Celebrating Our 2025-2026 TXCPA Faculty and Student Ambassadors!

TXCPA thanks our outstanding faculty and student ambassadors for your commitment and enthusiasm in 2025-2026! Want to get involved? Click here to learn more.

Faculty Ambassadors

  • Anthony Abbott, Tarrant County College – Southeast
  • Linda Acevedo, CPA, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
  • Dr. Susan Anders, CPA, CGMA, Midwestern State University
  • Pamela Ansboury, CPA, M.Ed., San Antonio College
  • Dr. Enoch Asare, CPA, University of Dallas
  • Michelle Avila, CPA, Our Lady of the Lake University
  • Madhuri Bandla, CPA, CFE, University of North Texas
  • Helen Bassett, Lone Star College – University Park
  • Okera Bishop, CPA, Austin Community College – Highland
  • Tara Blasor, CPA, Texas A&M University
  • Kelli Blount, CPA, Austin Community College – Northridge
  • Derrick Bonyuet-Lee, CPA, CGMA, UT Austin and Huston-Tillitson University
  • Preston Branch, CPA, West Texas A&M University
  • Regina Brown, Dallas County Community College District – Eastfield
  • Dr. Ricardo Colon, JD, LLM, CPA, Lamar University
  • Ginger DeLatte, CPA, Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi
  • Dr. Alfreda Dobiyanski, CPA, Prairie View A&M University
  • Julie Duncan, CPA, Lone Star College – The Woodlands
  • Dennis Elam, CPA, Texas A&M University – San Antonio
  • Dr. Ozer Erdem, University of St. Thomas
  • Lauren Farish, CPA, Baylor University
  • Dr. Julia Frink, Tarrant County College – Connect
  • Mary Beth Goodrich, CPA, University of Texas at Dallas
  • Dr. Marina Grau, CPA, Houston Community College
  • Patrick Grewe, CPA, Tarrant County College – NE
  • Jessica Hazel, CPA, McLennan Community College
    Narita Holmes, CPA, University of Texas at Permian Basin
  • LaPortia Hurse, Dallas County Community College District – Brookhaven
  • Kay Jackson, Tarrant County College – South
  • Selena Jefferies, CPA, Texas A&M University – Texarkana
  • Dr. Vicky Johnson, CPA, University of Mary Hardin-Baylor
  • Jason Jordan, CPA, Texas Woman’s University
  • Dr. Jared Koreff, Trinity University
  • Dr. Ran Li, CPA, Texas A&M University – Central Texas
  • Casey Martin, Dallas College – Richland
  • Kristy McDermott, CPA, Austin Community College – Round Rock
  • Shawn Miller, CPA, Lone Star College – CyFair
  • Dr. Amirali Moeini Chaghervand, University of Houston – Downtown
  • Kathleen Moffitt, CPA, CIA, Texas State University
  • Celinda Moore, CPA, Texas Tech University
  • Dr. Jason Moore, Paul Quinn College
  • Landri Ognowski, CPA, Angelo State University
  • Dr. Renee Olvera, CPA, Texas Christian University
  • Shanshan Pan, University of Houston – Clear Lake
  • Marsha Peters, Dallas College – Mountain View
    Dr. Richard Pitre, CPA, Texas Southern University
  • Dr. April Poe, CPA, University of the Incarnate Word
  • Stephanie Poindexter, CPA, Dallas College – North Lake
  • Daniel Puhl, CPA, Sam Houston State University
  • Dr. Laci Richardson, CPA, Lubbock Christian University
  • Sarah Robertson, CPA, University of Texas at El Paso
  • Dr. Stephanie Ross, CPA, Stephen F. Austin State University
  • Jawanna Sanderson, CPA, Sul Ross State University
  • Jaye Simpson, Tarrant County College Northwest
  • Stacie Smith, Kilgore College
  • Larry Stephens, CPA, Austin Community College – South Austin
  • Jay Thibodeaux, II, CPA, Austin Community College – Eastview
  • Charles Thomas, Jr, CPA, CGMA, Tarleton State University
  • Linda R. Vaello, CPA, University of Texas at San Antonio
  • Adria Vasquez, CPA, Del Mar College
  • Dr. Kimberly Webb, CPA, Texas Wesleyan University
  • Dr. Kwohn Whitaker, Blinn College – Brenham & Rellis
  • Denise White, Austin Community College – Cypress Creek
  • Dr. Veronda Willis, CPA, CGMA, University of Texas at Tyler
  • Patricia Wynn, CPA, CMA, CGMA, CFE, CSCA, University of North Texas at Dallas
  • Dr. Ziyun (Calvin) Yang, University of Houston – Victoria
  • Limin "Priscilla" Zhu, DBA, CPA, University of Houston

