Join us for MACPA’s annual Government & Not-for-Profit (GNFP) Virtual Conference, designed to keep you informed on the latest developments impacting government and nonprofit accounting professionals.
The day kicks off with a dynamic opening session featuring Lexy Kessler and Rebekah Olson, followed by a variety of breakout sessions throughout the morning covering timely topics relevant to your work. With multiple sessions offered concurrently, you can tailor your experience to the content most important to you.
Having trouble choosing between sessions? You don’t have to miss out. We are offering two replay opportunities of the live event on May 20 and June 3, giving you the flexibility to attend additional sessions and earn more CPE.
Purchase two dates and receive 15% off, making it easier to maximize your learning and access the full range of conference content. View the bundle page here for purchase.
Whether you join us live, attend a replay, or both, this conference delivers practical insights, expert perspectives, and valuable CPE tailored specifically for government and nonprofit professionals.
CEO
*Maryland Association of CPAs
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.
Partner
Aprio LLP
Lexy Kessler is a Partner in Aprio’s Assurance Services Practice and is a trusted advisor to business leaders and changemakers in the Mid-Atlantic region. She previously served on the Aprio Board of Directors and led the firm’s Government Contracting segment. Throughout her career, Lexy has helped clients balance the challenges and opportunities inherent to operating successfully and mentored young professionals to create a positive impact in the profession. She is constantly seeking new ways to reinvent and improve upon the way her team serves clients.
With 40 years of experience in the public accounting industry and extensive experience in assurance, tax, and consulting, Lexy is passionate about helping clients adapt to an ever-changing market, transforming challenges into opportunities. She achieves this by taking a proactive role in helping her team address clients’ needs, develop strategies for their long-term business needs, and rethink their approach to doing business. Lexy also collaborates with regional leaders in the business community to discuss new ideas for strengthening the Mid-Atlantic business ecosystem.
Lexy has earned several accolades over the years, including AICPA’s “Most Powerful Women in Accounting” for three consecutive years, “Maryland’s Top 100 Women” which led to her induction as a “Circle of Excellence” member, MACPA’s “Women to Watch,” and the Washington Business Journal’s “Women Who Mean Business.” Most recently, she has been named in Accounting Today’s list of “Top 100 Most Influential People in Accounting” and Forbes’ 2025 list of “America’s Best-in-State CPA’s.”
Lexy earned her Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Maryland. She serves on numerous boards, including serving as Chairman of the Board for the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants. She is also a Board of Trustee Member of Marymount University. Moreover, she is Treasurer of the Professional Services Council (PSC). Lexy is a former Chairman of the Board of the Maryland Association of CPAs (MACPA) and the Choral Arts Society of D.C. She also previously served as the Chairman of the National Pipeline Advisory Group, focusing on the development of an inclusive national pipeline strategy for the accounting profession and the modernization of the licensure for CPAs. These roles have allowed her to contribute to the growth and development of the accounting profession and the community.
Associate Director – State Legislative and Regulatory Affairs
AICPA
James M. Cox
Vice President
State Advocacy and State Society Relations
American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
James M. Cox is the Vice President of State Advocacy and State Society Relations at the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. In this role, he assists state CPA societies and state boards of accountancy on state-level policy issues impacting the accounting profession.
Prior to joining the AICPA, Cox served as the director of state and local affairs for BOMA International, a commercial real estate trade association. Cox also launched the state government affairs program for Goodwill Industries International, tracked state tobacco policy for the National Conference of State Legislatures, and started his career as a policy analyst for the Florida House of Representatives. Cox received his Bachelor’s degree in history and political science from Florida State University and holds a Master’s of Jurisprudence from Seton Hall Law School.
