Three new directors join the board as it continues its focus on enhancing the value of the CPA profession.
CHICAGO, April 1, 2026 – The Illinois CPA Society (ICPAS)—one of the largest state societies serving the certified public accountant (CPA) community—announces its board of directors for the April 1, 2026, to March 31, 2027, fiscal year.
This year, Mark W. Wolfgram, CPA, of Bel Brands USA Inc., steps into the role of chairperson. The board also welcomes three new directors: Jessica L. Freiburg, CPA, PFS, of Sassetti LLC; Mark S. Gallegos, CPA, of Porte Brown LLC; and Jeffery R. Livesay, CPA, CGMA, of MH CPA PLLC.
“I’m excited to welcome three new members to the Illinois CPA Society Board of Directors as we continue advancing the Society’s mission and elevate our position as a leader in the accounting and finance profession,” says Geoffrey Brown, CAE, ICPAS president and CEO. “We take pride in bringing together an experienced and talented board to help us serve an evolving membership and professional community. There’s important work ahead as we focus on enhancing the value of the CPA profession and making it more appealing to the next generation. I’d also like to thank retiring directors Enrique Lopez, Leilani Rodrigo, and Deb Rood for their years of service and contributions.”
2026-2027 Illinois CPA Society Board of Directors
Officers
Chairperson
Mark W. Wolfgram, CPA | Bel Brands USA Inc.
Vice Chairperson
Jennifer L. Cavanaugh, CPA | Grant Thornton LLP
Treasurer
Lindy R. Ellis, CPA | Ernst & Young LLP
Secretary
Richard C. Tarapchak, CPA | Verano Holdings Corp.
Immediate Past Chairperson
Brian J. Blaha, CPA | Winding River Consulting
Directors
Amy M. Chamoun, CPA | Cherry Bekaert Advisory LLC
Pedro A. Diaz de Leon, CPA, CFE, CIA | Sikich LLP
Kimi L. Ellen, CPA | Benford Brown & Associates LLC
Jessica L. Freiburg, CPA, PFS | Sassetti LLC
Mark S. Gallegos, CPA | Porte Brown LLC
Monica N. Harrison, CPA | Tinuiti
Joshua Herbold, Ph.D., CPA | University of Illinois
Jeffery R. Livesay, CPA, CGMA | MH CPA PLLC
Kimberly D. Meyer, CPA | Meyer & Associates CPA LLC
Girlie A. O’Donoghue, CPA | Portillo’s Inc.
Matthew D. Panzica, CPA | BDO USA PC
Jennifer L. Rada, CPA | PwC LLP
Andrea Wright, CPA | Johnson Lambert LLP
Stephanie M. Zaleski-Braatz, CPA | Miller Cooper & Co. Ltd