Student Ambassadors

  • Erica Acosta, Texas A&M University – San Antonio (Graduate)
  • Tatiana Alvarez, Angelo State University (Undergraduate)
  • Jacob Alverado, University of Texas at Arlington (Undergraduate)
  • Abdul Aweda, University of Texas at Austin (Graduate)
  • Marshall Barbosa, University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley (Undergraduate)
  • Gabriela Benavides, University of Texas at San Antonio (Graduate)
  • Kate (Wailyn) Bentley, Sam Houston State University (Undergraduate)
  • Ashley Bynum, Texas Wesleyan University (Undergraduate)
  • Julian Byrd, University of Houston – Downtown (Undergraduate)
  • Caden Clark, University of Texas at Tyler (Undergraduate)
  • Muhammad Durvesh, Texas Southern University (Graduate)
  • Azucena Garrett Mendoza, Dallas College
  • Unnati Goel, University of Texas at Tyler (Graduate)
  • Hethcoat Hadassah, University of Texas at Permian Basin (Undergraduate)
  • Rachel Hung, Austin Community College
  • Chelsea Jackson, Texas State University (Graduate)
  • Vaishnavi Jayaraman, University of Houston – Main (Undergraduate)
  • Madison Jones, Prairie View A&M University (Undergraduate)
  • Etta Mansaray, University of St. Thomas (Undergraduate)
  • Cintya Mariscal, University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley (Graduate)
  • Alma Martinez, Del Mar College
  • Jessica Martinez-Williams, Texas State University (Undergraduate)
  • Connie Morin, McLennan Community College
  • Yadira Nevarez, Texas A&M University – Texarkana (Graduate)
  • Gail O’Banner, University of North Texas at Dallas (Graduate)
  • Nakul Patel, University of Texas at Austin (Undergraduate)
  • Maria Perez, Huston-Tillotson University (Undergraduate)
  • Amanda Perrin, University of Texas at San Antonio (Graduate)
  • Natalie Pham, University of Houston – Main (Undergraduate)
  • Ayham Rached, University of Texas at Dallas (Graduate)
  • Iman Raji, Huston-Tillotson University (Undergraduate)
  • Juan Ramos, University of Houston – Clear Lake (Undergraduate)
  • Leah Richardson, Lubbock Christian University (Undergraduate)
  • Harper Scott, Texas A&M University (Undergraduate)
  • Sally Simmons, Lubbock Christian University (Undergraduate)
  • Javier Solis Jr., Dallas College
  • Rosa Son, Houston Christian University (Undergraduate)
  • Min Tan, Austin Community College
  • Jason Tristian, Lamar University (Undergraduate)
  • Amie Valdez, Del Mar College
  • John Varghese, Dallas College
  • Horace White, Houston Community College
  • Lenora Williams, Midwestern State University (Undergraduate)

 

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

 

 

 


  • TXCPA Strategic Plan

    Building What’s Next: TXCPA’s 2025-26 Year in Review

    TXCPA’s 2025–26 Year in Review highlights how the organization is responding to rapid change in the accounting profession through a clear strategic vision focused on people, innovation and advocacy. Key efforts include new programs, enhanced CPE and learning through AcctoFi, and technology and chapter integration initiatives. The year also marked major legislative wins, positioning Texas as a national leader.
    View Article
  • CPE: Option-Based Contracts and Foreign Currency Transactions

    This article covers option-based contracts in foreign currency transactions and their treatment as derivatives under ASC 815. It highlights how options differ from forwards and futures, outlines call and put options and their accounting implications, defines key derivative terminology, and illustrates how FX options can hedge one-sided currency risk while preserving upside potential.
    View Article
    Underlyings
  • volunteer leadership

    Celebrating Progress. Shaping What’s Next.

    This issue of Today’s CPA reflects on TXCPA’s achievements during the 2025–2026 membership year while looking ahead to the future. It highlights advocacy successes, profession updates, expanded education offerings, technology investments, and strong member and volunteer engagement. As the year closes, members are encouraged to stay engaged and help shape what’s next.
    View Article
  • CARB vs. No-CARB – The California Climate Accountability Package

    California’s Climate Accountability Package significantly expands corporate climate disclosure requirements, mandating detailed greenhouse gas emissions reporting and climate‑risk analysis for companies doing business in the state. Ongoing legal challenges remain, but enforcement timelines are intact, placing growing responsibility on companies and CPAs to manage data quality, Scope 3 estimates and audit‑ready disclosures.
    View Article
    Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions
  • Pro Bono Services

    Justice for Fraud Victims Project: Bridging the Justice Gap in Financial Fraud

    The Justice for Fraud Victims Project (JFVP) is a national program that delivers free forensic accounting and fraud investigation services to vulnerable individuals, small businesses and nonprofits. With partnerships among universities, anti-fraud professionals and law enforcement, they help uncover financial crimes and educate future forensic accountants. The model is expanding, including a new program at Lubbock Christian University.
    View Article
  • A Refresher on Auditor Independence: Best Practices Every CPA Should Know

    Auditor independence is essential to maintaining trust in the accounting profession, requiring both objectivity and the appearance of impartiality. Common threats - such as self-interest, self-review and familiarity - continue to lead to violations. Strong firm policies, ongoing training and effective use of technology are key to preventing these issues.
    View Article
    Quality Control Systems
  • Xero

    After QuickBooks Desktop: What CPAs Need to Know Now

    This article outlines the key implications of QuickBooks Desktop's phased discontinuation, including service discontinuation risks, operational failures, backup and archival strategies, migration challenges, and alternative accounting platforms. It also provides guidance for CPAs to take a proactive approach to managing and executing client migrations.
    View Article
  • Are Municipal Bond Investors Sitting on a Ticking Tax Bomb?

