TXCPA’s 2026 Rising Stars

TXCPA’s Rising Stars Program shines a spotlight on the next generation of leaders - CPA members 40 and under who are already making a big impact. From driving change in the accounting profession to serving their communities with passion, these individuals embody what it means to lead with purpose. After careful review, our selection committee has chosen 16 exceptional honorees for 2026. We’re proud to introduce this year’s Rising Stars, listed alphabetically.

Beyond her professional responsibilities, Gabriella is dedicated to strengthening the future of the accounting profession. Through TXCPA panels, meet-and-greets, outreach to students, and mentorship to others, she shares her experiences and encourages the next generation of CPAs to pursue their goals. With her integrity, faith in God, leadership and spirit of service, Gabriella is making a lasting contribution to the profession.

Combining technical expertise, sound judgment and a genuine interest in developing those around him, Zach Bischler has established himself as a trusted leader. He plays a key role on complex engagements, where his knowledge of energy, oil and gas, and operational accounting enables him to deliver high-quality results. Zach also coaches and supports junior associates, finding ways to improve processes and strengthen engagement teams. His commitment to professional growth also led him to participate in a three-month secondment with Whitley Penn, gaining valuable experience working in a different environment and expanding his perspective.

Zach is equally committed to advancing the accounting profession through campus recruiting, TXCPA events and career outreach, where he encourages students to pursue the CPA pathway. A strong community volunteer, he provides guidance with humility and integrity. His technical ability and commitment to service distinguish him as an up-and-coming star in the accounting profession.

With her strong dedication to the accounting field and TXCPA Victoria, Amber Bittlebrun has made a lasting impact on her chapter and its members. As immediate past president, she provided hands-on, visionary direction that strengthened member engagement, expanded opportunities for development and raised the chapter’s presence in the community. Her commitment did not end with her presidential term; Amber continued to serve as Secretary/Treasurer, bringing her time, expertise and ideas to the chapter’s ongoing success.

She also remains actively engaged at the state level through TXCPA Annual Meetings and Midyear Leadership Council Meetings, helping connect Victoria members to statewide initiatives and discussions shaping the future. Amber demonstrated the same drive by advancing from Tax Accountant to Senior Tax Accountant at Keller & Associates in just five months. Her impressive work ethic helps make her a highly valued professional.

Shelby Cannon is an emerging CPA whose commitment to service and passion for mentoring the next generation have made her a valued member of the East Texas accounting community. As a member of the TXCPA East Texas Board of Directors and Young & Emerging Professionals Committee, she has actively helped strengthen the profession while supporting its future. Since beginning her career, Shelby has advanced to Tax Senior Associate at Prothro, Wilhelmi & Company, PLLC, building expertise across a diverse range of clients and industries.

Inspiring future CPAs is especially evident in her work with local high school students. Each year, she speaks to students about taxes and preparing tax returns, answering their questions and sharing practical, real-world insight. Through her professional accomplishments, volunteer service and dedication to students, Shelby exemplifies a true Rising Star.

In his role as Tax Manager at JRBT, William Cummings has distinguished himself through his commitment to the CPA profession and community service, making a meaningful impact throughout Central Texas. His growing leadership within TXCPA Central Texas reflects the trust he has earned from his peers.

William’s leadership extends beyond TXCPA. As an Adjunct Professor at Tarleton State University, he invests in the next generation of business and accounting professionals. He also has an entrepreneurial spirit, which is evident through his experience building residential properties, managing rental investments, and operating his own farm and ranch. He is most proud of his involvement with the Central Texas Cattle Baron’s Ball in the fight to end cancer as a current committee member and past event chair. Through leadership, mentorship, business initiative and service, William is making a meaningful difference in the accounting profession and his community.

As a Nonprofit Tax Compliance Manager at SFC LLP, Ileana Esparza has earned a reputation as a rising talent and is poised to play an important role in the firm’s growing nonprofit tax practice. Her influence extends to TXCPA Fort Worth, where she serves on the board and has contributed to the Scholarship Committee, Young Professionals Council and chapter leadership development program.

Ileana’s passion for serving the nonprofit community is especially evident in her commitment to education. She has led seminars for the Arlington Tomorrow Foundation and her firm’s audit staff, spoken as part of the firm’s nonprofit webinar series, and continues to share her expertise with clients and colleagues. With her technical knowledge, enthusiasm, generosity and positive spirit, Ileana is helping strengthen both the nonprofit sector and the future of the accounting profession.

Rebecca Herring is emerging as a standout leader within TXCPA Dallas. She has chaired the Young Professionals Committee, serves on the Dallas Investments Committee and Awards Committee, and is participating in the current Leadership Development Academy cohort. Her involvement extends statewide through the TXCPA Investment Committee, where her thoughtful perspective has strengthened the decision-making process.

Her involvement goes even deeper. Serving as agency coordinator, Justyce managed one of the project’s most demanding roles – working closely with partner agencies to gather accurate recipient information and keep operations running smoothly. Her proactive communication and steady leadership helped deliver a seamless, impactful experience for families in need. Her service reflects the heart of a Rising Star: dependable, communityminded and already shaping the profession’s future.

