CONNECT
Introducing the 2025-2026 Board of Directors
NCACPA’s Board of Directors plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of the accounting profession in North Carolina. These dedicated leaders guide the Association’s strategic direction, ensuring we remain a strong advocate for CPAs, a champion for workforce development, and a resource for professional growth.
Through their leadership, the Board drives initiatives that support members at every career stage, foster innovation in the profession, and strengthen NCACPA’s impact statewide. Their commitment helps us expand opportunities, enhance engagement, and adapt to the evolving needs of the accounting community.
We are grateful for their vision, service, and dedication to advancing the profession and NCACPA’s mission!
Officers
Kelly Puryear, CPA, CGMA Chair TRP Sumner, PLLC
“When I joined a small firm, the partners were committed to serving the profession through NCACPA involvement. I followed their lead and as in most volunteer roles, I have reaped much more than I have sown. The connections I have made have been invaluable. Being involved in the Association gives you insider information about what is going on in our profession and in our legislature. Our firm has made numerous strategic decisions based on information from NCACPA involvement."
Alex Lehmann, CPA Chair-Elect MPC Certified Public Accountants
“NCACPA has a large number of engaged young CPA members who are eager to learn. By channeling that enthusiasm and pairing it with targeted programming, peer connections, and leadership development, we can empower this generation to grow into confident, well-rounded leaders. By investing in these professionals now, we’re not just helping them thrive, we’re securing the future strength and relevance of our entire profession.”
Dr. Courtney Knoll, CPA Immediate Past Chair UNC Chapel Hill—Kenan Flagler Business School
“Having been in academia for the vast majority of my career, I was looking for ways to connect with and serve the broader accounting profession. Although service was my intention, I have benefited far more than I have contributed. Among other things, my involvement with NCACPA has provided impactful opportunities for professional growth, as well as many amazing new friends and colleagues.”
Jonathan Kraftchick, CPA Treasurer Cherry Bekaert
“We’re an important place as a profession. Technology and business model changes are everywhere. It’s time for a lot of change (I’m tired too, but it’s true). The way we’ve offered accounting services is changing. The NCACPA is poised to continue pushing the profession forward by setting an example of doing the same. The association is such a vital part of the profession, but even they are aware that the best way they can serve their members is different than it was in the past.”
Directors
Genevia Gee Fulbright, CPA Fulbright & Fulbright CPAs, PA
“The best advice I received was to become a CPA. Besides meeting a community of supportive professionals, I gained leadership and entrepreneurial skills that positioned me to better serve clients and attract numerous corporate and nonprofit board director roles throughout my career. I have been able to achieve goals beyond my imagination.”
Brandon Hall, CPA Hall CPA PLLC
“There’s momentum now to rewrite the rules, which creates tremendous opportunity for innovation, better culture, and deeper client impact. There’s growing recognition that relationship-building and advisory services are central, not secondary, to the future of the profession. Clients want more than technical compliance; they want a partner in their business journey. At the same time, accountants are embracing technology, AI, and automation as tools that will free them to focus on higher-value, human-centered work.”
Yates Lackey, CPA Atrium Health
“CPAs spend their careers acquiring and mastering the knowledge that helps their clients with financial reporting, tax preparation, etc. But to be a CPA it requires critical thinking, intellectual curiosity, and relationship building – all of which are skills that have value beyond the stereotypical accounting roles. I am excited to see how the knowledge and the soft skills of accounting professionals will translate into more non-traditional roles for the clients and companies we serve.”
Jennifer Leary, CPA CliftonLarsonAllen
“I got involved with NCACPA because I loved the energy of the Management and Board. They are trailblazing and willing to think differently. It’s been a fun experience to date & will be something I reflect on with joy."
Jamelia Livingston, CPA Ernst & Young
"One piece of advice that has remained true throughout my career is this: don’t go it alone. The value of a strong, expansive network is immeasurable—it offers insights that help demystify the journey ahead and can remove roadblocks you never saw coming. It also creates incredible opportunities I never could have envisioned on my own."
Dr. Lisa Owens-Jackson, CPA North Carolina A&T State University
“You need to put yourself in spaces with passionate, smart people; listen to their perspectives; share your perspective; and be willing to work toward change together. Getting involved with NCACPA and working for a better accounting profession is a passion mission. I have expanded my professional network and gained a voice that can impact my students’ future. I truly love the great people that NCACPA has brought into my life.”
Stacee Rash, CPA Martin Starnes & Associates
"What excites me most about the future of the accounting profession is seeing organizations like NCACPA, through its pipeline initiatives, continue to build a stronger foundation for the next generation of professionals."
Benjamin Ripple, CPA BRC
“The constant thread of my time spent with NCACPA has been the great connections I have made with many wonderful folks throughout the state. My involvement helped me create a network that I can lean on when I have issues, and they know they can reach out whenever needed. To borrow a phrase from Jeremy Grey, it is all about people helping people, and NCACPA has connected me to a wide array of very helpful people through the years.”
Michael Scott, CPA The Clorox Company
“Accounting is the language of business and uniquely situates accounting professionals to be change agents as automation, AI, and other technologies change how the global economy operates.”
Osei Sencherey, CPA HCM Unlocked
"Run towards the fire—don't shy away from difficult moments (conversations, work, etc.) or change. Difficult moments build your personal brand, and it is where growth happens."
