadership to her role of President & CEO of the WSCPA, a position she has held since 2017. Her commitment to advancing the CPA profession is evident in her extensive advocacy work at both state and national levels.

Since joining the WSCPA in 2000, she has served in various senior leadership roles throughout the organization. From 2009 to 2022, she also served as Executive Director of the Washington CPA Foundation. In the role of WSCPA’s Vice President of Government and Member Relations, Kimberly spearheaded the organization’s advocacy efforts, successfully driving the drafting and passage of multiple bills through the Washington State legislature, including a bill that secured $3.3 million for the Washington CPA Foundation. The Foundation now provides over $500,000 in accounting scholarships annually.

Beyond her role at WSCPA, Kimberly is involved in shaping the future of the accounting profession. She currently serves on the AICPA National Pipeline Advisory Group and recently served on the AICPA Women’s Initiatives Executive Committee.

A Certified Association Executive (CAE) credential holder, Kimberly is passionate about continuous learning. She has graduated from programs with Heroic Speaking, Leadership Eastside, and earned her certificate for DEI in the Workplace from the University of South Florida.

She has volunteered her time and expertise on various boards, including recently serving on the Washington Society for Association Excellence (WSAE) DEI Task Force, the Homeward Pet Board of Directors, and the Human Services Commission for her city.

As we celebrate a century of leadership and impact, this session invites us to reflect on the legacy that brought us here and explore the opportunities that will shape our future. Guided by insights from the board, we’ll discuss the evolving needs of our members, the challenges ahead, and how we can continue to lead with purpose and innovation. Together, let’s honor our past while envisioning bold strategies for the next 100 years.

General Session

- Break

General Session

- Unlock the Power of Your People: The "Core Four" Stages of Adult Development Theory

Arel Moodie, Reed Oak

Arel Moodie

Arel Moodie is a dynamic professional speaker, best-selling author, and entrepreneur, known for his captivating insights on personal and organizational development. With a passion for understanding human dynamics, Arel has made it his mission to uncover what makes people tick, sharing universal truths that drive personal growth and organizational success.

SPEAKER:As a professional speaker, he has spoken to over 750,000 people in 48 states and 5 countries. His engaging energy, impactful delivery, and relatable insights have earned him a remarkably strong repeat client base, with organizations regularly inviting him back year after year at the request of both leadership and staff. Arel’s speaking engagements include multiple appearances at the White House and three TEDx talks, and he has been acknowledged by President Obama for his contributions.

ENTREPRENEUR:Arel has built multiple 7-figure businesses. Inc. Magazine called him a “High-Energy, Motivator” and named him to their “30 Under 30 list” of America’s top entrepreneurs and he has been also named to the 40 Under 40 list in Central New York

MEDIA PERSONALITY: He has been quoted in The New York Times, USA Today, Essence, Forbes, Black Enterprise, and the Huffington Post. He has also contributed to television shows like The Doctors and previously hosted “Family Reboot” on Disney+, a show helping families reconnect and strengthen their bonds. His podcast, which explored career and personal development, reached millions of listeners in 178 countries and topped Apple’s charts as the #1 career podcast.

FUN FACTS: In addition to his speaking and media work, Arel is an accomplished hobbyist dancer, having performed at Madison Square Garden. He’s had two viral videos with millions of views. Beyoncé even used a picture of Arel during her Super Bowl Halftime Show—though it was very quick!

FAMILY MAN:Arel’s greatest joy comes from his role as a family man. He is a devoted husband, having met his wife at age 18, and a proud father of two sons.

RESEARCH JUNKIE: Arel is known as a “human development investigator” who has extensively studied the intricacies of what makes people tick. In a fun, a-ha inducing way he shares the 60+ years of research called “Adult Development Theory” that can dramatically change how we understand ourselves and those around us to better drive organizational results.

In a world where retaining and maximizing talent has never been more challenging, understanding why people do what they do is the key to unlocking your team’s full potential. This keynote explores the groundbreaking research behind Adult Development Theory, which reveals how adults progress through predictable stages—not by age, but by maturity—and how this impacts every decision they make. By learning to navigate these stages, teams and organizations can create a culture of transparency, deeper relationships, and higher collaboration within their organizations. Don’t miss this opportunity to transform your leadership approach, avoid common workplace pitfalls, and build a roadmap to both personal and organizational growth.

