110 Years Strong: TXCPA Returns to Its Roots at the Tremont House

In 1911, a group of pioneering accountants gathered at the Tremont House in Galveston for the very first meeting of the Texas Society of Public Accountants. Just four years later, in October 1915, the organization officially became the Texas Society of Certified Public Accountants.

Now, 110 years later, members and leaders returned to that historic site for this year’s Annual Meeting of Members and Leadership Council Meeting to celebrate a legacy of leadership, innovation and advocacy.

A Year of Transformation and Momentum

TXCPA leaders reflected on a year marked by resilience and reinvention. Chair Billy Kelley, CPA, Immediate Past Chair Mohan Kuruvilla, Ph.D., CPA, and President and CEO Jodi Ann Ray, CAE, shared key accomplishments and future goals. The following highlights represent some of our most important accomplishments and a look ahead.

Operational Excellence – We streamlined internal processes to boost efficiency and reduce overhead costs. In addition, we upgraded our technology infrastructure to better support modern operations.

Member Engagement – Personalized outreach efforts and enhanced digital tools led to improved member satisfaction and retention. TXCPA satisfaction scores increased from 8.25 to 8.45 overall, and chapter satisfaction increased from 8.26 to 8.36.

Strategic Growth – We maintained strong overall membership numbers and achieved significant growth in student members. To strengthen our pipeline of future leaders, we established the Emerging Professionals Advisory Board. The Leadership Council approved CPA dues associated with a three-tiered membership model, which will launch in 2026-2027.  The new model is designed to enhance value and provide greater flexibility (see more details below).

Pipeline and Talent Development – We updated our CPA Pipeline Strategy and expanded events and partnerships to reach a broader audience. Our outreach efforts exceeded expectations, engaging 15,184 Texas students, beating our goal of reaching 14,000. Additionally, we launched a new candidate community on TXCPA Exchange to support aspiring CPAs on their professional journey.

Visibility and Outreach – A comprehensive marketing audit led to updates to the organization’s web and social media presence. We also rebranded the Accounting Education Foundation to become AcctoFi (see more details below), and realigned staff and outsourced marketing resources for greater impact.

Organizational Structure – The Organizational Structure Task Force advanced its work to help strengthen our governance and operations. At the same time, internal systems were improved through key technology upgrades.

Initiatives in the Works

Looking ahead, several important initiatives are already in motion as TXCPA continues to build momentum for the future.

Pipeline and Talent Development – We are planning to launch the Mentor Match and Champions programs to strengthen student support and expand outreach in schools. Additional efforts include developing tools for aspiring CPAs, educators and accounting departments to help outline all licensing pathways and TXCPA’s support available, new resources for employers and raising our student outreach goal to 16,000.

Strategic Growth – Plans are underway to increase focus on business and industry audiences, renew member recruitment efforts and reposition business development strategies to drive continued growth.

Member Engagement – To support engagement efforts, we are developing best practice resources for TXCPA and the chapters, as well as local chapter engagement toolkits.

Visibility and Outreach – We’re finalizing work on our value proposition and audience personas to better align with stakeholder needs. Plans also include expanding our social media presence through new platforms and more personalized messaging.

Operational Excellence – A pilot program in collaboration with TXCPA Corpus Christi will help identify where we have opportunities to further streamline resources and opportunities across our chapter network.

Evolving Engagement: A New Membership Model for a Stronger Community

Membership Task Force Chair Melanie Geist, CPA, presented details on a proposed tiered membership model. Aligned with the organization’s strategic goal of ensuring long-term viability and growth, the model reflects the evolving needs of the profession and marketplace by prioritizing flexibility, inclusivity and personalized value.

The model introduces tiered options tailored to members’ varying needs, encouraging meaningful engagement, volunteerism and leadership. By aligning pricing with usage and value, the model supports financial sustainability while maintaining accessibility.

Overall, it’s a dynamic, member-centered strategy designed to strengthen the community and empower members to shape TXCPA’s future.

Advocacy in Action: Legislative Wins for the Profession

TXCPA’s advocacy team delivered major victories in the Texas Legislature, reinforcing the organization’s role as a powerful voice for CPAs.

