The National Association of State Boards of Accountancy named Joseph T. Cote as its new chief operating officer.

Cote has worked for NASBA as director of CPA Examination services. His previous employers include the American Institute of CPAs, the California Society of CPAs and Arthur Andersen. He earned a Bachelor's degree from Ferris State University and a Master's degree from the University of Illinois.

NASBA also announced several other appointments and promotions.

Alfonzo Alexander, a certified career coach and certified facilitator, was named chief relationship officer. He has been vice president of development for the NASBA Center for the Public Trust.

Michael R. Bryant became CFO of NASBA. He has been director of accounting and financial reporting at NASBA and joined the organization in 1997 as controller. Ed Barnicott was named chief technology officer. Ken L. Bishop became president of NASBA's Professional Credential Services Inc. subsidiary and NASBA CPAES/NCD director.

Andrea Bledsoe was appointed COO of NASBA's Professional Credential Services Inc. subsidiary. She was formerly vice president of operations. Linda Biek was named director of governmental, international and professional relationships. She was previously executive director of the Tennessee State Board of Accountancy.