General Session

- Break

Breakout Session

- Concurrent Session A01 | Gen AI in Action

Byron Patrick, Botkeeper

Byron Patrick

Byron started his career in 1999 as a public practicing CPA. He eventually embraced his passion for technology and merged it with his experiences in public accounting and transitioned to the IT Director of a mid-sized CPA firm in 2004. Later, in July of 2008, Byron established Simplified Innovations Inc to focus on servicing the needs of CPA Firms, which he sold in 2016. He then lead the CPA industry business development efforts at Network Alliance. In 2019, Byron joined Botkeeper and is currently the VP of Growth & Success, where he works with various teams to help bridge the knowledge gap between accounting and technology. Byron is known nationally as an industry technology leader. Additionally, Byron is a regular speaker at State and National conferences regarding various topics relating to technology in the accounting industry. He has contributed to many industry publications over the years including the co-writer of the Journal of Accountancy Tech Q&A section. Byron has been an active member of the Maryland Association of CPA’s since the beginning of his career. He is one of the founding members and past Chair of the MACPA’s New/Young Professionals Network (NYPN). Byron was the Chairman of the Board of Directors for the MACPA in 2013. In addition, Byron is a member of the innovation task force and has participated in a number of other initiatives over the years. Byron credits much of his professional success to the support and mentorship from the MACPA. Byron has also been actively involved on a national level with the AICPA. He earned the Certified Information Technology Professional credential in 2006 and is currently a member of AICPA Council, PCPS Executive Committee, and was previously a member of the Information Management and Technology Assurance Executive Committee, the Future of Peer Review task force, and the CPA Ambassador program.

Unlock the potential of generative AI to revolutionize your accounting practice. In this fast-paced, 50-minute session, discover how AI can automate repetitive tasks, deliver powerful insights, and enhance client communication. Through real-world examples tailored for accountants, we’ll explore how to streamline workflows, gain competitive advantage, and navigate the ethical considerations of AI adoption. Get a glimpse of the practical tools and techniques that are reshaping the profession, and find out how to take the next step in mastering AI.

- Concurrent Session A02 | Pipeline Power: Elevating Tomorrow’s Talent Today

Liz Barentzen, Vice President, Operations and Talent, Center for Audit Quality

Liz Barentzen

Liz Barentzen is the Vice President, Operations and Talent Initiatives at the Center for Audit Quality, where she oversees day-to-day and long-term strategic operations, as well as leads and advances strategic profession-wide initiatives to attract and retain talent.

Previously, Barentzen was the Chief Culture Officer at Sol Systems LLC, a national solar finance, investment and development firm. In that role she worked to drive organizational effectiveness and helped manage change through a rapid period of growth, while overseeing all recruitment, learning, and retention initiatives. Prior to Sol Systems, Barentzen was the Director of Workforce Relations at the Overseas Private Investment Corporation, where she served as strategic and legal counsel to management and oversaw training and development, HRIS, benefits, total rewards, HR administration, performance management, and internal investigations.

Barentzen has 20 years of experience in Human Capital and is an Associate Certified Coach through the Georgetown Leadership Coaching program. A member of the New York Bar, she holds a JD from Brooklyn Law School and a BA in psychology from New York University.

Join us for an engaging and interactive session led by the Center for Audit Quality Accounting program, where we delve into innovative strategies for building a dynamic student pipeline. This session will showcase how accounting firms are successfully using early talent engagement to drive real change—moving the needle on recruitment, retention, and firm growth.

General Session

- Break

General Session

- What's Your And? Telling the Stories Behind the Profession

What’s your “And”? Beyond job titles and technical skills, what passions and interests make you who you are? In this engaging session, People-Centric Leadership Expert John Garrett—a “recovering CPA” and former stand-up comedian—shares insights from his book, What’s Your “And”? Discover how embracing the unique, quirky passions of your team can unlock creativity, deepen connections, and transform workplace culture.

Optional Session

- Lunch Break

Breakout Session

- Concurrent Session B01 | The Power of People: Leadership in Today's Accounting Landscape

Arel Moodie, Reed Oak

Arel Moodie

Arel Moodie is a dynamic professional speaker, best-selling author, and entrepreneur, known for his captivating insights on personal and organizational development. With a passion for understanding human dynamics, Arel has made it his mission to uncover what makes people tick, sharing universal truths that drive personal growth and organizational success.

