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NASBA’s 114th Annual Meeting returned to the virtual stage for the second consecutive year amid continued COVID-19 concerns. The two-day meeting, held via Zoom November 2-3, 2021, attracted a record total attendance of 519 state board representatives and stakeholders, representing 54 U.S. jurisdictions.  

Following the theme “Persevere,” the meeting featured a variety of plenary sessions, leadership updates and opportunities for NASBA members to engage and discuss emerging topics. Chief among the topics discussed include CPA Evolution, CPA Exam and Pipeline as presented by NASBA Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Colleen Conrad and AICPA Vice President – Examinations and Pipeline Michael Decker; Achieving Diversity, Equity and Inclusion featuring NABA President & CEO Guylaine Saint Juste and NASBA Chief Ethics and Diversity Officer Alfonzo Alexander; Enhancing Board Resources led by members of NASBA’s Peer Review Compliance Committee and Innovations in the EY Internship and Education Program featuring Ellen Glazerman, ED, Ernst & Young Foundation and Americas Director, University Relations of EY.  

In his State of NASBA address, NASBA President and Chief Executive Officer Ken L. Bishop thanked governance volunteers and staff for making the Association’s success possible and assured Annual Meeting attendees that even with business disruptions including a reduction in CPA Examination candidates entering and progressing through the CPA Pipeline, NASBA is strong, more viable and will continue to persevere, as the Association works to fulfill its mission during a global pandemic.  

President Bishop cited several organizational achievements, including:  

  • Maintained stakeholder relationships 
  • Adopted a new Strategic Plan  
  • Broadened infrastructure investments 
  • Began implementation of CPA Evolution 
  • Enhanced focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion 
  • Dedicated senior staff and resources to address CPA Pipeline issues 
  • Focus on reduction of technical debt over next few years 
  • Implemented enhanced security training for staff 
  • Acquired new membership data platform 

He concluded his address by emphasizing the significance of making CPA Pipeline a high priority, reminding attendees that “becoming a CPA remains a promising career opportunity.” He also challenged regulators and members of the profession to “embrace changes to attract students with an interest in artificial intelligence, information technology and to “do more to educate students on the potential of the professional CPA career.”  

NASBA leadership remains optimistic that the 115th Annual Meeting will be held in-person, October 30 – November 2, 2022, in San Diego, CA.