117th Annual Meeting: Innovate. Collaborate. Succeed. 

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NASBA’s 117^th Annual Meeting was held October 27–30 in Orlando, FL, and featured year-end updates and developments, new Board of Directors appointments, as well as presentations from inspiring keynote speakers.  

Kicking off the conference was business ethics expert and author Chuck Gallagher, who served as the featured keynote at the NASBA Center for the Public Trust (CPT) Ethics Workshop. Gallagher’s address on Every Choice has a Consequence outlined his own experiences with poor decision making that landed him in federal prison and how his life completely changed as a result of his actions.  

Alongside updates on Private Equity Investment in Public Accounting Firms, the Latest Developments from the AICPA, the UAA & Competency-Based Experience Pathway, and the Progress of the CPA Exam – shared during the opening plenary session – Annual Meeting goers also heard from Keynote Speaker Kevin Brown who spoke on The Hero Effect® – Being Your Best When It Matters the Most. In this presentation, Brown covered how raising his son who has autism taught him about growing and making positive changes in oneself no matter what. Later that day, attendees, NASBA leaders and CPT Board members participated in the CPT annual fundraising event, Ethics Feud: The Battle for Ethical Leaders, which raised approximately $46,500 in support of CPT programming.  

On day two of the conference, President and CEO Daniel Dustin delivered the State of NASBA as his first address to membership since stepping into his new role on August 1, 2024. Dustin spoke about the changes in leadership at NASBA since assuming his role as well as the series of strategies he is working to establish at NASBA during his tenure as president and CEO. These include “revisiting NASBA’s culture, refining NASBA’s technology, reframing regulation, reasserting NASBA as the ‘first-call,’ and reflecting vigorously.” He also provided clarity on the Competency–based Experience Pathway and shared insights on the Experience Learn and Earn Program.  

Members of the 2024-2025 Board of Directors were elected to office and 2023-2024 NASBA Chair Stephanie Saunders (VA) passed the gavel to 2024-2025 NASBA Chair Maria Caldwell (FL).  Caldwell began her term by outlining her goals for the coming year during an inspiring inaugural address.   

On the final day of the meeting, Chuck Gallagher returned to the stage to speak on AI Revolution: Unlocking the Future of Tomorrow. Attendees then heard final updates impacting the accounting profession and closing remarks as the meeting adjourned.   

Kevin Brown delivering his presentation The Hero Effect® – Being Your Best When It Matters the Most during the opening plenary session. 

Attendees sitting in on a presentation during the 117^th Annual Meeting in Orlando, FL. 

NASBA Center for the Public Trust (CPT) President Sedrik Newbern hosting the CPT fundraiser event, Ethics Feud: The Battle for Ethical Leaders. 

NASBA President and CEO Daniel Dustin delivering the State of NASBA address to attendees for the first time in his new role.  

NASBA Past Chair Richard Reisig and 2023-2024 NASBA Chair Stephanie Saunders share an embrace as Rick pins Stephanie as the newest past chair at the end of her term.  

NASBA 2024-2025 Chair Maria Caldwell giving her inaugural address to meeting attendees on day two of the conference. 

Chuck Gallagher helping to close out the 117^th Annual Meeting with his presentation on AI Revolution: Unlocking the Future of Tomorrow.