SPEAKER:As a professional speaker, he has spoken to over 750,000 people in 48 states and 5 countries. His engaging energy, impactful delivery, and relatable insights have earned him a remarkably strong repeat client base, with organizations regularly inviting him back year after year at the request of both leadership and staff. Arel’s speaking engagements include multiple appearances at the White House and three TEDx talks, and he has been acknowledged by President Obama for his contributions.

ENTREPRENEUR:Arel has built multiple 7-figure businesses. Inc. Magazine called him a “High-Energy, Motivator” and named him to their “30 Under 30 list” of America’s top entrepreneurs and he has been also named to the 40 Under 40 list in Central New York

MEDIA PERSONALITY: He has been quoted in The New York Times, USA Today, Essence, Forbes, Black Enterprise, and the Huffington Post. He has also contributed to television shows like The Doctors and previously hosted “Family Reboot” on Disney+, a show helping families reconnect and strengthen their bonds. His podcast, which explored career and personal development, reached millions of listeners in 178 countries and topped Apple’s charts as the #1 career podcast.

FUN FACTS: In addition to his speaking and media work, Arel is an accomplished hobbyist dancer, having performed at Madison Square Garden. He’s had two viral videos with millions of views. Beyoncé even used a picture of Arel during her Super Bowl Halftime Show—though it was very quick!

FAMILY MAN:Arel’s greatest joy comes from his role as a family man. He is a devoted husband, having met his wife at age 18, and a proud father of two sons.

RESEARCH JUNKIE: Arel is known as a “human development investigator” who has extensively studied the intricacies of what makes people tick. In a fun, a-ha inducing way he shares the 60+ years of research called “Adult Development Theory” that can dramatically change how we understand ourselves and those around us to better drive organizational results.

In today’s fast-paced accounting landscape, effective leadership is more than just a numbers game—it’s about understanding and engaging the people behind those numbers. Join a dynamic panel discussion featuring top accounting professionals who are redefining what it means to lead in an era of rapid change. Moderated by Arel Moodie, this session shifts the focus from theory to practical insights, offering candid stories and proven strategies to overcome today’s most pressing challenges—from talent retention and regulatory shifts to fostering innovation and resilience. Discover how creating a culture of transparency, deeper relationships, and high collaboration can transform your organization’s approach to leadership.

- Concurrent Session B02 | Tech Talk: Fast Solutions, Big Impact

Join us for Tech Talk, an interactive, fast-paced breakout session featuring cutting-edge solutions from industry partners. In this engaging speed-format session, our experts will showcase their latest innovations designed to help you solve problems, improve efficiency, and stay ahead of the curve. Whether you’re curious about automation, data analytics, or other emerging technologies, Tech Talk has something for everyone. Don’t miss this dynamic and fun opportunity to explore the tools and ideas shaping the future of our profession!

General Session

- Break

General Session

- The Power of the CPA Community Part 2: Roundtable Feedback Session

Monette Anderson, VP of Membership & Education, Washington Society of CPAs

Monette Anderson

Monette Anderson, a Certified Association Executive (CAE) and Gallup Strengths Coach, brings a wealth of program management experience in the non-profit sector to her roles at the WSCPA and the WA CPA Foundation. With over 20 years of expertise gained from esteemed organizations like PBS and the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Monette currently serves as the Vice President of Member Services and Education for the WSCPA and Executive Director of the WA CPA Foundation. Monette oversees annual scholarship awards exceeding $500,000 and manages a grant program aimed at fostering diversity and equity within the accounting pipeline.

A proud graduate of San Diego State University, Monette’s professional journey has been marked by her unwavering commitment to fostering growth, supporting diversity, and building inclusive communities. Her dedicated efforts in promoting diversity and spearheading association innovation are further underscored by her role as President of the Washington Society of Association Excellence (WSAE).

As a Gallup Certified Strengths Coach, Monette complements her mission by empowering others and creating stronger organizational cultures and teams. This certification has equipped her with the insights and tools to help individuals and teams discover and optimize their unique strengths.

Raquel Nelson, Managing Partner, Baker Tilly LLP

Raquel Nelson

Kelly Nelson, CPA, is the Managing Partner of the Seattle Business Unit at Baker Tilly LLP. Kelly is driven by her passion for fostering an inclusive and supportive work culture that embraces diversity of thought, allowing professionals to be their authentic selves.

