108th Annual Embracing the Future

State Board Report

September 2015

Kicking off NASBA’s 108th Annual Meeting, to be held October 25- 28, 2015, in the Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort in Dana Point, California, will be James H. Johnson, Jr., the William R. Kenan Jr. Distinguished Professor of Strategy and Entrepreneurship and
Director of the Urban Investment Strategies Center at the University of North Carolina. Dr. Johnson is a lead researcher in the causes and consequences of inequality in American society, as well as entrepreneurial approaches to address these issues. Joining NASBA leaders to address the conference will be leaders from the American Accounting Association, the AACSB, Western Governors University, and the American Institute of CPAs. Panelists will discuss: key elements of the exposure draft for the next version of the Uniform CPA Examination; how schools and accreditors are recognizing changes in education; State Boards’ enforcement efforts and their response to the Department of Labor’s findings; what State Boards can do now to get the most out of the peer review program; ways to bring diversity into the profession; and updates on NASBA’s activities.

Donna Brazile, televised journalist on CNN and ABC, will present an overview of the national political landscape, which both attendees and guests will be invited to hear. The New York Times has said that Ms. Brazile’s "political opinions are as fiery as Tabasco" and O magazine has listed her as a "remarkable visionary." In addition, a social activity program for guests is planned. Regional breakfast meetings and receptions will give attendees opportunities to exchange information on how Boards are handling common issues.

NASBA Chair Walter C. Davenport stated: "We are going to be focusing on topics of concern to all State Boards and we would like all Boards to be represented at the Annual Meeting to share their views." Scholarships are available for voting delegates of Boards that need assistance. Contact Thomas Kenny (tkenny@nasba.org) for scholarship details.