MACPA Town Hall (February 2025)

Rebekah (Brown) Olson, CPA, is the CEO of the Maryland Association of CPAs and an influential figure in the accounting profession, recognized as one of Accounting Today's Top 100 Most Influential People in Accounting for 2022.

Joining the MACPA in 2012, Rebekah assumed the position of Manager of Membership Development and Engagement in 2014. In 2018, she was appointed Director of Development, where she served on the leadership team steering the association through the complex challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic and the departure of longstanding CEO Tom Hood.

Passionate about the future of the accounting profession, Rebekah is a sought-after speaker who frequently shares her insights on professional trends and opportunities. As a certified facilitator, she has guided numerous organizations, both in the United States and Canada, in the strategic planning process.

Rebekah's contributions have garnered recognition from various prestigious entities. CPA Practice Advisor recognized her as a top thought leader under 40 in the CPA profession in 2017, 2019, and 2020. In 2019, she was honored with the President's Award by the National Association of Black Accountants (NABA) Baltimore Chapter for her community service. Additionally, Rebekah was named a Maryland Daily Record Leading Women Honoree in 2020.

Rebekah holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, dual specializing in Accounting and Sports Management, from The Max M. Fisher School of Business at The Ohio State University, which she earned in 2009. She obtained her CPA designation in 2011. After gaining invaluable experience at a Top 100 firm, Rebekah decided to leave public accounting and leverage her talents and experiences to work on behalf of the profession at the Maryland Association of CPAs.

Bill Sheridan is a knowledge hunter, content curator and lifelong learner.  As chief communications officer for the Maryland Association of CPAs, he created and co-authors the association’s acclaimed blog; he created and hosts the MACPA’s weekly “Future-Proof” podcast; and he manages the association’s member communications and numerous social networks. He was named one of Accounting Today’s “100 Most Influential People in Accounting” for 2016.

Lauren Pfingstag , Director, Congressional and Political Affairs at AICPA, Washington, D.C. Metro Area

Experienced public policy and advocacy professional specializing in congressional and regulatory strategies. Skilled in policy analysis, coalition-building, and PAC management, with a decade of bipartisan experience in the House and Senate focusing on tax, trade, financial services, and budget issues. Adept at leading legislative initiatives, drafting policy, and managing key committee processes.

Experience

• AICPA: Director, Congressional and Political Affairs (2019–Present)
• International Franchise Association: Associate Director, Government Relations and Public Policy (2019)
• Office of Senator Angus King: Legislative Assistant and Aide (2013–2018)
• Office of Congressman Gus Bilirakis: Legislative Assistant and Aide (2009–2012)

Education

• MBA, Finance – University of Maryland
• BA, Political Science – Bowdoin College