During her college years, Kelly received a Washington CPA Foundation scholarship, which enabled her to successfully complete her BA in Business Administration with a concentration in accounting from the University of Washington. While volunteering has provided her with a platform to give back, it is the connections with people and the opportunity for thought leadership that she finds most rewarding.

Kelly actively serves on the WSCPA Board of Directors and holds the position of Chair of the WSCPA Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council, where she passionately advocates for the profession.

Kimberly Scott, CAE, WSCPA President & CEO, shared, “Kelly has a leadership style that envelops and values individuals, making them feel valued and excited. Her dedication is evident through her active involvement in volunteering, speaking engagements, and mentoring aspiring CPAs.”

Kelly’s commitment to both current and future colleagues extends beyond simply keeping doors open; she strives to hold them wide, eliminating barriers and enabling others to achieve remarkable success.

Sarah Funk, CFO

Sarah Funk

Sarah Funk, CPA, CGMA, has more than 20 years of multi-national financial, operations, technology and telecommunication experience spanning accounting, budgeting and finance, compliance, audit, system implementations, transaction activities, money transfer services and public accounting. She was the Chief Financial Officer at Ben Franklin Transit. Sarah is an active member of various civic and community revitalization efforts. In her free time, Sarah enjoys spending time with her family and being outdoors.

Joel Williams, Senior Manager, Global Mobility Svcs, KPMG LLP (Seattle)

Joel Williams

Joel Williams, CPA, is a Senior Manager in KPMG’s Global Mobility Practice in Seattle. He has more than 20 years of experience in the global mobility industry. Joel has had the benefit of living and working in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, London, and Houston during his career and has served clients primarily in the Energy, Financial and Technology sectors.

Joel helps organizations identify technology solutions to effectively manage their global mobility programs. Regardless of the size of the program, he has been able to help mobility professionals leverage technology to better engage with their stakeholders and tell the unique story of their programs. He has also helped companies create mobility programs and develop tax equalization policies for their employees on foreign assignments.

In addition, Joel is a leader within KPMG’s Global Mobility Services Innovation team, an interdisciplinary group of professionals that develops and delivers emerging technologies and creative solutions to help solve our clients’ challenges.

Kimberly Scott, President & CEO, Washington Society of CPAs

Kimberly Scott

Kimberly Scott, CAE, brings over two decades of dedicated leadership to her role of President & CEO of the WSCPA, a position she has held since 2017. Her commitment to advancing the CPA profession is evident in her extensive advocacy work at both state and national levels.

Since joining the WSCPA in 2000, she has served in various senior leadership roles throughout the organization. From 2009 to 2022, she also served as Executive Director of the Washington CPA Foundation. In the role of WSCPA’s Vice President of Government and Member Relations, Kimberly spearheaded the organization’s advocacy efforts, successfully driving the drafting and passage of multiple bills through the Washington State legislature, including a bill that secured $3.3 million for the Washington CPA Foundation. The Foundation now provides over $500,000 in accounting scholarships annually.

Beyond her role at WSCPA, Kimberly is involved in shaping the future of the accounting profession. She currently serves on the AICPA National Pipeline Advisory Group and recently served on the AICPA Women’s Initiatives Executive Committee.

A Certified Association Executive (CAE) credential holder, Kimberly is passionate about continuous learning. She has graduated from programs with Heroic Speaking, Leadership Eastside, and earned her certificate for DEI in the Workplace from the University of South Florida.

She has volunteered her time and expertise on various boards, including recently serving on the Washington Society for Association Excellence (WSAE) DEI Task Force, the Homeward Pet Board of Directors, and the Human Services Commission for her city.

The CPA Community Feedback Roundtable – Year 3 is our beloved session at the membership summit, where your voice drives our community’s future. Join us for an engaging and interactive roundtable where we listen, learn, and shape the evolving needs of the CPA community through dynamic dialogue about building vibrant third places that foster deep connections, tackling your biggest talent development challenges, and refining our offerings to truly reflect your priorities and aspirations.

General Session

- Break

General Session

- Professional Issues Update

Mark Koziel, AICPA

Mark Koziel

Mark Koziel, CPA, CGMA, is the President and CEO of the American Institute of CPAs, and CEO of the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants, the most influential body of professional accountants in the world with 600,000 members, candidates, and registrants. Formed in 2017, the Association combines the strengths of The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) and the AICPA.

