CHICAGO, June 21, 2022 – The Illinois CPA Society (ICPAS)—one of the largest state CPA societies in the nation—is proud to announce its second class of Strategy Academy graduates. Launched in 2021, ICPAS’ invitation-only Strategy Academy aims to develop the strategic thinking and communication skills of certified public accountants (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 Todd Shapiro, ICPAS president and CEO and Strategy Academy faculty member. “I look forward to seeing our second class of graduates put their new skills and mindsets to the test as they work even closer with their clients to help them achieve greater profitability and long-term success.”

2022 Strategy Academy Graduates

Jeremy Adams | Kerber, Eck & Braeckel

Ryan Black | Porte Brown

Christine Gaffney | Gray Hunter Stenn

Amy Gray | Gray Hunter Stenn

Jeff Livesay | Martin Hood

Ryan Lubinski | MichaelSilver

Joshua Prince | MichaelSilver

Led by Shapiro and Mark Frigo, Ph.D., CPA, distinguished professor emeritus at DePaul University’s 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. For more details and application information, contact Gayle Floresca, Senior Director of Education, at [email protected] or 312-517-7618.