2026 Executive Directors and Legal Counsel Conference Recap

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Author: Gia Tims, Communications & Digital Media Specialist
Posted: April 23, 2026

This year, NASBA hosted its 44^th Annual Conference for Executive Directors and Board Staff and 31^st Annual Conference for Board of Accountancy Legal Counsel in Austin, TX, March 23 – 27.

Updates from NASBA leadership and experts in regulation, legislation and the profession were provided to attendees throughout the week-long conferences. Several NASBA team members shared their knowledge and expertise as featured speakers. Staff presentations included Senior Manager, Test Accommodations and ADA Compliance Adam Herjeczki and Deputy Chief Legal Officer Elizabeth Wolfe, Esq., who spoke on ADA Testing Accommodations. Director, Compliance Services Amy Tongate shared the latest developments from the CPE Task Force.

Manager, Accountancy Licensee Database (ALD) Clint Blasengame moderated an informative panel highlighting several ALD updates. “I had the opportunity to lead a conversation over the Vision 2030 goals for the Accountancy Licensee Database,” said Blasengame. “The panel went well, and we were able to provide important information to executive directors regarding the future of the ALD. Overall, I really enjoyed connecting with some of our most important stakeholders – the Boards of Accountancy.”

Legal Counsel Conference attendees participated in timely discussions on topics such as ethics in practice, understanding accounting and financial statements as attorneys. The group also received updates from the Department of Labor and more.

“This year’s Legal Conference attendees earned up to 17 hours of Continuing Learning Education (CLE) through innovative session content from industry experts and leaders in regulatory law,” says Elizabeth Wolfe, Esq., Deputy Chief Legal Officer. “The most exciting part of the Legal Conference each year is the opportunity for attendees to collaborate among the perspectives of seasoned board counsel and new voices. This year was no different and NASBA’s Legal Department certainly enjoyed the timely conversations that were held between board counsel, investigators, and enforcement staff as they navigate new legal challenges in accounting regulation.”

In total, 33 executive directors, 26 board staff, 26 members of legal counsel, and 23 representatives from various State CPA Societies were in attendance. Representatives from the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) and other accounting organizations were also present. Including 32 NASBA staff members, a total of 161 people registered for the in-person meeting. A total of 26 individuals participated in the conferences virtually.

To view photos from the event, click here.