September 03, 2026
Leadership, Innovation and Momentum Take Center Stage at TXCPA's Annual Meeting
The energy was unmistakable as more than 200 leaders gathered in San Antonio for TXCPA's 2026 Annual Meeting of Members and Leadership Council Meeting. During two days of discussion, collaboration and forward-looking conversations, attendees celebrated significant accomplishments from the past year, explored emerging trends shaping the CPA profession, recognized outstanding volunteer leadership, and focused on the initiatives positioning TXCPA and the profession for continued success in an increasingly dynamic marketplace.
TXCPA 2026-27 Chair Angela Ragan, CPA-Central Texas, 2025-26 Chair Billy Kelley, CPA-Permian Basin, CGMA, and President and CEO Jodi Ann Ray, CAE, shared updates on the organization's three-year Strategic Plan, now entering its final year. The plan focuses on four key priorities:
- Strengthening the CPA pipeline;
- Expanding organizational influence;
- Improving operational efficiency; and
- Increasing visibility for both the profession and TXCPA.
Leaders highlighted strong member satisfaction scores for both the state organization and local chapters, reflecting the value members continue to place on professional learning, networking, mentoring and regulatory guidance. The meeting celebrated the volunteers whose leadership continues to strengthen the organization and the profession.
Building the Future CPA Pipeline
One of the year's greatest success stories was student outreach. TXCPA surpassed its goal of reaching 16,000 Texas students, connecting with nearly 1,000 more students than the previous year through programs such as Accounting Opportunities Month, Balance Sheet Bash events and focused webinars that introduce students to careers in accounting. Membership now includes nearly 6,800 student members, reflecting the organization's continued investment in developing the next generation of CPAs.
Momentum also continues to build around TXCPA’s Mentor Match program, which connects professionals and aspiring CPAs in a flexible mentoring environment. (See the cover story in this issue of Today's CPA for more information on the importance of mentorship.) In addition, more than 100 volunteers completed training through the new Student Outreach Champions program, helping deliver a consistent and compelling message about the accounting profession.
Looking ahead, TXCPA has raised its outreach goal for 2026-27 to 17,500 students and is encouraging members to participate through mentoring, speaking engagements and student outreach activities.
A Focus on Growth and Personalized Experiences
A major milestone this year was the successful launch of TXCPA's new tiered membership model, giving members greater flexibility to choose benefits that align with their professional needs. Early results have been positive, with strong renewal rates and more than 150 members upgrading to the Champion membership level. TXCPA continues to focus on membership growth and engagement while delivering a more personalized member experience.
One of the most exciting new benefits under development is TXCPA's AI-powered member experience tool, designed to make it easier than ever for members and prospective members to discover the resources, programs and opportunities most relevant to their professional goals. Rather than sorting through a static list of benefits, users will engage in a personalized conversation that answers the question, "What does TXCPA offer me?" based on their interests, career stage and needs.
Powered by information from TXCPA and chapter websites, as well as the organization's knowledge base, the tool delivers tailored recommendations and guidance to help members quickly connect with the value and support available through TXCPA.
During the Annual Meeting, attendees tested the conversational AI assistant and provided feedback that will help refine the experience before its public launch. The session reinforced TXCPA's broader technology strategy of using AI to improve member service while maintaining accuracy, relevance and an exceptional user experience.
Leaders also heard about additional member resources under development, including a CPA licensure chatbot, enhanced CPE reporting tools and expanded online learning resources designed to make professional development even more accessible.
Connecting Members in New Ways
Technology is also helping TXCPA strengthen member engagement across the state. Four new virtual communities launching through TXCPA Exchange will focus on:
- Nonprofit accounting;
- Technology;
- Sole practitioners; and
- Beyond Compliance (in partnership with 4impactdata).
These communities will provide topic-specific discussions, educational programs, resources and networking opportunities for members seeking deeper connections within their practice areas.
Investing in Operational Excellence
TXCPA also reported major progress in modernizing its operations. A comprehensive technology upgrade included enhancements to the member database, websites and financial management systems, while continued implementation of the organization's AI roadmap is helping position TXCPA to better serve members into the future.
