2025 Advocacy Day and Midyear Leadership Council
Meeting Summary
January 30, 2025
AUSTIN - Austin was buzzing with energy when more than 200 passionate leaders from the accounting profession gathered for TXCPA’s highly anticipated 2025 Advocacy Day and Midyear Leadership Council Meeting, held on January 28-29. These two days were packed with powerful conversations, bold ideas and a shared commitment to advancing the profession.
Tuesday kicked off with the Advocacy Day program, offering attendees critical legislative updates and a call to action. Armed with details about recently filed pathways and mobility bills, participants headed to the Texas Capitol to engage directly with legislators and staff. Their mission? To advocate in support of legislation promoting alternative pathways to CPA licensure (SB 262/HB 1757) and bills that enhance and modernize CPA mobility (SB 522/HB 1764). For a deep dive into the topics covered, don’t miss the cover story in the March-April Today’s CPA issue.
The TXCPA Leadership Council Meeting on Wednesday was nothing short of dynamic. Led by TXCPA Chair Mohan Kuruvilla, Ph.D., CPA-Houston, the gathering included strategic discussions and updates on bold new initiatives shaping the future of TXCPA.
Treasurer’s Report. The financial report set the stage with insights from TXCPA Treasurer Christi Mondrik, J.D., CPA-Austin; Accounting Education Foundation Treasurer Lucas LaChance, CPA-Dallas, CIA; Investments Committee Chair Chris Lucas, CPA-Fort Worth, ABV; and TXCPA’s Chief Financial Officer, Jacob Briggs, CPA-Fort Worth.
Membership trends were then discussed. While TXCPA boasts an impressive CPA member retention rate of 85%, the challenge lies in replenishing new CPA members as others transition into retirement. To address this, the Leadership Council voted on a nominal dues increase – a strategic move to maintain financial stability and long-term success.
New Leadership and a Bold Rebrand. There was excitement as the 2025-2026 TXCPA leadership team was introduced. Chair-elect Angela Ragan, CPA-Central Texas, delivered an inspiring message about her journey to leadership and commitment to service.
Gary McIntosh, CPA-Austin, CFF, unveiled a new name and brand for the TXCPA Accounting Education Foundation. Stay tuned this spring as we share the news with members and the public!
Strategic Growth and Structural Evolution. TXCPA’s President and CEO Jodi Ann Ray delivered key updates and timelines related to TXCPA’s Strategic Plan. The Membership Task Force is reviewing an updated membership model study to ensure TXCPA adapts to shifting demographics, enhances recruitment and retention, and provides greater flexibility and value to members.
Additionally, TXCPA’s Organizational Structure Task Force is discussing opportunities to streamline operations, leverage technology and improve localized service delivery.
The initial framework for value proposition messaging was also shared with the Leadership Council. Specialized toolkits for leaders and our chapters will be developed and shared soon to help us focus on communicating our value to members at every stage of their careers.
Looking Ahead. The meeting wasn’t just about updates – it was an inspiring reminder of the collective strength of TXCPA’s community. Attendees left energized, ready to tackle the challenges ahead.
The momentum continues at the Annual Meeting of Members and Leadership Council Meeting on June 26-27, 2025, in Galveston. Don’t miss your chance to be part of these transformative discussions.