Instructor
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.
Instructor
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.
Specifically designed for emerging leaders with 5+ years of experience to help them navigate from an individual contributor to a leader in their organization, this three-day event is cited by past participants as an invaluable boost to their careers.
“The leadership academy was a worthwhile experience that I would recommend to any upcoming leader in the profession. We must first better ourselves, before we can better others, and attending the leadership academy is a great first step!” – Addie Blickenstaff, CPA, Deleon & Stang, Audit Supervisor
LEADING YOURSELF
LEADING OTHERS
LEADING ORGANIZATIONS
Rebekah J. Brown, CPA
Chief Executive Officer, MACPA
Rebekah Brown is a CPA who is passionate about the bright future of the accounting profession. From 5th grade classrooms to the Standing Advisory Group and Board of the PCAOB, Rebekah frequently presents on the accounting profession and it’s future. She is a certified facilitator, having guided firms, non-profits and accounting professionals in the United States and Canada in the strategic planning process. In 2017, 2019 and 2020 Rebekah was recognized by CPA Practice Advisor as a top thought leader under 40 in the profession. In 2020, Rebekah was a Maryland Daily Record Leading Women Honoree.
Bill Sheridan, CAE
Chief Communications Officer, MACPA
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.
This program is brought to you by the MACPA Foundation. Scholarships are available, please contact Lauren@macpa.org
Hotel accommodations can be booked here.