The Aprio partner and former MACPA chair will also chair the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants

WASHINGTON, D.C., May 14, 2025 — Lexy Kessler, CPA, CGMA, assurance and audit services partner with Aprio and former chair of the Maryland Association of CPAs’ Board of Directors, has been named chair of the American Institute of CPAs and the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants, which combines the strengths of the AICPA and the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants.

Kessler was sworn in on May 14 during the spring meeting of the AICPA’s Governing Council in Washington, D.C. She succeeds Carla McCall, CPA, CGMA, and becomes just the third Marylander to serve as AICPA chair.

“I never could have imagined being here. It's really a crown jewel of my career,” Kessler said. “I love what I do and what this profession can do — and that's not just a line. It's truly what I believe. Through every shift in policy, every wave of technology, and every business model transition, accounting remains indispensable. It is unstoppable. To have an opportunity to represent the profession on a global basis is like winning the lottery.”

Leadership and vision

Kessler steps into the role following her term as AICPA vice chair, bringing decades of leadership, vision, and impact to one of the profession’s most influential positions. She has played a vital role in national talent and pipeline initiatives, most recently chairing the National Pipeline Advisory Group, which gathered input from more than 8,000 voices across the profession and recommended actionable strategies to address workforce challenges. She also helped guide the rollout of the CPA Exam’s new Core and Discipline model and continues to advocate for flexible, research-driven pathways to licensure.

Her first — and most critical — job as AICPA chair is to listen. Kessler said she looks forward to working with new AICPA CEO Mark Koziel in gathering feedback from accounting and finance professionals of all backgrounds as they begin to build a blueprint for the future of the profession.

“Our most important work is to listen and connect with the people throughout our ecosystem,” she said. “Whether we're talking about academia, regulators, or folks in public accounting or business and industry, everybody has a different perspective about our profession's future. We need to gather that feedback and come up with a plan for the entire profession — and on a global basis this time, not just in the United States. The time is right for that — to pay close attention to what the market is telling us and stay ahead of where that market is going to the extent that we can.”

global work, grassroots perspective

In addition to her role as AICPA chair, Kessler will chair the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants, where she will serve as a leading voice for more than 580,000 AICPA and CIMA members, candidates, and registrants worldwide. In this role, she will guide strategic conversations on the future of the profession, champion initiatives that support talent development and innovation, and foster collaboration across firms, educators, and regulators.

Yet despite the global scale of her work to come, Kessler remains grounded in her Maryland roots. She looks forward to spreading the news of the critical grassroots work being done throughout the profession at a state-by-state level.

“I love meeting with folks at state CPA societies, where the boots are on the ground each day,” she said. “State societies play a critically important role for our profession, and seeing the pride people have in their states and the work being done there is incredibly fulfilling for me.”

For her colleagues at the Maryland Association of CPAs, that pride includes the joy of watching one of the MACPA’s most dedicated volunteers spread her wings and work tirelessly on behalf of CPAs throughout the world.

“We couldn’t be prouder of Lexy and all that she has accomplished,” said MACPA CEO Rebekah Olson, CPA. “As a former MACPA board chair and one of our most dedicated volunteers, Lexy has always led with passion, integrity, and a deep commitment to the profession. We’re excited to support her as she brings that same energy and vision to the AICPA, helping to shape an agenda that serves CPAs across the globe.”

Creating connections

As a trusted business advisor, Kessler blends experience in assurance, tax, and consulting to help Aprio clients navigate shifting markets and unlock growth. A former leader of Aprio’s Government Contracting practice and Mid-Atlantic region, she has driven significant regional expansion, built high-performing teams, and strengthened the future of the profession through volunteerism and mentorship.

Known for her ability to build momentum through collaboration and intentional listening, Kessler focuses on what drives and inspires people. Her leadership is grounded in creating meaningful connections and helping the profession adapt and thrive for decades to come.

“The accounting profession is at a pivotal moment, with enormous opportunity to drive relevance, innovation, and talent growth,” said Aprio CEO Richard Kopelman. “Lexy’s deep experience, thoughtful leadership, and passion for people make her exceptionally well-suited to lead the AICPA forward.”

Kessler discusses her plans for the coming year in episode 229 of the MACPA's "Future-Proof" podcast. Listen to her conversation in its entirety.