Markus Ahrens, St. Louis Community College

Markus Ahrens is a Professor of Accounting and currently serves as the District Department Chair for the Accounting, Business & Economics Department at St. Louis Community College. Since 2006, Markus has also taught as an adjunct professor in the Master of Health Administration Program at Saint Louis University. Prior to his teaching career, Markus worked in accounting and finance for 15 years.

Markus has received national and state awards for his teaching and his innovation in the classroom, including most recently, the 2019 Innovation in Accounting Education Award from the American Accounting Association and EY. In addition, Markus is the proud recipient of the 2016 American Accounting Association/J. Michael and Mary Anne Cook/Deloitte Foundation Prize. Markus also received the 2018 and 2013 AICPA Bea Sanders Innovation Awards in Teaching Introductory Accounting Courses. Furthermore, Markus was awarded the 2018 Missouri Society of CPA's Outstanding Educator of the Year Award and the 2017 Educator of the Year Award from the American Accounting Association Two-Year College Section.

Currently, Markus serves on the Foundation Board for the American Accounting Association. Markus is the Immediate Past Chair for the Board of Directors for the Missouri Society of Certified Public Accountants (MOCPA), is a Past-Chair for the MOCPA Education Foundation Board and is a past Trustee for the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) Foundation Board. In addition, Markus is a past President for the Teaching, Learning & Curriculum Section of the American Accounting Association. Markus served as the 2017-2018 Council Chair for the American Accounting Association and served as the 2014-2016 President for the Two-Year Section of the American Accounting Association. Markus is a past chair for the Conference on Teaching and Learning in Accounting. Furthermore, Markus served on the AICPA Pre-Certification Education Executive Committee and is a Past-Chair for the AICPA Academic Executive Committee. Markus is a past member of the Center for Audit Quality Academic Sounding Board. In 2010, Markus served as president for the Missouri Association of Accounting Educators. Markus is a member of the Teachers of Accounting at Two-Year Colleges, Institute of Management Accountants, and the Association of Experiential Education organizations.

Markus' primary research interests are experiential learning in accounting education and student engagement utilizing technology. In addition, Markus co-founded TeachingandLearningToolbox.com, a free website dedicated to providing educators with up-to-date teaching and learning resources “where technology connects with pedagogy to raise the learning bar.”

Liz Barentzen, Center for Audit Quality

Liz Barentzen is the Vice President, Operations and Talent Initiatives at the Center for Audit Quality, where she oversees day-to-day and long-term strategic operations, as well as leads and advances strategic profession-wide initiatives to attract and retain talent. Previously, Barentzen was the Chief Culture Officer at Sol Systems LLC, a national solar finance, investment, and development firm. In that role she worked to drive organizational effectiveness and helped manage change through a rapid period of growth, while overseeing all recruitment, learning, and retention initiatives. Prior to Sol Systems, Barentzen was the Director of Workforce Relations at the Overseas Private Investment Corporation, where she served as strategic and legal counsel to management and oversaw training and development, HRIS, benefits, total rewards, HR administration, performance management, and internal investigations. Barentzen has 20 years of experience in Human Capital and is an Associate Certified Coach through the Georgetown Leadership Coaching program. A member of the New York Bar, she holds a JD from Brooklyn Law School and a BA in psychology from New York University.

Geoffrey Brown, Illinois CPA Society

Geof Brown, CAE, is president and CEO of the Illinois CPA Society (ICPAS), one of the largest state CPA societies in the nation. Brown also serves as president and CEO of CPAs for the Public Interest and ex-officio board member of the CPA Endowment Fund of Illinois. In 2023, Brown was named to Accounting Today's Top 100 Most Influential People in Accounting list. A seasoned certified association executive (CAE), Brown has more than 23 years of experience as an association professional. Before joining ICPAS in 2022, he served as CEO of the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA), the nation's leading professional association of fee-only financial advisors, for nine years. Prior to NAPFA, Brown was an account executive with Sentergroup, an association manager at SmithBucklin Corporation, and held multiple positions with North-American Interfraternity Conference. Brown served as the board chair for Association Forum and is an active member. He also serves on the American Accounting Association Foundation Board of Trustees, is an active member in the American Society of Association Executives, and is a board member with the AIDS Foundation of Chicago and the Association of Fraternal Leadership & Values. Brown earned his bachelor's degree in government and politics from the University of Maryland.

Mark Dawkins, University of North Florida

Dr. Mark Dawkins serves as Board Member at AccessLex Institute. He was appointed Dean and Distinguished Professor for Excellence of the Coggin College of Business at the University of North Florida in June of 2015. Prior to this appointment he was an Associate Professor of Accounting in the Terry College of Business at the University of Georgia (UGA), served as the Associate Dean for Academic Programs from 2008-2014, and served on the accounting faculty from 1994-2015. He received his PhD in Accounting from Florida State University, MBA (finance) and MACC (auditing) degrees from the University of Florida, and a BS in Management from the Georgia Institute of Technology. Professor Dawkins' research interests include bankruptcy, market effects of information asymmetry, and market reactions to information disclosures. His recent research focuses on evaluating alternative earnings metrics, assessing faculty publications, and connecting academic research to business practice. He has published in The Journal of Finance, the Journal of Financial & Quantitative Analysis, the Journal of Accounting, Auditing and Finance, the Journal of Business, Finance & Accounting, the Journal of Banking and Finance, Accounting Perspectives, the Journal of Managerial Issues, and other journals. Professor Dawkins was a co-recipient of the 2006 and 2003 Beta Alpha Psi Outstanding Teacher of the Year award at UGA, and received the 2006 and 2003 Alpha Kappa Psi Accounting Teacher of the Year Award. He is a member of the American Accounting Association, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the National Association of Accountants, PhD Project, and the Accounting Doctoral Student Association. In August 2009 he was one of five recipients of the inaugural Ernst & Young Inclusive Excellence Award for Accounting and Business School Faculty. Dr. Dawkins was the President of the American Accounting Association from 2022-2023.

Mike DePrisco, Institute of Management Accountants

Mike DePrisco is the President and CEO of IMA® (Institute of Management Accountants). DePrisco brings more than 30 years of leadership experience to his role and is excited to help IMA grow further as one of the most influential finance and accounting associations worldwide. IMA has a global network of about 140,000 members in 150 countries and 350 professional and student chapters. Prior to joining IMA, DePrisco served as the COO of Project Management Institute (PMI), where he provided executive leadership to the operations of the global organization, supporting more than 2 million certification holders, 680,000 members, and 300 chapters from over 200 countries. DePrisco led a diverse global team with a focus on membership and community growth & retention, certification, digital products, and successful execution of major initiatives. He also served as interim President and CEO in 2021-2022. DePrisco initially joined PMI in 2013 as vice president of academic and educational programs before expanding his scope and responsibility to vice president of global membership & chapters and vice president global solutions. He also served as COO of the Project Management Institute Educational Foundation (PMIEF) for seven years. Before PMI, DePrisco spent 20 years in various leadership & executive roles in higher education in the United States. DePrisco earned his bachelor's and master's degrees from West Chester University of Pennsylvania and has earned additional certifications in international business and digital strategy.

Ben Ellingson, Eide Bailly LLP

Ben Ellingson is a Partner and the National Assurance Practice Leader with Eide Bailly LLP. He is currently responsible for overseeing the operations of the firm's assurance practice. Ben has worked with a variety of industries, focusing primarily on closely held businesses and he has extensive experience with clients in the construction, manufacturing, and wholesale distribution industries. He has consulted businesses on improving operational efficiency and tax strategies and assisted business clients through their companies' long-term strategic planning process. Ben is a former Board Chair of the Minnesota Society of CPA's. He was a Trustee on the AICPA Foundation Board and was involved with the AICPA's Leadership Academy and Academic and Career Awareness Committee. Ben has also served on the Board of the Construction Financial Management Association, the Greater Mankato Growth Board, and its Executive Committee. Ben earned a Bachelor of Science in Accounting at Southwest Minnesota State University.

George Krull, Grant Thornton LLP (Retired)

George Krull is the Inaugural Chair of the American Accounting Association Foundation. Mr. Krull retired in 2000 as a partner in the Executive Office of Grant Thornton LLP. He remains involved with business and accounting education through his participation in the American Institute of CPAs, American Accounting Association, and AACSB International-The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). George has been active in professional and business organizations. After his Grant Thornton LLP retirement, George served as an Executive-in-Residence and Professor of Accounting at Bradley University, where he was granted Emeritus status. More recently, George served the accounting academy as interim Chair or Head of Accounting at the University of North Texas (2015-2016), Saint Louis University (2016-2017), and Oklahoma State University (2017-2018), respectively. George's research interests include accounting education, auditing methodologies and professional judgement, analytical procedures, and strategy and policy for higher education in business and accounting. He has served on AICPA committees and task forces, including Computers and Information Systems, Continuing Professional Education, EDMAX, Professor/Practitioner Case Development Program and Pre-certification Executive Education (PcEEC). He is a past President of the AICPA Foundation. George was a member of the AACSB's Accounting Accreditation Committee and its Accounting Accreditation Policy Committee. He is a frequent speaker and has authored several articles. Mr. Krull graduated with undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees from The Ohio State University, Oklahoma State University and Michigan State University, respectively.

Jennifer Joe, Virginia Tech University

Dr. Jennifer R. Joe, CPA (license inactive), is the John E Peterson Professor in the Accounting and Information Systems Department of the Pamplin College of Business at Virginia Tech. Dr. Joe studies the role and impact of auditors and valuation specialists in financial reporting and diversity and inclusion in accounting. Her research, including studies on auditors' use of artificial intelligence, audit regulation, and auditors' evaluation of corporate internal controls, is published in leading journals such as Accounting Organizations and Society, Contemporary Accounting Research, Journal of Accounting Research, Journal of Financial and Quantitative Analysis and The Accounting Review. Dr. Joe is an editor at The Accounting Review, a member of the Inaugural Board of Trustees of the American Accounting Association Foundation, and President of the Auditing Section of the American Accounting Association. Her academic awards include the American Accounting Association 2021 Presidential Scholar, Auditing: A Journal of Practice & Theory Best Paper Award 2023, Issues in Accounting Education Best Paper Award 2021, and the McLaughlin Prize for Ethics in Accounting Research 2020. Dr. Joe is actively involved in auditing policy and regulation through service on the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) Investor Advisory Group, the PCAOB Standards and Emerging Issues Advisory Group, the KPMG Academic Research Panel and the Center for Audit Quality Scientific Committee. She often presents at academic and corporate events on accounting and diversity issues. Dr. Joe is a dedicated advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusive excellence in higher education and accounting. She received her Ph.D. at the University of Pittsburgh and a B.B.A. in Accounting from Baruch College, C.U.N.Y.

Katie Patel, PwC LLP

Katie Patel is serving as the US Diversity Talent Acquisition Leader at PwC, with over 20 years of experience in client service and human capital. After graduating from the University of Georgia-Terry College of Business, she started her career at PwC in the Audit Practice in 2002. After 6 years focusing on real estate clients, she moved into the Talent Acquisition space, specifically for entry level in 2008. Since 2013, she has focused largely on the firm's Diversity Talent Acquisition strategy, programs, and external partnerships to raise awareness and increase the pipeline of diverse talent into the firm across both entry and experienced hires. Katie currently serves on the board of the American Accounting Association (AAA) Foundation and is also a member the AICPA & CIMA National Commission on Diversity & Inclusion (NCDI). Katie lives in Atlanta, GA with her husband Darsit and two children, Ava and Liam. She enjoys traveling with her family and friends and will forever be a Georgia Bulldogs fan.

Lindsay Patterson, Institute of Internal Auditors

Lindsay Patterson is the Executive Vice President of Membership, Marketing, & Communications at The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA). Lindsay has over 15 years of experience in finance, accounting, and not-for-profit organizations. In these roles, she has managed projects in support of accounting and auditing standards, the CPA Exam, emerging technologies, legislation and regulation, professional development, client support, and more. At The IIA, Lindsay works to make sure IIA members have the tools they need to grow in their careers and help their organizations succeed. Her portfolio includes chapter engagement, member recruitment and retention, stakeholder communications, and business development. Lindsay earned a Master's degree in Accounting from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, a Master's degree in International Relations from the University of Oklahoma, and two Bachelor degrees from the University of Texas at Austin – one in Government and the other in Journalism. She is a Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and a Certified Association Executive (CAE)

Marshall Pitman, University of Texas at San Antonio

Marshall K. Pitman holds a Ph.D. in accounting from the University of Mississippi, and an MBA and B.S.B. in accounting from the Eastern Illinois University. He joined the accounting faculty at UTSA in 1984. Prior to that he had taught accounting at DePaul University and Eastern Illinois University. Dr. Pitman has worked as an auditor for one of the leading international public accounting firms. He teaches primarily auditing and governmental/not-for-profit accounting. Dr. Pitman is very active in the accounting profession. For the AICPA Dr. Pitman has served as a member of the council, trustee of the Educational Foundation, chair of the Auditing and Attestation Subcommittee, content (CPA exam) committee, Professional Ethics executive committee, and Technical Standards (ethics) committee. For the TSCPA he has served as treasurer, secretary, board of directors, president of the Board of Trustees of the Education Foundation, editorial board, Professional Ethics executive committee and several other committees and task forces.

Dennis Reigle, Arthur Andersen LLP (Retired)

At Andersen his responsibilities included Partner Matters, the Investment Committee, the Andersen Foundation, Human Resources, and Recruiting/University Relations. Following his retirement, he joined the American Institute of CPAs as Director of Academic and Career Development. During his tenure at AICPA, he was a founding sponsor of the Pathways Commission, an Advisory Committee member for the Accounting Doctoral Scholars Program, and a Board Member of the International Accounting Education Standards Board. Denny has a long record of participation in AAA activities, having served on the Executive Committee, as facilitator for AAA strategic planning, and as host and committee member for the AAA New Faculty Consortium at St. Charles for 12 years. Other activities and honors include Board Chair for GMAC (GMAT test), Board Chair for the PhD Project, President of Beta Alpha Psi (and President's Award winner), Board Chair of AIESEC U.S, and a four term Trustee of the Woodrow Wilson National Fellowship Foundation. He was twice honored by the Federation of Schools of Accountancy and Practitioner of the Year and was the first corporate member inducted into the National Association of Colleges and Employers Academy of Fellows. Denny has a liberal arts degree from the University of Cincinnati and an MBA from the Harvard Graduate School of Business.

Mark Taylor, University of South Florida

Mark Taylor is the 2023-2024 Board President of the American Accounting Association. Dr. Taylor is the director of the Lynn Pippenger School of Accountancy at the University of South Florida. He began his duties at USF in 2019, coming from the Weatherhead School of Management at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland. There, Taylor was the department chair and accounting professor. He had been with Case Western Reserve University since 2009 and was the Andrew D. Braden Professor of Accounting and Auditing, teaching courses in corporate governance and auditing assurance areas. He is the past president of the Auditing Section of the American Accounting Association, and he also has served on the Auditing Section Executive Committee. For three years, he was on the Senior Technical Committee of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants Auditing Standards Board. He also is the audit committee chair and independent trustee on three investment company trusts and has had research sponsored by the Center for Audit Quality twice in the past three years. Taylor earned a doctorate from the Eller School of Business at the University of Arizona and a master's degree in accounting from Brigham Young University's Marriott School of Management.

Matt Owen, Qurate Retail Group

Matt is the SVP Global Controller for the Qurate Retailing Group, home of QVC, Home Shopping Network(HSN) Ballard Design, Frontgate and more. He is responsible for all accounting functions across the organization leading a diversified team focused on accounting integrity and efficiency of delivery of results. Matt previously had a 17-year-career with The Walt Disney Company. Matt's last role role was as the Sr Controller International Financial Reporting–Integration & Transformation with a focus on driving improved controls, standardization and efficiency across the international portfolio of the Company with an emphasis on India and Argentina. Previously as the Sr International Controller, based in London, he was responsible for all accounting functions outside the United States and responsible for the accurate preparation of statutory financial statements and recording of transactions for the various business units and legal entities of the Company's businesses. Prior to his London role, Matt served in Burbank as the Controller for the Disney ABC Television Group and as Corporate Controller with oversight over the consolidation and reporting of results for the Company and technical accounting. Matt started his career at Disney as head of Management Audit. In that role he was responsible for the conduct of internal audits throughout the Company as well as Special Investigations that involve financial irregularities. Before joining Disney in 2005 Matt was the Vice President Internal Audit for Oracle Corporation, a Managing Director with Standard & Poor's Corporate Value Consulting group, and a Partner with Arthur Andersen where he spent the first 17 years of his career including leading the Transaction Advisory Due Diligence practice for acquisitions in Northern California and three years in Seoul, Korea. Matt earned both a Masters in Accountancy and Bachelors of Science in Accounting from Brigham Young University in 1985. He served for many years on our School of Accountancy Board of Advisors. He is a CPA, CMA, and CGMA.

Catherine Moy, BDO LLP

Cathy joined BDO USA, LLP in July 2002 as a partner with significant experience assisting middle market clients. She has guided her clients through public and private financing transactions, numerous IPOs, mergers and acquisitions, implementation of emerging accounting rules and a variety of business advisory matters, focused on the technology and life sciences industry. Cathy previously served as the managing partner of BDO's Boston assurance practice. In July 2014, Cathy became the firm's first Chief People Officer, taking oversight responsibility for the Human Resources function to ensure BDO's policies and practices are consistent with its culture and true to its core purpose of helping people thrive every day. She also oversees the firm's marketing and business development functions, ensuring BDO's brand promise is well represented in its approach to the markets it serves.