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TXCPA Fort Worth serves CPAs, candidates, and accounting professionals across Fort Worth, Tarrant County, and the greater North Texas region.
Whether you see yourself serving in a leadership role within TXCPA or making an impact in another organization across our community, this program is built to help you lead with greater confidence, clarity, and influence.
The 2026 class will be guided by President-Elect Chris Lucas, alongside President Josh Willson and board members Drew Chumley, Rachel Glasser, and Stephanie Shaner. Together, they’ll deliver a thoughtful, engaging experience designed to challenge, inspire, and equip you for what’s next.
If you’re ready to grow your leadership capacity and make a meaningful difference—both within TXCPA and beyond—this program is for you. Step into a powerful growth experience with TXCPA Fort Worth’s 2026 Leadership Development Program—an intentional, hands-on opportunity to strengthen the skills that make great leaders stand out.
Join accounting leaders across Fort Worth and North Texas—apply for our leadership development program today.
This program is for:
Connection
- Connection to fellow CPAs
- Connection to chapter’s resources and leadership
Education
• Gain a clear understanding of the structure of the accounting profession and TXCPA governance.
• Learn how to leverage TXCPA member resources to build skills, expand knowledge, and support career growth.
• Explore what it means to lead yourself and others, including how to influence effectively without formal authority.
• Strengthen essential soft skills such as public speaking, stress management, and awareness of personal strengths.
Development
- Individual skill development
- Incubator for TXCPA Fort Worth leaders
Program Dates
JUNE 26 - APPLICATION DEADLINE
Thursday and Friday
July 23 and 24, 2026
8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Friday, August 21, 2026
5:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Tuesday, November 12, 2026
11:30 pm - 1:00 pm
Participation Requirements
- be a CPA, or a Candidate member with a CPA sponsor
- be a TXCPA Fort Worth member, and
- commit to use your best efforts to fulfill program requirements, which are:
- attend July 23 and 24, 2026 program retreat
- attend August 21 Kimbell Art Museum tour
- participate in a 2026-2027 Chapter community service campaign and/or speak at a school as part of November's CPA month
- attend one meeting of the governance body of the Chapter on November 12, 2026
Program Details
Fee: Waived (The Board of Directors has waived this program fee for 2026)
Delivery method: group live
CPE: 11 credits awarded
Level: update
Prerequisites/advance preparation: no prerequisites and no advance preparation required
Contact: Jennifer Davis jdavis@tx.cpa
Location: Inn on Lake Granbury, a lakeside retreat offering comfortable accommodations, meeting space, and on‑site dining; lodging and all meals are included with the program
Leadership Development at TXCPA Fort Worth
Speakers and Topics
Chris Lucas | Leadership Without Authority
Chris will lead an interactive panel discussion on how to communicate with influence and lead effectively—regardless of your title. Chapter leaders will explore strategies for managing projects, motivating teams, and stepping into leadership with confidence, even without formal authority.
Josh Willson| Sending the Elevator Back Down
Discover how impactful leadership creates opportunities for others. This session explores practical ways professionals can mentor, advocate, and open doors to help the next generation advance.
Rachel Glasser & Stephanie Shaner | Connection Queens
Rachel and Stephanie are here to help you build relationships with the Chapter and TXCPA—whether you’re looking for info, involvement, or new business development opportunities.
Dede Williams Vann | CliftonStrengths
CliftonStrengths focuses on your greatest opportunities for development and success, rather than only on your weaknesses. Learn how to use your CliftonStrengths report and learning resources to tackle your work using your talents.
Drew Chumley |From Self-Management to Team Leadership
Great leadership starts with self-leadership. This session explores accountability, mindset, communication, and influence, and how they shape your ability to lead others effectively. Gain practical tools to strengthen your leadership presence and elevate team performance.
Stephanie Buduhan | Boosting Success, Banishing Stress, and Mastering Work/Life Bliss!
By celebrating your success and avoiding stress, you can enhance your productivity and work/life balance. Health is the key to financial and professional success. Participants of this course will also learn effective ways to cope with workplace stress by describing stress triggers and coping mechanisms.
Kim Knox Lewis | Public Speaking
Polish your presentation skills with Kim’s tips for success. Even introverts must sometimes speak at company meetings or present with confidence to clients. Participants are qualified to join the Chapter’s Speakers Bureau.
Jennifer Davis| How the Profession is Organized
Knowing how the CPA profession is structured can help you identify personal growth and leadership opportunities. Chapter Executive Director, Jennifer Davis, will show you where to match your interests and your commitment level.
Mark Rich | A Museum Tour From An Accountant’s Perspective
CPAs often look at the world through a different lens. This session delivers insight into one of Fort Worth's most notable institutions, the Kimbell Art Museum. Event date is Friday, August 21, 2026.
Learning Objectives
Clifton Strengths
1. Learn what makes you unique
2. Create strength based goals
3. Reframe your weaknesses
4. Use strengths focused resources
Public Speaking
1. Identify ways to assess your audience
2. Recognize the importance of practice and preparation
3. Identify some tips and hints
Leading Without Authority
1. Gain insight into your personal leadership style
2. Define leadership characteristics and qualities that encourage people to respond
3. Discuss ways to establish and maintain personal credibility
4. Describe personal accountability and why it’s essential to leadership
Boosting Success, Banishing Stress, and Mastering Work/Life Bliss!
1. Describe stress triggers
2. Review science behind stress reduction
3. Identify coping mechanisms
How the Profession is Organized
1. Learn about organizations that support the accounting profession
2. Identify factors to consider when choosing a volunteer opportunity