NASBA’s Executive Leadership features an extensive group of experienced and talented leaders from a wide array of backgrounds. In order to get to know them better, here is a collection of biographies about each of NASBA’s Executive Leaders:
Daniel J. Dustin, CPA President and Chief Executive Officer; NASBA Center for the Public Trust, Chief Executive Officer
Daniel J. Dustin, CPA, is the president and chief executive officer (CEO) of the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA), a forum for the nation’s 55 U.S. Boards of Accountancy that administer the Uniform CPA Examination and regulate the practice of public accountancy in the U.S. As president and CEO, Dustin leads the association’s Nashville, Tennessee headquarters as well as its office in San Juan, Puerto Rico. He also serves as CEO of NASBA’s ethics arm, the NASBA Center for the Public Trust (CPT).
As NASBA’s executive vice president, Garvin is the senior executive responsible for oversight of member and leadership services; governmental, international and professional relationships; and risk and compliance.
Troy A. Walker, CPA Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, NASBA Center for the Public Trust (CPT)
Troy A. Walker, CPA, serves as vice president and chief financial officer for NASBA and as chief financial officer and treasurer for the NASBA Center for the Public Trust (CPT). In these roles, Walker has responsibility for the financial activities, reporting, controls and compliance of NASBA and CPT in support of each organization’s mission.
William A. Emmer, CPA, MBA Chief Operating Officer
William “Bill” Emmer serves as chief operating officer. In this role, Emmer oversees multiple operations at NASBA including services related to the Uniform CPA Examination (CPA Exam), CPA licensing, the National Candidate Database, the National Registry of CPE Sponsors and other products and services, as well as Information Technology (IT).
As chief legal officer, Allen oversees all legal matters on behalf of the Association. A North Carolina native, Allen’s background is in professional regulation, contracting, and governance, with a focus on nonprofits engaged in innovative work.
Sedrik Newbern President, NASBA Center for the Public Trust and Chief Ethics Officer, NASBA
Sedrik Newbern serves as president of the NASBA Center for the Public Trust (CPT) and chief ethics officer of the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA). As CPT president, Newbern oversees the non-profit ethics and leadership organization’s day-to-day operations and a growing number of CPT programs. His tenure with NASBA began in 2019, where he served as CPT operations director. In 2021, he transitioned to a consultant for the CPT. As chief ethics officer, Newbern oversees ethics compliance initiatives for the organization. He also represents NASBA in ethics related activities within the accounting profession.
Lisa Dampf, SPHR, SHRM-SCP Chief Human Resources Officer
Lisa Dampf serves as chief human resources officer of NASBA. Dampf began her career with NASBA in 1997, when NASBA relocated its headquarters from New York to Tennessee. Throughout her tenure at NASBA, she has worked in a variety of roles including payroll manager, benefits manager and human resources director. She was named CHRO in August 2013.
As CIO, Beard leads NASBA’s technology strategy, IT governance, cybersecurity, data analytics, and technology‑enabled services supporting NASBA’s member Boards of Accountancy, CPAs, CPA candidates, and other stakeholders. He also oversees key vendor relationships and ensures all technology investments align with NASBA’s strategic and operational priorities.
Thomas G. Kenny Chief Meetings and Events Officer (CMEO)
Thomas G. Kenny serves as NASBA’s chief meetings and events officer (CMEO). Kenny joined NASBA in April 1992 and, during his tenure, has held various leadership roles throughout the organization. As CMEO, Kenny leads the strategic planning and execution of NASBA’s meetings, conferences, and major events, ensuring impactful engagement and professional development opportunities for NASBA’s members and stakeholders.
John W. Johnson Vice President, Legislative and Governmental Affairs
During his tenure with NASBA, Johnson successfully implemented a sophisticated bill-tracking system, which annually identifies and monitors more than 500 bills nationally. Most recently, Johnson spearheaded, along with the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), the establishment of the Alliance for Responsible Professional Licensing (ARPL), a consortium of highly skilled professions that seek to protect the public by advocating for the regulatory community.
Kent A. Absec Vice President, State Board Relations
Absec, a native of Kellogg, ID, previously served as the executive officer for the Idaho State Board of Accountancy, a role he held since March 2012. His involvement with NASBA includes six years on the Computer Based Testing (CBT) Administration Committee and five terms as a member of the Executive Directors Committee. Absec served as the Executive Directors Committee chair and liaison to the NASBA Board of Directors for two consecutive years.
Tyler Nelson serves as vice president, public relations for the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy. In this role, he leads NASBA’s external communications strategy, media relations, and brand storytelling in support of the Association’s mission and strategic priorities.
