Landmark CPAs is pleased to announce Christopher W. Brown, CPA has been chosen by the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) as one of 38 CPAs for the 2019 Leadership Academy. Chris was selected based on his exceptional leadership skills and professional experience for the four-day Leadership Academy program, which will be held from October 6-10 in Durham, N.C.
Chris began his career at Landmark CPAs as a full-time tax season intern during his senior year of college at Arkansas Tech University in 2010. Since then, Chris has moved up at the firm to the role of manager, focusing on serving a variety of clients in Landmark’s accounting and audit practice. He is also heavily involved in the firm’s recruiting and marketing teams. Chris’ achievements include Northwest Arkansas Business Journal’s Fast 15, Arkansas Business’ 20 in Their 20s, CCH’s Top 20 Emerging Leaders in the U.S. and, most recently, the Arkansas Society of CPAs’ Outstanding Emerging CPA of the Year.
“We are thrilled that Chris has been selected for this prestigious program. Chris has a natural talent for leadership. His dynamic, genuine personality and his ability to connect with people has allowed him to excel in our industry. He has been a tremendous asset to Landmark CPAs, and I can’t think of a better candidate to represent our firm and state in the Leadership Academy. I have no doubt Chris will continue to do great things in his career. We are proud to have him on our team,” said Landmark CPAs Member Katie Lejong.
The AICPA Leadership Academy was designed to strengthen and expand the leadership skills of promising young professionals while they network with a peer group of talented and motivated CPAs. The Leadership Academy features career-development workshops and sessions with some of the accounting profession’s most prominent influencers, including AICPA Chair William (Bill) Reeb CPA, CITP, CGMA; AICPA President and CEO Barry Melancon, CPA, CGMA; and AICPA Executive Vice President – Firm Services Mark Koziel, CPA, CGMA.
Participants were selected from public accounting firms of all sizes, business and industry, academia and consulting firms and were recommended by their employers, state CPA societies or both. Candidates submitted resumes and a statement explaining how participating in the Leadership Academy would impact them personally and professionally. They also wrote an essay on the topic “The future will bring significant changes to the accounting profession. What do leaders have to get right in order to successfully lead?”
To date, 351 CPAs have participated in the AICPA Leadership Academy, many of whom have gone on to take on leadership positions in their firms, businesses and volunteer organizations.
More information about the AICPA Leadership Academy is available online.