Koziel was named to this role by the Association’s Board of Directors in October 2024 and began his tenure on January 1, 2025. He brings a wealth of leadership experience, having served the profession for decades. Most recently, he was President and CEO of Allinial Global, an association of independent accounting and advisory firms with 268 member firms worldwide. He began that role in 2020 after 14 years with the Association (previously AICPA), where he served in a number of roles, including executive vice president, Firm Services.

Koziel began working in the profession at a large accounting firm, Lumsden McCormick, based in Buffalo, New York. Throughout his career he has been a consistent advocate for accountants, developing a strong global understanding of the accounting and finance profession.

He is known for his commitment to key values, such as strategic growth, teamwork, innovation, and excellence, and has been recognized with many notable awards. He regularly appears on Accounting Today’s Top 100 Most Influential People in Accounting and in 2017, Koziel received the Dr. Joseph R. Coppola ‘40 Outstanding Alumnus Award from Canisius University’s Accounting Department. Among his many accolades, Koziel was also named to CPA Practice Advisor’s Top Thought Leaders in Public Accounting and the International Accounting Bulletin and The Accountant’s list of the Global Accounting Power 50.

Originally from Buffalo, NY, Koziel graduated from Canisius University in 1991 with a BS, accounting degree.

Join us for an inspiring closing session as we wrap up the day’s updates with Mark Koziel, the new CEO of AICPA & CIMA. In this Professional Issues Update, Mark will share his vision for the future of the accounting profession, addressing key trends, challenges, and opportunities that are reshaping the landscape for CPAs and finance professionals. Gain firsthand insights into the evolving strategic priorities for AICPA & CIMA and discover how these initiatives align with the needs of practitioners, firms, and organizations. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear directly from the profession’s new leader as he provides valuable perspectives to help you navigate and thrive in a time of change

General Session

- Adjourn

General Session

- Reception

Leader(s):

Leader Bios

Arel Moodie, Reed Oak

Arel Moodie is a dynamic professional speaker, best-selling author, and entrepreneur, known for his captivating insights on personal and organizational development. With a passion for understanding human dynamics, Arel has made it his mission to uncover what makes people tick, sharing universal truths that drive personal growth and organizational success.

SPEAKER:As a professional speaker, he has spoken to over 750,000 people in 48 states and 5 countries. His engaging energy, impactful delivery, and relatable insights have earned him a remarkably strong repeat client base, with organizations regularly inviting him back year after year at the request of both leadership and staff. Arel’s speaking engagements include multiple appearances at the White House and three TEDx talks, and he has been acknowledged by President Obama for his contributions.

ENTREPRENEUR:Arel has built multiple 7-figure businesses. Inc. Magazine called him a “High-Energy, Motivator” and named him to their “30 Under 30 list” of America’s top entrepreneurs and he has been also named to the 40 Under 40 list in Central New York

MEDIA PERSONALITY: He has been quoted in The New York Times, USA Today, Essence, Forbes, Black Enterprise, and the Huffington Post. He has also contributed to television shows like The Doctors and previously hosted “Family Reboot” on Disney+, a show helping families reconnect and strengthen their bonds. His podcast, which explored career and personal development, reached millions of listeners in 178 countries and topped Apple’s charts as the #1 career podcast.

FUN FACTS: In addition to his speaking and media work, Arel is an accomplished hobbyist dancer, having performed at Madison Square Garden. He’s had two viral videos with millions of views. Beyoncé even used a picture of Arel during her Super Bowl Halftime Show—though it was very quick!

FAMILY MAN:Arel’s greatest joy comes from his role as a family man. He is a devoted husband, having met his wife at age 18, and a proud father of two sons.

RESEARCH JUNKIE: Arel is known as a “human development investigator” who has extensively studied the intricacies of what makes people tick. In a fun, a-ha inducing way he shares the 60+ years of research called “Adult Development Theory” that can dramatically change how we understand ourselves and those around us to better drive organizational results.