Beyond TXCPA, Ashwin’s impact extends globally. During a 14month rotational assignment in Kochi, India, he led efforts to integrate offshore and U.S. teams, improving communication, training and workflow efficiency. The project increased offshore utilization extensively, demonstrating Ashwin’s ability to drive meaningful operational change and build stronger, scalable teams.

Katie Lightfoot is a talented professional who has become a rising force in the Lufkin/Nacogdoches accounting community. As a Senior Tax Manager, she manages complex engagements, builds lasting client relationships and plays a key role in developing new business. Equally important is her mentorship to young tax staff members – training them and guiding their growth.

Her achievements are impressive, from earning her Master's degree to becoming a CPA as a firstgeneration college graduate. Yet her most meaningful milestone is deeply personal: purchasing and continuing her late grandfather’s cattle farm. Honoring his wish to keep the land in the family, she transformed his legacy into her own. Through hard work, she turned a dream into reality – preserving a place that held profound meaning and ensuring it remains a cornerstone for years to come.

Kameshia Mays is making an indelible mark on the future of the profession through her passion for CPA pipeline development and mentorship. In her presentations at local high schools, she introduces students to accounting and the possibilities available through the CPA license. She is also dedicated to mentoring students from underrepresented communities. She understands the power of being seen and supported, and approaches mentorship as a long?term responsibility. She offers academic and professional guidance while also providing affirmation, exposure and confidence to pursue opportunities students may not yet envision for themselves.

By sharing her experiences and lessons learned, Kameshia works to demystify success and make it feel attainable. She believes progress endures when knowledge, access and encouragement are passed forward, and she invests her time and presence to help students grow into future leaders.

Regarded as an invaluable asset to TXCPA Corpus Christi, Alyssa Monette demonstrates a willingness to serve the chapter wherever needed, asking thoughtful, timely questions and showing a genuine desire to help the chapter succeed and flourish. She invests significant time and energy in supporting local initiatives and community, playing a key role in connecting the chapter with the local community to expand networking and professional development opportunities.

Her commitment to service also extends to numerous civic and community organizations. In recent years, she has contributed to projects with Habitat for Humanity, Agape Ranch, Beach Cleanup initiatives, and The Antonio E. Garcia Arts and Education Center. Through her genuine desire to uplift others, Alyssa continues to make a positive impact on both the CPA community and the broader Corpus Christi region.

Leo Unzeitig has built an impressive career by combining tax expertise, professional achievement and a genuine commitment to helping others succeed. A tax attorney and CPA with Chamberlain Hrdlicka, he became a Shareholder in 2023 and earned board certification in tax law within six years of practice. His practice focuses on representing taxpayers in tax controversy matters before the IRS.

Leo’s work extends to the classroom, where he has taught classes at the University of the Incarnate Word and Trinity University. He is also involved with TXCPA San Antonio, where he has served on the Accounting Education and Careers Committee, as well as TXCPA at the state level, where he actively participates on the Federal Tax Policy Committee addressing cutting-edge tax issues affecting practitioners. As an exceptional leader, Leo continues to invest in the future through education, mentorship and service.

As a partner in Pattillo, Brown & Hill, Kent Willis serves as a technical resource and regularly shares his unique expertise with others. He considers mentoring interns and young professionals to be among his most rewarding accomplishments. He takes pride in helping new staff members gain confidence, strengthen their skills and develop a strong ethical foundation.

Kent’s commitment extends to students through classroom presentations and recruiting events, where he promotes the CPA license and TXCPA involvement. His leadership within TXCPA Central Texas has grown steadily through service on the chapter’s Young Professionals and Business & Industry committees, as a Director and Leadership Council representative, and by participating in advocacy and leadership programs. Through professional leadership, mentorship and service, Kent is helping strengthen both his community and the future of accounting.

Christa Wofford is a forward-thinking CPA whose leadership, community involvement and commitment to innovation have made a meaningful impact in Southeast Texas. As Engagement Executive at Mitchell Fontenote CPA and a Lamar University graduate, she has combined her expertise with a passion for inspiring the next generation of CPAs. Since joining the TXCPA Southeast Texas Board in 2022, Christa has helped develop school visits and presentations, introducing students to the opportunities and rewards of an accounting career.

Her leadership also extends to her firm, where she spearheaded the transition to a fully paperless audit and tax environment. This initiative helped improve efficiency, organization and client service while reducing processing time. Through her ability to strengthen her profession and community, Christa demonstrates the drive and talent of a true Rising Star.

Lara Yates plays an essential role in the success of TXCPA Fort Worth. Her energy, creativity and commitment are evident through her service as chair of the 2026 Scholarship Fundraiser, participating with the Branding & Community Outreach Committee, chairing Member Appreciation Day, and being a consistent presence at Crafty CPAs. She brings that same enthusiasm to #Adulting, where she helps deliver financial literacy programming to hundreds of high school students each year.

Lara also shares her experience with college accounting and business students at Tarrant County College, Tarleton State University and the University of Texas at Arlington. Whether crocheting 25 T-Rex dinosaurs for a class or engaging members and students at chapter events, Lara has a talent for making service meaningful and fun. Her leadership and generosity make her an invaluable asset.

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