Particular Chapter

Meet Our Board Members

Kimberly N. Ellison-Taylor, Chair, CPA, CGMA, CISA, CIA, CITP, CEO, KET Solutions LLC

“What if”? I think about this question frequently. What if more students were exposed to accounting? What if more students had an ecosystem that motivated, encouraged and supported them on their journey to becoming a CPA? What if more students saw professionals that looked like them? What if is a question of endless possibilities, but it also needs execution to move beyond good intentions.

Growing up in the inner-city of Baltimore, I am acutely aware that “What if” could mean many things but in my case it means, What if a team of mentors, coaches, and sponsors provide confidence, professional exposure and challenging opportunities to a little girl with big dreams. That little girl that was me and I grew up to be the Chairman of MACPA and AICPA. It is my privilege and honor to Pay it Forward and to help develop our profession’s future leaders, and I am delighted to serve as the Chairman and work with committed leaders who answered the call to serve on the Foundation Board.

Together, we will work on behalf of the students, firms, businesses, citizens and residents in Maryland.

Maxene Bardwell, CPA, CIGA, CIA, CFE, CISA, CITP, CRMA, Internal Audit Manager, Montgomery County, Maryland - Office of the County Executive

I am excited to be a MACPA Foundation Board member and CPA because both enable me to be a servant leader. As a CPA and servant leader, I choose to apply my license in the field of auditing, primarily in the non-profit government sector. I get excited every time I help an organization mitigate risks, resolve internal control deficiencies, and reduce fraud, waste and abuse. I also add value in a variety of other ways, including volunteering my expertise on boards like the MACPA Foundation Board and mentoring individuals. To quote John Maxwell, "the measure of a leader is not the number of people who serve him, but the number of people he serves."

Avonette Blanding, CPA, CGMA, CFOMaritime Applied Physics Corporation

Growing up in the inner-city of Baltimore, I was fortunate to have a network of family members, mentors, and sponsors that contributed to my growth in the accounting profession. I’m passionate about supporting the community that has been an integral part of my life. Serving on the Board of the MACPA Educational Foundation allows me to support future generations of diverse accountants who will impact the quality of life of the individuals they serve in communities and businesses throughout the world. I’m excited about the impact the Foundation Board will have in Maryland and beyond!

Patrick M. Byer, Sr., CPA, CGFM, CISA, CFF, CGMA, CISM, MBA, Managing Principal - Maryland Region at CliftonLarsonAllen

I am honored to be part of the MACPA Educational Foundation Board working with a group of highly dedicated people in focusing more on DEI-related issues, conversations and potential solutions. Growing up in Baltimore City and attending all Maryland schools, I am dedicated to giving back to the community that has provided me great opportunities. I am also excited that as I learn and provide input, I can be an active voice on educating our members and community on inequity, bias, and inclusion to help drive change over time and ensure equality and opportunity in our profession here in Maryland.

Herb Geary, Managing Director, UHY Advisors Tax and Business Consultants; Partner, UHY LLP

I am very excited to have been asked to join the MACPA Foundation. The opportunity to serve will enable me to help make an impact on diversity, inclusion, and equity in our incredible profession. Helping our next generation of professionals be successful through my Foundation service is an honor that I look forward to fulfilling.

Anoop Mehta, CPA, CGMA, Chief Strategist, Analytical Mechanics Associates, Inc.

As the son of a schoolteacher, I have seen the value and importance of quality education from a young age. Education is a great human equalizer and equal access to knowledge is perhaps the best way to address many societal challenges. I am looking forward to helping the next generation enter our profession through my new role with The MACPA Foundation.

Rebekah Olson, CPA, CEO, Maryland Association of CPAs

I am proud to be a part of MACPA’s commitment to a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive profession. We believe CPAs are essential and that anyone who wants to enter this great profession should be able to do so. Everything we do is in pursuit of transforming the profession and enabling CPAs to be ready for the future by creating pathways to success for every CPA and aspiring CPA. Personally, as a CPA who is passionate about the future of this profession, I couldn't be more honored to serve alongside these volunteer leaders.

Pat Seitz, CPA, Managing Director, Ernst & Young

I am very excited to be part of the MACPA Foundation Board. The Organization’s focus on DEI-related issues and providing opportunities to young people resonates with me and helps build a better working world. I am eager to contribute to furthering the success of the profession which has been so rewarding to me.

Melissa Tarkett, CPA, MST, Government Contracting | Tax Partner, Aprio

The MACPA Foundation leads the way in positioning the accounting profession as forward-thinking, inclusive, and committed to addressing the evolving needs of our society. I am thrilled to join the board, collaborating with a team of CPAs dedicated to building a more diverse and equitable future for our profession. I’m also passionate about mentoring current and aspiring CPAs, guiding them on their career journey and advocating the importance of making "room at the table" for the next generation of leaders.

Dr. Satina Williams, PhD, CPA, Assistant Professor of Accounting, Bowie State University

There are so many black kids that are unaware of the accounting profession and some of them will miss out on a rewarding career in accounting. Thankfully, the MACPA Foundation’s mission to build a strong and diverse pipeline will open doors to the possibility of some of those kids and others joining the accounting profession.

I am honored to be a member of the Foundation and encouraged about what lies ahead -- a diverse, vibrant CPA profession in Maryland for years to come.

Thomas White, CPA, CGMA, AVP and Assistant Controller, Prime Therapeutics

The MACPA has a rich history of connecting the accounting profession in Maryland and helping professionals grow to be #FutureReady. Now I get the opportunity to continue to support both of those goals while ensuring the opportunities and communities we build are inclusive, diverse, and stronger. The Foundation is what is best about our profession when we support, mentor and raise up all those who aspire to become CPAs, are progressing in their career, and are achieving their goals as a CPA. It’s an absolute honor to work with this great board and continue to help answer the What If.

George Willie, CPA, CGMA, CGFM, Managing Partner, Bert Smith & Company

The MACPA has been unique in its determination in ensuring that the young ethnically diverse students and professionals are provided opportunities to succeed.

The MACPA has unselfishly supported and pushed the profession to embrace the full meaning of inclusion and diversity.

The MACPA Foundation is positioned to expand on the dramatic efforts of the MACPA.

Indeed, I am most appreciative and humbled to be a member of the Foundation. I am excited to join with great professionals to continue the work of MACPA, promoting a great profession which is striving to ensure opportunity and access for all.

Adriano Lima e Silva, CPA, MBA, Accounting full-time professor, McDaniel College

I believe that while accounting fundamentals can be challenging for students, they lay the foundation for understanding key concepts essential to their future careers.

My transition to academia was driven by a desire to share my real-world knowledge and inspire the next generation of finance professionals. I can’t emphasize enough the importance of bridging academic theory with practical application, encouraging students to think strategically and analytically.

Matt Keadle, Manager at Withum

Bringing valuable expertise and dedication to supporting the next generation of CPAs.

Arnold Farmer, CPA, Audit Manager, SC&H

I am deeply committed to initiatives fostering diversity, inclusion, and professional development.