Return to Top

Byron Patrick, Botkeeper

Byron started his career in 1999 as a public practicing CPA. He eventually embraced his passion for technology and merged it with his experiences in public accounting and transitioned to the IT Director of a mid-sized CPA firm in 2004. Later, in July of 2008, Byron established Simplified Innovations Inc to focus on servicing the needs of CPA Firms, which he sold in 2016. He then lead the CPA industry business development efforts at Network Alliance. In 2019, Byron joined Botkeeper and is currently the VP of Growth & Success, where he works with various teams to help bridge the knowledge gap between accounting and technology. Byron is known nationally as an industry technology leader. Additionally, Byron is a regular speaker at State and National conferences regarding various topics relating to technology in the accounting industry. He has contributed to many industry publications over the years including the co-writer of the Journal of Accountancy Tech Q&A section. Byron has been an active member of the Maryland Association of CPA’s since the beginning of his career. He is one of the founding members and past Chair of the MACPA’s New/Young Professionals Network (NYPN). Byron was the Chairman of the Board of Directors for the MACPA in 2013. In addition, Byron is a member of the innovation task force and has participated in a number of other initiatives over the years. Byron credits much of his professional success to the support and mentorship from the MACPA. Byron has also been actively involved on a national level with the AICPA. He earned the Certified Information Technology Professional credential in 2006 and is currently a member of AICPA Council, PCPS Executive Committee, and was previously a member of the Information Management and Technology Assurance Executive Committee, the Future of Peer Review task force, and the CPA Ambassador program.

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Joel Williams, Senior Manager, Global Mobility Svcs, KPMG LLP (Seattle)

Joel Williams, CPA, is a Senior Manager in KPMG’s Global Mobility Practice in Seattle. He has more than 20 years of experience in the global mobility industry. Joel has had the benefit of living and working in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, London, and Houston during his career and has served clients primarily in the Energy, Financial and Technology sectors.

Joel helps organizations identify technology solutions to effectively manage their global mobility programs. Regardless of the size of the program, he has been able to help mobility professionals leverage technology to better engage with their stakeholders and tell the unique story of their programs. He has also helped companies create mobility programs and develop tax equalization policies for their employees on foreign assignments.

In addition, Joel is a leader within KPMG’s Global Mobility Services Innovation team, an interdisciplinary group of professionals that develops and delivers emerging technologies and creative solutions to help solve our clients’ challenges.

Return to Top

Kimberly Scott, President & CEO, Washington Society of CPAs

Kimberly Scott, CAE, brings over two decades of dedicated leadership to her role of President & CEO of the WSCPA, a position she has held since 2017. Her commitment to advancing the CPA profession is evident in her extensive advocacy work at both state and national levels.

Since joining the WSCPA in 2000, she has served in various senior leadership roles throughout the organization. From 2009 to 2022, she also served as Executive Director of the Washington CPA Foundation. In the role of WSCPA’s Vice President of Government and Member Relations, Kimberly spearheaded the organization’s advocacy efforts, successfully driving the drafting and passage of multiple bills through the Washington State legislature, including a bill that secured $3.3 million for the Washington CPA Foundation. The Foundation now provides over $500,000 in accounting scholarships annually.

Beyond her role at WSCPA, Kimberly is involved in shaping the future of the accounting profession. She currently serves on the AICPA National Pipeline Advisory Group and recently served on the AICPA Women’s Initiatives Executive Committee.

A Certified Association Executive (CAE) credential holder, Kimberly is passionate about continuous learning. She has graduated from programs with Heroic Speaking, Leadership Eastside, and earned her certificate for DEI in the Workplace from the University of South Florida.

She has volunteered her time and expertise on various boards, including recently serving on the Washington Society for Association Excellence (WSAE) DEI Task Force, the Homeward Pet Board of Directors, and the Human Services Commission for her city.

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Liz Barentzen, Vice President, Operations and Talent, Center for Audit Quality

Liz Barentzen is the Vice President, Operations and Talent Initiatives at the Center for Audit Quality, where she oversees day-to-day and long-term strategic operations, as well as leads and advances strategic profession-wide initiatives to attract and retain talent.

Previously, Barentzen was the Chief Culture Officer at Sol Systems LLC, a national solar finance, investment and development firm. In that role she worked to drive organizational effectiveness and helped manage change through a rapid period of growth, while overseeing all recruitment, learning, and retention initiatives. Prior to Sol Systems, Barentzen was the Director of Workforce Relations at the Overseas Private Investment Corporation, where she served as strategic and legal counsel to management and oversaw training and development, HRIS, benefits, total rewards, HR administration, performance management, and internal investigations.

Barentzen has 20 years of experience in Human Capital and is an Associate Certified Coach through the Georgetown Leadership Coaching program. A member of the New York Bar, she holds a JD from Brooklyn Law School and a BA in psychology from New York University.

