Read the June Newsletter
Introducing the 2025-26 TXCPA Permian Basin Board of Directors
Led by Meredith McKeehan, CPA, this year’s Board is a dynamic group of professionals who bring a wealth of experience, fresh energy, and a shared dedication to our Chapter and members. Their leadership will help guide us through another impactful year of service, connection, and growth. We’re excited for what’s ahead and deeply grateful for their commitment to stepping up and leading the way!
Led by Meredith McKeehan, CPA, this year’s Board is a dynamic group of professionals who bring a wealth of experience, fresh energy, and a shared dedication to our Chapter and members. Their leadership will help guide us through another impactful year of service, connection, and growth. We’re excited for what’s ahead and deeply grateful for their commitment to stepping up and leading the way!
Meredith McKeehan | President
Mackenzie Craft | President-elect
Jennifer Smith | Vice President
Lashawn Bearden | Secretary/Treasurer
John Michael Jaramillo | Immediate Past President
Katie Russell | Chapter Director At Large
Melissa Thompson | Chapter Director At Large
Emily Baller | Chapter Director, Midland
Evan Green | Chapter Director, Midland
Katherine Kirk | Chapter Director, Odessa
Tina Mobley | Chapter Director, Odessa
Derby Gallo | State Director (2023-2026)
Rod Aguilar | State Director (2023-2026)
Chad Valentin | State Director (2024-2027)
Narita Holmes | UTPB Faculty Representative
Hadassah Hethcoat | UTPB Student Representative
Ryan Bartholomee | State Board of Directors (2025-2028)
Billy Kelley | State Chair
Upcoming Webcasts
July 22
Webcast - Governmental Accounting and Auditing Update
Speaker: Mike Inzina
CPE Hours: 8
Time: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. CT
July 23
Webcast - Risk Assessment in Smaller Entities: Obtaining an Understanding of The Entity and Its Environment, Including Internal Controls
Speaker: Mike Inzina
CPE Hours: 8
Time: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. CT
SAVE THE DATE: Shrimp Boil – Tuesday, October 21
We’ve moved the 38th Annual Shrimp Boil to October this year to avoid a jam-packed September—and we’re excited for an even bigger crowd! Join us on October 21 as we celebrate local accounting students and faculty. It’s a fantastic opportunity to connect with colleagues, support future professionals, and enjoy a great evening together. More details coming soon!
FREE CPE for Members
Your membership includes at least 20 hours of FREE CPE with your annual renewal. Click here for more details about the complimentary courses available from TXCPA, including a free four-hour ethics course. Check back often as new courses are added throughout the year.
Call for Volunteers – Get Involved in 2025
Volunteers are the heart of TXCPA Permian Basin and we offer several ways for members to get involved. We have various committees to fit your professional goals and time constraints! Giving your time can help develop your leadership skills while also creating an enduring network among your professional peers. TXCPA Permian Basin committees include CPE, Pipeline and Young and Emerging Professionals. Contact Jennifer Davis at 8173243.9560, or jdavis@tx.cpa if you are interested in serving on a chapter committee!
Texas Creates New Pathway to CPA Licensure
It’s official — SB 262 has been signed into law, creating an additional path to becoming a CPA in Texas. Candidates can now qualify with a bachelor’s degree (including required accounting coursework), two years of relevant work experience and the uniform CPA exam passage.
Texas is one of the first states to adopt this forward-thinking model — a major win for the profession and a vital step toward strengthening the CPA pipeline.
TXCPA extends our deepest thanks to all the advocates, key persons and legislative champions — especially Senator Charles Perry, CPA, and Representative Angie Chen Button, CPA — who made this happen.
Mark Your Calendar – TXCPA Annual Meeting 2025
The 2025 Annual Meeting of Members and Leadership Council Meeting will be held on Thursday and Friday, June 26-27, 2025, in Galveston, TX at the Tremont House. This is a great opportunity to learn more about TXCPA activities and initiatives, receive critical profession updates, and connect with members from across the state.
Congratulations to Billy Kelley We’re proud to have hometown leadership at the state level and look forward to a great year ahead with Billy at the helm.
Happy Anniversary
Congratulations to TXCPA Panhandle superstars celebrating membership anniversaries! Anniversaries are recognized in 5-year increments.
15 Years
Amber Luedke, CPA
35 Years
Mark Vassar, CPA
40 Years
Cynthia Jackson, CPA
William (Billy) Jones, CPA
Welcome New Members!
Kennedy Earnest
Brianna Lopez
Goretty Rivera
Mitchell Swiney
Riley Wortley
Help Wanted?
TXCPA Permian Basin’s Career Center provides members with a discount on job postings to help fill their open positions, as well as free job seeker profiles for those ready to make their next move. Internship postings are always FREE. Visit the Career Center today to add your open positions or update your job seeker profile! https://pbcareers.tx.cpa/