    Tax‑exempt municipal bonds purchased at deep discounts can quietly trigger ordinary income taxation under the IRS de minimis rule, eroding after‑tax returns and creating surprise tax bills at maturity. By comparing after‑tax “true yield” and proactively swapping discounted bonds for higher‑coupon alternatives, CPAs and financial advisors can help clients defuse a hidden tax bomb and improve portfolio outcomes.
    View Article
    Tax‑Exempt Securities
  • Quantum Computing

    Risks, Realities and the Evolving Role of CPAs Auditing Emerging Technologies

    Emerging technologies are reshaping auditing by embedding automation, advanced analytics and decentralized systems into core business processes. While these tools improve efficiency and insight, they introduce new risks that challenge traditional audit approaches. CPAs must adapt methods, rely more heavily on professional judgment, and uphold independence and integrity to sustain trust in financial reporting.
    View Article
  • What’s Happening Around Texas - May-June 2026

    TXCPA chapters across Texas are making an impact through service, networking and professional development. Recent highlights include volunteer and scholarship efforts in Austin, community engagement and member meetups in Dallas, student outreach and advocacy in East Texas, and career-focused events in Houston that strengthen connections within the accounting community.
    View Article
    volunteer advocacy
  • volunteer leadership

    Advocacy Update – Elections and the 2027 Legislative Session are Right Around the Corner

    TXCPA is preparing for the 2027 Texas legislative session as the 2026 elections shape the political and policy landscape. Key focuses include monitoring election outcomes, emerging legislative issues and national deregulation efforts that could impact CPA licensure and practice, while encouraging continued member engagement and advocacy.
    View Article
  • Why Positioning Matters More Than Ever for CAS Firms

    Client advisory services deliver the most value when firms clearly define who they serve and which problems they solve. Clear positioning enables standardized workflows, repeatable service offerings and more predictable growth.
    View Article
    Service differentiation
  • Word Challenge

    Take Note

    In this edition of Take Note: Renew Your TXCPA Membership; Accountants Confidential Assistance Network (ACAN); 2026 CPE Programs; Word Game - Positioning That Powers Growth
    View Article
  • Classifieds

    The Classifieds section of Today's CPA provides a one-stop destination to find practices for sale, connect with buyers, and access services that support growth, transition and market expansion.
    View Article

CHAIR
Mohan Kuruvilla, Ph.D., CPA

PRESIDENT/CEO
Jodi Ann Ray, CAE, CCE, IOM

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
Melinda Bentley, CAE

EDITORIAL BOARD CHAIR
Jennifer Johnson, CPA

MANAGER, MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS
Peggy Foley
pfoley@tx.cpa

MANAGING EDITOR
DeLynn Deakins
ddeakins@tx.cpa

COLUMN EDITOR
Don Carpenter, MSAcc/CPA

DIGITAL MARKETING SPECIALIST
Wayne Hardin, CDMP, PCM®

CLASSIFIEDS
DeLynn Deakins

Texas Society of CPAs
14131 Midway Rd., Suite 850
Addison, TX 75001
972-687-8550
ddeakins@tx.cpa

 

Editorial Board
Derrick Bonyuet-Lee, CPA-Austin;
Aaron Borden, CPA-Dallas;
Don Carpenter, CPA-Central Texas;
Rhonda Fronk, CPA-Houston;
Aaron Harris, CPA-Dallas;
Baria Jaroudi, CPA-Houston;
Elle Kathryn Johnson, CPA-Houston;
Jennifer Johnson, CPA-Dallas;
Lucas LaChance, CPA-Dallas, CIA;
Nicholas Larson, CPA-Fort Worth;
Anne-Marie Lelkes, CPA-Corpus Christi;
Bryan Morgan, Jr, CPA-Austin;
Stephanie Morgan, CPA-East Texas;
Kamala Raghavan, CPA-Houston;
Amber Louise Rourke, CPA-Brazos Valley;
Shilpa Boggram Sathyamurthy, CPA-Houston, CA
Nikki Lee Shoemaker, CPA-East Texas, CGMA;
Natasha Winn, CPA-Houston.

CONTRIBUTORS
Melinda Bentley; Kenneth Besserman; Kristie Estrada; Holly McCauley; Craig Nauta; Kari Owen; John Ross; Lani Shepherd; April Twaddle; Patty Wyatt