The organization continued expanding its chapter integration initiative, with six chapters now operating under the integrated model. This approach maintains local leadership and engagement while reducing administrative duplication and improving efficiency.
Additional chapters are exploring integration opportunities in the coming year as the organization continues streamlining operations while preserving strong local leadership and engagement.
Expanding Visibility and Advocacy
Increasing the visibility of both the CPA profession and TXCPA remains a key strategic priority. The organization's social media audience grew nearly 15% this year, reaching almost 19,000 followers, while digital advertising campaigns generated nearly 1.5 million impressions promoting membership and events.
TXCPA also remains active and vigilant on advocacy issues affecting the profession, including use of the CPA title, potential deregulation efforts, CPE requirements and implementation of Texas' new alternative CPA licensure pathway. Members continue to play an important role through committee participation, exposure draft reviews and legislative engagement.
Leaders also received an update on TXCPA PAC activities, highlighting continued support for legislative candidates who understand the profession's priorities and encouraging greater participation in grassroots advocacy and chapter-led PAC events as preparations begin for the 2027 Texas legislative session.
Looking Toward 2040
Attendees also received an update on AICPA's Rise2040 initiative, a global effort designed to help accounting and finance professionals prepare for the future. Drawing on insights from more than 6,200 professionals worldwide, the initiative identifies major forces reshaping the profession, including technology and AI, value transformation, workforce dynamics, regulation and trust, and evolving market expectations.
A central message of Rise2040 is that CPAs are increasingly moving beyond historical reporting to become strategic advisors, with human judgment, ethics and trust becoming even more valuable in an AI-enabled future. Leaders were encouraged to use the Rise2040 framework as a strategic planning resource and begin experimenting with new approaches to talent development, technology adoption and service delivery.
Attendees also received an introduction to the Rise Navigator tool, which enables users to explore insights gathered from finance and accounting professionals around the world. Click here to learn more about Rise2040.
Engaging Discussions, Fresh Perspectives and Scholarship Support
The meeting also featured:
- Leadership insights, credibility and the CFO's expanding role from Dr. Tim Naddy, CPA, CFO of the Savannah Bananas;
- Annual financial reports presented by TXCPA Treasurer Josh LeBlanc, CPA-Southeast Texas, AcctoFi Treasurer Lucas LaChance, CPA-Dallas, and Investments Committee Chair Chris Lucas, CPA-Fort Worth, highlighting strong operating performance and investment results;
- Updates on the national CPA Trust campaign from AICPA's Kim Nilsen, Senior Director of Reputation and External Relations;
- A presentation on developing an AI-ready CPA mindset by Tracie Miller, Ph.D., CPA-Austin, and Wendy Tietz, Ph.D., emphasizing how professionals and organizations can prepare for an AI-enabled future;
- An update from TXCPA Director of Peer Assistance Craig Nauta, CAE, on the Accountants Confidential Assistance Network (ACAN), which supports CPAs and accounting students facing mental health and substance dependency challenges while providing opportunities for service and leadership; and
- A silent auction benefiting AcctoFi scholarships for Texas accounting students.
Momentum for the Future
As TXCPA enters the final year of its current Strategic Plan, the message from leadership was one of optimism, innovation and momentum. From expanding student outreach and enhancing member benefits to advancing advocacy efforts and embracing emerging technologies, the organization continues investing in the future of the profession while strengthening its impact across Texas.
Members were encouraged to stay involved by mentoring future CPAs, participating in advocacy efforts, supporting membership growth, engaging in the new virtual communities and helping raise awareness of the CPA profession through the CPA Trust campaign. Together, these efforts will strengthen TXCPA's mission and ensure the organization remains a trusted resource for members across the state.
Mark your calendar: TXCPA's Advocacy Day and Midyear Leadership Council Meeting will take place Jan. 26-27, 2027, at the Hilton Austin, bringing together members and leaders to advocate on issues affecting the profession and help advance the voice of Texas CPAs.
TXCPA thanks our Presenting Sponsor Goodman Financial
TXCPA’s Strategic Plan 2024-2027
Click here to see TXCPA’s 2024-2027 strategic plan goals.
2026-2027 TXCPA Leadership
Go to the TXCPA website
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:
