Maxene Bardwell, CPA, CIGA, CIA, CFE, CISA, CITP, CRMA, acting chief administrative officer for Prince George’s County, has been named chair of the 2025-26 Board of Directors of the Maryland Association of CPAs.

Bardwell was elected chair by the MACPA membership during the association’s 2025 Annual Meeting, held on June 18 at the Junior Achievement of Central Maryland offices in Baltimore. She succeeds Thomas White, CPA, CGMA, assistant controller at Prime Therapeutics, who served as 2024-25 chair.

“This is a time of rapid change. Technology, regulation, and workforce expectations are evolving quickly,” Bardwell said. “And yet our core purpose remains clear: We are here to protect the public interest, to lead with integrity, and to elevate the communities we serve. As we pursue the MACPA’s vision to elevate the profession and shape the future through community, we must continue to lead with collaboration, innovation, and trust.”

Bardwell, who previously served as internal audit manager for Montgomery County’s Office of the County Executive, was named Prince George’s County’s CAO by Aisha Braveboy, who won a special election for Prince George’s County executive on June 4. 

“As a CPA, I chose to use my expertise in the government sector,” Bardwell said. “I find it rewarding to serve the residents of local Maryland counties. As the acting chief administrative officer for Prince George’s County, I will continue that journey.

“I urge you to get involved in the profession,” she told the Maryland CPAs in attendance. “If your calling is mentoring, then mentor. If it is teaching, then teach. Whatever your passion may be, do it.”

A well-credentialed executive and highly respected executive with more than 25 years of leadership in internal audit within the financial services, public utility, and government sectors, Bardwell holds degrees from Notre Dame of Maryland University and The Ohio State University and is actively involved in professional advancement and public service. She currently serves on the AICPA Council, is the immediate past president of the ISACA’s Central Maryland Chapter, sits on the board of the Association of Inspectors General, and is an advisor to the Washington Area Women’s Foundation.

A mentor with the MACPA and winner of the 2021 AICPA Outstanding CPA in Local Government Impact Award, she is recognized for her commitment to ethical leadership, accountability, and professional development.

Joining Bardwell on the 2025-26 MACPA Board of Directors are:

• Vice chair: Savedra Scott, CPA, CGMA, CrFAC, MSA, MBA, owner, Savvy Financial Solutions
• Secretary / treasurer: Bo Fitzpatrick, CPA, operations director / director of executive programs, CliftonLarsonAllen LLP / 20-20 Services LLC
• Past chair: Thomas White, CPA, CGMA, assistant controller, Prime Therapeutics
• Karl Ahlrichs, SHRM-SCP, SPHR, CSP, senior consultant, Gregory & Appel
• Daniel Biel, CPA, partner / cloud native capability leader, RSM
• Monique Booker, CPA, chief operating officer, SB & Company, LLC
• Michele Chalmers, CPA, managing principal, Maryland office, CliftonLarsonAllen LLP
• James Eaton, CPA / PFS, MBA, tax director, SC&H
• Stephanie Rutter, CPA, CIDA, CFSA, CRMa, director, FINRA
• Jason Stockton, office managing partner, audit, Crowe
• Janice Stucke, CPA, chief financial officer, CREW Network / CREW Network Foundation / CREW Network Canada

Carter Heim awarded Teichmann volunteer award

Also at the June 18 Annual Meeting, Carter Heim was awarded the association’s 2024-25 Max Teichmann Award for his tireless, career-long work on behalf of the MACPA and its members. 

Heim, a founding partner with HeimLantz and a respected leader in the profession, served as chair of the MACPA’s Board of Directors during the 1999-2000 fiscal year and has spent many years since as a member of the association’s Audit Committee.

“Carter’s dedication to the MACPA spans decades,” said White. “His thoughtful stewardship and strong belief in the power of good governance have strengthened the foundation of our association. That commitment extended beyond Maryland, as Carter brought his expertise and strategic mindset to the national stage through service on the AICPA Board of Directors, always championing Maryland’s voice and values.

“Carter’s insight, leadership, and enduring service have left a lasting mark on our profession,” MACPA CEO Rebekah Olson added. “We are proud to recognize him with this well-deserved honor.”

Named in honor of the association’s founder, the Max Teichmann Award recognizes an MACPA member or members who have made significant contributions over the past year on behalf of the profession.