Leadership transitions are a natural opportunity to pause, reflect, and ask an important question: Are we providing the value our members need today, and what will they need tomorrow?

As I begin serving as president of the Nebraska Society of CPAs, one of my highest priorities is listening. While I’m proud of everything our Society accomplishes, I also recognize that our profession continues to evolve. The expectations of today’s CPAs aren’t the same as they were five, 10, or 20 years ago. If we want to remain relevant and valuable, we need to continually evaluate how we serve you.

That starts with hearing directly from our members.

I’d like to ask you a few simple questions:

• What does your NESCPA membership mean to you?
• Which benefits do you value the most?
• Where are we missing the mark?
• What challenges are you facing that the Society could help address?
• If you could add one new member benefit, what would it be?

Your answers will help shape the future direction of our organization.

The Society has a strong foundation. Each year, we provide nearly 100 courses and conferences along with access to thousands of webcasts to support your professional development. We advocate on behalf of the profession before the Nebraska Legislature and regulatory agencies, helping protect the CPA license and advance policies that benefit both our members and the businesses they serve. This year alone, we tracked 19 legislative bills (many relating to tax policy), including the successful passage of Nebraska’s alternative pathways to CPA licensure.

Beyond education and advocacy, we create opportunities for members to connect, develop leadership skills and strengthen the profession through committees, conferences, networking events, and volunteer service. Through the NESCPA Foundation, we continue investing in the future by awarding more than $100,000 in scholarships annually to students pursuing accounting careers, and this year, we’re excited to expand scholarships to community college students planning to transfer to four-year institutions due to a very generous member donation.

We also continue enhancing our Member Benefits program, identifying valuable products and services, expanding health insurance options, and strengthening our 100% Membership Firm program to better support firms and businesses across Nebraska.

Those are accomplishments worth celebrating, but they shouldn’t prevent us from asking how we can do even better.

The accounting profession is changing rapidly. Technology, workforce expectations, regulatory changes, talent shortages, and evolving client needs all present new challenges and opportunities. Our Society should evolve alongside them.

I believe the best ideas don’t always come from the boardroom; they come from members working with clients, leading organizations, teaching students, serving in government, and navigating these changes every day.

That’s why my door is always open.

Whether you have an idea for a new member benefit, feedback on an existing program, thoughts on professional development, or simply want to share your perspective, I want to hear from you. Your input will help ensure the Society remains a trusted resource that delivers meaningful value for every member.

The Nebraska Society of CPAs exists because of its members. Together, we have an opportunity to build on our strong foundation while thoughtfully shaping what’s next.

I invite you to share your ideas, your feedback, and even your challenges. Your voice will help guide our priorities as we continue evaluating how we can provide the greatest value to our members and strengthen the profession across Nebraska.

Thank you for your continued support of the Society. I look forward to listening, learning, and working alongside you as we shape the future of NESCPA.

Every Member. Every Day. Those four words are more than our motto; they’re our commitment. Every decision we make, every program we develop, and every service we provide should reflect our dedication to serving each member, every single day.