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Mark Koziel, AICPA

Mark Koziel, CPA, CGMA, is the President and CEO of the American Institute of CPAs, and CEO of the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants, the most influential body of professional accountants in the world with 600,000 members, candidates, and registrants. Formed in 2017, the Association combines the strengths of The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) and the AICPA.

Koziel was named to this role by the Association’s Board of Directors in October 2024 and began his tenure on January 1, 2025. He brings a wealth of leadership experience, having served the profession for decades. Most recently, he was President and CEO of Allinial Global, an association of independent accounting and advisory firms with 268 member firms worldwide. He began that role in 2020 after 14 years with the Association (previously AICPA), where he served in a number of roles, including executive vice president, Firm Services.

Koziel began working in the profession at a large accounting firm, Lumsden McCormick, based in Buffalo, New York. Throughout his career he has been a consistent advocate for accountants, developing a strong global understanding of the accounting and finance profession.

He is known for his commitment to key values, such as strategic growth, teamwork, innovation, and excellence, and has been recognized with many notable awards. He regularly appears on Accounting Today’s Top 100 Most Influential People in Accounting and in 2017, Koziel received the Dr. Joseph R. Coppola ‘40 Outstanding Alumnus Award from Canisius University’s Accounting Department. Among his many accolades, Koziel was also named to CPA Practice Advisor’s Top Thought Leaders in Public Accounting and the International Accounting Bulletin and The Accountant’s list of the Global Accounting Power 50.

Originally from Buffalo, NY, Koziel graduated from Canisius University in 1991 with a BS, accounting degree.

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Monette Anderson, VP of Membership & Education, Washington Society of CPAs

Monette Anderson, a Certified Association Executive (CAE) and Gallup Strengths Coach, brings a wealth of program management experience in the non-profit sector to her roles at the WSCPA and the WA CPA Foundation. With over 20 years of expertise gained from esteemed organizations like PBS and the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Monette currently serves as the Vice President of Member Services and Education for the WSCPA and Executive Director of the WA CPA Foundation. Monette oversees annual scholarship awards exceeding $500,000 and manages a grant program aimed at fostering diversity and equity within the accounting pipeline.

A proud graduate of San Diego State University, Monette’s professional journey has been marked by her unwavering commitment to fostering growth, supporting diversity, and building inclusive communities. Her dedicated efforts in promoting diversity and spearheading association innovation are further underscored by her role as President of the Washington Society of Association Excellence (WSAE).

As a Gallup Certified Strengths Coach, Monette complements her mission by empowering others and creating stronger organizational cultures and teams. This certification has equipped her with the insights and tools to help individuals and teams discover and optimize their unique strengths.

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Raquel Nelson, Managing Partner, Baker Tilly LLP

Kelly Nelson, CPA, is the Managing Partner of the Seattle Business Unit at Baker Tilly LLP. Kelly is driven by her passion for fostering an inclusive and supportive work culture that embraces diversity of thought, allowing professionals to be their authentic selves.

During her college years, Kelly received a Washington CPA Foundation scholarship, which enabled her to successfully complete her BA in Business Administration with a concentration in accounting from the University of Washington. While volunteering has provided her with a platform to give back, it is the connections with people and the opportunity for thought leadership that she finds most rewarding.

Kelly actively serves on the WSCPA Board of Directors and holds the position of Chair of the WSCPA Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council, where she passionately advocates for the profession.

Kimberly Scott, CAE, WSCPA President & CEO, shared, “Kelly has a leadership style that envelops and values individuals, making them feel valued and excited. Her dedication is evident through her active involvement in volunteering, speaking engagements, and mentoring aspiring CPAs.”

Kelly’s commitment to both current and future colleagues extends beyond simply keeping doors open; she strives to hold them wide, eliminating barriers and enabling others to achieve remarkable success.

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Sarah Funk, CFO

Sarah Funk, CPA, CGMA, has more than 20 years of multi-national financial, operations, technology and telecommunication experience spanning accounting, budgeting and finance, compliance, audit, system implementations, transaction activities, money transfer services and public accounting. She was the Chief Financial Officer at Ben Franklin Transit. Sarah is an active member of various civic and community revitalization efforts. In her free time, Sarah enjoys spending time with her family and being outdoors.

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