SHARE:

On Tuesday, May 10, Stephanie M. Saunders, CPA (VA) was selected as the NASBA’s Nominating Committee candidate for vice chair, 2022-2023. If elected vice chair by the member Boards of Accountancy, Saunders will automatically accede to NASBA chair, 2023-2024.

Saunders is a member of the NASBA Board of Directors where she serves as director-at-large, secretary and chair of NASBA’s Uniform Accountancy Act Committee. She is a former NASBA Middle Atlantic regional director, former chair of NASBA’s Relations with Member Boards and Education Committees, and is a former member of NASBA’s Communications and Nominating Committees. She served as a NASBA representative on the AICPA Professional Ethics Executive Committee, an appointment she held for four years (ending in May 2022).

In addition to her work with NASBA, Saunders is an associate member of the Virginia Board of Accountancy and formerly served as Board chair and as a member of the Virginia Board’s Ethics Committee. A member and former Board member and chair of the Virginia Society of CPAs, she served as chair and vice chair of the Virginia Society’s Educational Foundation and as the Virginia Society’s ethics discussion leader for eight years.

Additionally, Saunders is a past president of the Tidewater Chapter of the Virginia Society of CPAs, and past president of the American Society of Women Accountants – Norfolk Chapter.

Saunders’ career as a CPA has spanned over 40 years. Her professional career began with PwC where she was a tax manager. Today, she is a shareholder of Saunders & Saunders, PC, which provides tax planning and compliance for individuals and small businesses. Saunders earned a BS in business administration with a concentration in accounting from Old Dominion University. She has raised three daughters with her spouse, Tim, who is also a CPA.

“I look forward to the success of CPA Evolution with the launch of the new CPA Exam in January 2024.” Saunders said, “While I realize there will be initial challenges, I promise in my capacity as vice chair to insure there is full transparency and communication to Boards of Accountancy and CPA candidates for a smooth transition. Future CPAs will be more prepared under CPA Evolution to meet the needs of the marketplace. Additionally, I will continue promoting a diverse profession through initiatives already started with the Center of the Public Trust and Diversity Committee. This also includes helping state boards, the NASBA Board, and NASBA committees to embrace diversity, equity and inclusion. Last, but certainly not least, NASBA must aid the state boards to have the rules and regulations in place to insure audit quality. This requires more discussion and analysis of data to determine the best ways to accomplish this challenge. More experience may be required not only to insure audit quality but also to negotiate mutual recognition agreements. Thank you to the members of the Nominating Committee for the opportunity to serve.”

Elections of the NASBA vice chair, certain directors-at-large and regional directors will take place at the 115th Annual Business Meeting on November 1, 2022, in San Diego, CA. Nominations for any elected Board position, including the office of vice chair, may also be made at least 10 days prior to the Annual Business Meeting. Nominations from the floor will not be recognized.

All qualified, current state board members interested in seeking a NASBA Board position are encouraged to submit a letter of interest and biographical information to: NASBA Nominating Committee Chair A. Carlos Barrera, 150 Fourth Avenue, North, Suite 700, Nashville, TN 37219.