MACPA Town Hall (July 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.

Samantha Bowling, CPA, CFE, CGMA
Managing Partner, GWCPA | 2024 Top 50 Women in Accounting | Audit Innovator & Speaker

Samantha Bowling is a nationally recognized CPA, Certified Fraud Examiner, and innovation leader with over 30 years of experience transforming audit and assurance practices. As Managing Partner at GWCPA, Samantha leads with a deep commitment to integrity, excellence, and forward-thinking strategies that serve businesses and nonprofits across the Washington, D.C. region.

A passionate advocate for the accounting profession, Samantha has served in numerous leadership roles at the AICPA, including as Chair of the Technology Working Group for the Auditing Standards Board. She has also contributed significantly to the Maryland Association of CPAs, serving as Past Chair and Education Foundation Board Member, where she championed mentorship, diversity, and future talent development.

Named one of the Top 50 Women in Accounting (2024) and an AICPA/CPA Practice Advisor “Most Powerful Women in Accounting”, Samantha is known for her work integrating AI and emerging technologies into audit practices, helping firms remain competitive and future-ready. Her leadership earned her the 2018 Innovative Practitioner Award and the 2023 Outstanding Alumnus Award.

Samantha is a sought-after speaker on topics such as audit innovation, fraud detection, and leading with purpose in a rapidly changing profession. Her professional mission is to inspire others to embrace change, challenge the status quo, and create a more inclusive and tech-enabled future for accounting.

Barrett Young, CPA
Marketing Partner at GWCPA | Host, The Art of Succession Podcast | Small Business Advocate

Barrett Young is a CPA, Marine Corps veteran, and forward-thinking accounting leader with a passion for storytelling, strategy, and small business success. As a Partner at GWCPA, Barrett wears multiple hats—including Marketing Partner and Tax Partner—helping to shape a firm culture that prioritizes people, purpose, and progress.

He is also the creator and host of The Art of Succession podcast, where he interviews entrepreneurs who have navigated the complex and emotional process of small business succession—highlighting real, often unsung stories of legacy and leadership transitions.

With over 15 years of experience in public accounting, Barrett has served as a founder, manager, and strategic advisor, with a strong focus on working with technology startups and small business owners. Prior to joining GWCPA, he led The Green Abacus, an advisory firm that brought superhero-level accounting support to emerging companies.

Barrett also serves on the Maryland Board of Public Accountancy, where he contributes to the advancement and integrity of the profession.

Known for his creativity, candor, and commitment to making accounting accessible and human-centered, Barrett brings both technical expertise and authentic energy to every conversation. Whether speaking about succession planning, leadership, or firm innovation, he helps audiences see the future of accounting—and their role in shaping it.

Tim Samuel, CPA
Fractional CFO | Financial Strategist for Churches & Nonprofits

CFO, Bridgeway Community Church

Tim Samuel is a CPA with nearly 20 years of experience helping churches and nonprofit organizations bring clarity and confidence to their finances. As the Chief Financial Officer at Bridgeway Community Church in Columbia, Maryland, Tim blends technical expertise with mission-driven strategy—managing complex budgets, developing investment strategies, and aligning financial plans with purpose.

Tim’s career began in public accounting at firms such as KPMG, where he gained a deep understanding of auditing and federal tax. He now applies that foundation to help churches and nonprofits unlock opportunities, reduce costs, and build sustainable financial systems. His work spans debt reduction, capital budgeting, financing strategies, and real estate development—always with a focus on practical, high-impact solutions.

Passionate about leadership, stewardship, and aligning faith with financial strategy, Tim is also known for cultivating strong, capable accounting teams that support long-term success.

His top strengths, according to Gallup StrengthsFinder 2.0, are Futuristic, Input, Learner, Belief, and Connectedness—traits that reflect his commitment to vision-driven leadership and holistic organizational growth.