The board of directors of the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy has named Ken L. Bishop as NASBA’s next president and CEO, starting on Jan 1, 2012, following the retirement of president and CEO David A. Costello.
Bishop currently serves as NASBA's executive vice president and chief operating officer, responsible for NASBA's business and testing operations. He previously served as NASBA senior vice president and president of NASBA's subsidiary, Professional Credential Services, having joined NASBA in 2007.
With Bishop's guidance, NASBA has made significant strides in increasing the ability of CPAs to practice throughout the United States without the need to be licensed separately in each state. He has also been instrumental in the development of an international Uniform CPA Examination delivery model. Bishop has played a key role in NASBA's efforts to enhance this comprehensive professional examination and maintain its high quality as one of the State Accountancy Boards' essential requirements for CPA licensure.
Upon Costello's announcement of his plan to retire last April, the NASBA board of directors formed a Selection Advisory Committee to recommend a successor (see
"I want to commend the Selection Advisory Committee for their recommendation after completing a diligent search and evaluating numerous highly talented applicants," said NASBA chairman Michael T. Daggett, CPA, in a statement. "Mr. Bishop has proven to be an invaluable asset for NASBA. We are confident he will continue to lead the organization to greater accomplishments and provide even greater benefits to its members -- the 55 Boards of Accountancy."
"I am pleased that the board of directors selected Ken Bishop to succeed me as President and CEO," said Costello. "Ken's rich experience in all aspects of the CPA examination process, accounting regulation, business operations and professional relationships provides assurance of continuing progress for NASBA and the state boards in the years ahead."
As a former executive director of the Missouri State Board of Accountancy, Bishop has over a decade of experience working in accountancy regulation. He served as chairman of NASBA's CPA Mobility Task Force, CPA Examination Administration Committee and Executive Directors Committee. In addition to his service on numerous NASBA committees, he served on the American Institute of CPAs’ Board of Examiners.
A graduate of the Missouri State Highway Patrol Academy and the Federal Criminal Justice Academy, Bishop holds a bachelor's degree in education from the University of Missouri in Columbia and a master's degree in criminal justice. He is also a graduate of Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government's Executive Program.
AICPA president and CEO Barry Melancon called the announcement of Bishop's appointment "terrific news."
“Ken is the right person at the right time to lead NASBA," he added. "Ken has been a critical partner in the profession’s successful efforts to pass mobility legislation in 47 states and to ensure that there is a strong regulatory voice in overseeing administration of the Uniform CPA Examination, as well as driving the exam into the international marketplace. We look forward to continuing our collaborative relationship with Ken and NASBA. It is a pleasure to be able to offer Ken congratulations and best wishes on his appointment.”
