Carrie Steffen announced as next ISCPA CEO

Steffen selected to lead ISCPA

The Iowa Society of CPAs (ISCPA) announced that Carrie Steffen will become its next CEO, effective May 19.

Steffen brings more than 25 years of experience in the accounting profession to ISCPA, most recently as co-founder and president of The Whetstone Group where she has promoted the discipline of growth among firms of all sizes ranging from sole practitioners to the top national firms. She has not only influenced firm leaders, but also shaped thousands of professional staff, marketing resources and other industry consultants through her speaking and training efforts.

Prior to The Whetstone Group, Steffen was a national marketing director for RSM US LLP. She has been named to the Association for Accounting Marketing Hall of Fame, Accounting Today’s Top 100 Most Influential Consultant to Watch list and the Corridor Business Journal 40 Under 40 List. Steffen is a member and past president of CPA Consultants’ Alliance (CPACA) and has held various roles with the National Association for Accounting Marketing (AAM) including board member, treasurer, finance committee chair, and education committee chair. She’s a frequent guest on industry leading podcasts including the Accounting Today podcast, AICPA’s Small Firm Podcast and has been a featured guest on the AICPA’s Town Hall.

“It’s an amazing time to be in accounting,” said Steffen. “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 has been widely published in Accounting Today, INSIDE Public Accounting, The AICPA’s Journal of Accountancy, AAM’s MarkeTrends: The Journal of Accounting Marketing, CPA Practice Management Forum and numerous state society and accounting network publications. She is also co-author of the book “Bridging the Gap: Strengthening the Connection between Current Emerging Leaders.” She has presented for the AICPA, the Association for Accounting Marketing‘s (AAM) Annual Summit, and various state society events.

“We are very excited to announce Carrie Steffen as ISCPA’s CEO,” stated ISCPA Chair Erik Bonstrom. “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.” He adds, “I also want to thank Ardis Kelley for her excellent leadership as ISCPA’s interim CEO. 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.”

A committee comprised of current and past ISCPA executive committee board members selected a local executive search company to help find a new CEO after Dawn Latham resigned from the position in November. Former Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines executive and ISCPA member Ardis Kelley, CPA, is serving as interim CEO through May 19 and will continue to support the organization beyond that date to ensure a smooth and thoughtful transition.