Iowa Society of CPAs names Carrie Steffen as next CEO

The Iowa Society of CPAs announced Carrie Steffen as its next CEO, effective May 19.

Steffen succeeds Dawn Latham, who resigned from the role in November. Ardis Kelley, former executive at the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines and ISCPA member, is serving as interim chief executive through May 19 and will continue to serve with the organization beyond that date to ensure a smooth transition.

“It’s an amazing time to be in accounting,” Steffen said in a statement. “CPAs have so many incredible opportunities, and while the accounting landscape is changing quickly, what remains the same is that people are at the heart of the profession. I’m excited to work together with the ISCPA team and its board of directors to support both current and future CPAs in pursuing their passions. Also, as a vocal advocate for the accounting profession, I’m eager to help ISCPA become a leader in solving some of the profession’s most pressing challenges.”

Steffen brings over 25 years of experience and comes from her most recent role as co-founder and president of the Whetstone Group. Previously, she was a national marketing director for RSM US. She is also a member and past president of CPA Consultants’ Alliance and has held various roles with the National Association for Accounting Marketing, including board member, treasurer, finance committee chair and education committee chair. Steffen has been listed on Accounting Today‘s Top 100 Most Influential Consultant to Watch List.

“We are very excited to announce Carrie Steffen as ISCPA’s CEO,” ISCPA chair Erik Bonstrom said in a statement. “Carrie brings a wealth of experience serving CPAs as president of the Whetstone Group, Inc., is a nationally recognized speaker, and was the national marketing director for a large CPA firm. I know that members will benefit from Carrie’s passion for supporting CPAs.” 

“I also want to thank Ardis Kelley for her excellent leadership as ISCPA’s interim CEO,” Bonstrom added. “Ardis successfully led a significant legislative initiative for an alternative pathway to becoming a CPA in Iowa while also stabilizing the organization, supporting staff and positioning ISCPA for continued success.”