Outstanding Chapter Awards Recognize Achievements in Leadership and Service
TXCPA’s Outstanding Chapter Awards recognize small and medium-sized chapters for excellence in leadership, member service, innovation and community involvement. The 2025-26 recipients, TXCPA Rio Grande Valley and TXCPA East Texas, were honored for their strong student outreach initiatives, professional development opportunities, scholarship fundraising, member engagement and community service.
To recognize and celebrate excellence in member service, TXCPA annually presents the Outstanding Chapter Awards to honor the achievements of small and medium-sized chapters across the state. The award recipients were selected by TXCPA's 2025-26 Chapter Coordinating Steering Committee. The following chapters distinguished themselves through their exceptional leadership, innovation, dedication and accomplishments, earning well-deserved recognition for their contributions.
Small Chapter – TXCPA Rio Grande ValleyArt Lopez, President
TXCPA Rio Grande Valley had an impressive year marked by membership growth, expanded pipeline initiatives and meaningful community involvement throughout the region. Through effective pipeline development efforts, the Chapter reached more than 700 students through university, college and K-12 outreach programs, including partnerships with The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley and South Texas College. These activities helped raise awareness of the CPA profession and strengthen the future talent pipeline. The Chapter also awarded $8,250 in scholarships, contributing to more than $40,000 distributed over the past three years.
In addition, TXCPA Rio Grande Valley provided 32 hours of CPE and fostered member connections through networking breakfasts, a post-tax season event and its 4th Annual Walk the Dogs service project. More than 35 volunteers participated in community service activities, including the donation of approximately 1,000 pounds of pet food and supplies.
Congratulations, TXCPA Rio Grande Valley!
Medium Chapter – TXCPA East TexasKevan Kirksey, President
TXCPA East Texas continued its tradition of excellence with an impressive year of professional development, student outreach and member engagement efforts. Signature events included the CPA2B Bootcamp at Stephen F. Austin State University, which provided aspiring CPAs with valuable career skills, and the Tal Glenn Memorial Golf Tournament, which raised more than $39,000 in scholarships.
The chapter also invested in the future of the profession through Leadership Day and Pipeline Committee initiatives that reached more than 1,000 students from elementary school through college. Members benefited from more than 100 hours of professional education and training, while networking events, including brewery tours in Tyler and Longview, strengthened professional relationships and connections. During CPA Month of Service, a Toys for Tots drive delivered carloads of financial literacy-themed toys to children across East Texas, further demonstrating the chapter's commitment to serving its communities.
Congratulations, TXCPA East Texas!
TXCPA Rio Grande Valley
TXCPA East Texas
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