Senate Bill 262: An additional path to licensure:

• Offers an additional path to the 150-hour rule: bachelor’s degree + two years of experience + CPA Exam.
• Makes Texas one of the first and the largest state to adopt this model.
• Effective August 1, 2026.

Senate Bill 522: Modernize CPA mobility:

• Allows qualified out-of-state CPAs to practice in Texas.
• Includes a safe harbor for current licensees.
• Effective September 1, 2025.

Please see the Government Affairs article in this Today’s CPA issue for more details.

Legislative Threats to Professional Licensing

TXCPA also successfully advocated against legislation that could have weakened professional licensing standards.

Key Threats Averted:

• HB 11 – Would have forced reciprocity with other states, undermining CPA mobility; TXCPA worked to amend it to exclude CPAs, a major advocacy win.
• SB 716/HB 3677 – Proposed licensing professionals with just one year of experience, no education or exam required; thanks to strong relationships and quick action by members during TXCPA's Advocacy Day, this bill never received a hearing, another win for the profession.

AcctoFi: A New Era in Professional Learning

AcctoFi Vice Chair Mark Lee, JD, CPA, shared an update on TXCPA’s new professional education brand. AcctoFi is a nonprofit platform designed to deliver high-quality, real-world learning in accounting, finance and career development to help professionals maintain licensure, enhance their skills and prepare for future opportunities.

What AcctoFi Offers:

• High-quality, up-to-date learning experiences
• Career development tools
• Support for licensure and lifelong learning

Visit acctofi.com to explore programs and resources.

AcctoFi’s 2024-2025 Scholarships:

• 181 scholarship applications
• 51 scholarships awarded to four-year college students
• 5 scholarships awarded to community college students

TXCPA PAC Key Highlights: Strong Gains and a Call to Action

TXCPA PAC Committee Member and Legislative Advisory Committee Chair Josh LeBlanc, CPA, shared key updates on PAC participation and upcoming goals.

Participation:

• CPA Members: 3.0% (Goal: 5%)
• Leadership Council: 75% (Goal: 85%)

Fundraising and New Donors:

• $103,310 raised so far (50% of the $200,000 goal)
• 78 new contributors (Goal: 50 – surpassed!)

Spending:

• Over $188,000 spent during the 2024 elections

Call to Action: Advocacy remains a critical part of protecting the CPA profession and your support matters. Members are encouraged to contribute and help TXCPA reach its goals ahead of the next election cycle.

Insights, Impact and Investment in the Profession

Additional key updates, reports and activities from the meeting include:

• A silent auction was held to support AcctoFi scholarships for Texas accounting students and help advance the future of the profession.
• TXCPA Investments Committee Chair Chris Lucas, CPA; AcctoFi Treasurer Luke LaChance, CPA; and Chief Financial Officer Jacob Briggs, CPA, presented the annual financial report.
• AICPA Immediate Past Chair Carla McCall, CPA, CGMA, shared insights on the future accounting landscape, emphasizing the importance of innovation, adaptability and ethical leadership.
• Jennifer Wilson of ConvergenceCoaching explored the profession’s ongoing consolidation, discussing both opportunities and challenges in the current environment.

Final Word

As TXCPA marked 110 years by returning to the historic Tremont House, it wasn’t just about looking back – it was about leaning forward. The organization stands at a pivotal moment, honoring a legacy of advocacy, education and professional excellence while embracing the bold ideas, technologies and leadership needed for the road ahead.

The strength of the organization lies not only in its history, but in the collective vision and action of its members. As we continue to invest in talent, technology and community, one thing is clear: the next chapter of TXCPA’s story is just beginning. Join us in College Station in January for the Midyear Leadership Council Meeting as we continue writing it – together.

2025-2026 TXCPA Leadership: Click here to see TXCPA’s Board of Directors and Leadership Council.

TXCPA thanks our Annual Meeting title sponsor Goodman Financial

Thanks to the Sponsors of Today's CPA Magazine

This content was made possible by the sponsors of this issue of Today's CPA Magazine:

Accounting Biz Brokers

Accounting Practice Sales

CPA Charge

Goodman Financial

Poe Group Advisors

TaxDome