CHICAGO, June 6, 2023 – The Illinois CPA Society (ICPAS)—one of the largest state associations in the nation serving the certified public accountant (CPA) community—is proud to announce its third class of Strategy Academy graduates. Launched in 2021, ICPAS’ invitation-only Strategy Academy aims to develop the strategic thinking and communication skills of CPAs, enabling them to move beyond a compliance mindset and become the trusted and strategic business advisors that clients and companies increasingly need.

“Strategic thinking—particularly among CPAs working in audit, tax, and accounting services—is a critical component of ensuring the relevance of CPAs today and being able to offer clients new value and unique strategic insights beyond the scope of traditional CPA compliance services,” says Geoffrey Brown, CAE, ICPAS president and CEO. “I look forward to seeing the graduates leverage their new skills and mindsets to help their clients to drive greater profitability and long-term business success.”

2023 Strategy Academy Graduates

James Hare III | PKF Mueller

Angelina Jackson | KRD

Young Kim | Sikich

Jordan Russell | West & Company

Jeff Soderberg | FORVIS

Jacob Staab | Porte Brown

Detelina Staneva | KRD

Amanda Wells | KEB

Paul Wilkin | KRD

Led by former ICPAS President and CEO, Todd Shapiro, and Mark Frigo, Ph.D., CPA, distinguished professor emeritus at DePaul University’s School of Accountancy & MIS and Kellstadt Graduate School of Business, the Strategy Academy is a unique and innovative four-day program consisting of teams-based, hands-on, highly interactive sessions designed for high potential, up-and-coming accounting and finance professionals with seven or more years of experience.

The next Strategy Academy will be held in August 2023, exclusively for accounting and finance professionals working in a corporate environment. For more details and application information, contact Gayle Floresca, senior director of education, at [email protected] or 312-517-7618.