Voices

Virginia Society of CPAs launches 'LEAD' initiative to develop future leaders

TheVirginia Society of Certified Public Accountants(VSCPA) announced this week the launch ofLEAD (Learn, Engage, Advocate, Drive), a new initiative looking give professionals the proper resources to develop into future leaders.

In addition to the VSCPA Leadership Academy, LEAD will offer in-depth seminars, free webinars, leadership tracks at VSCPA conferences, networking events, opportunities for professional writing, the VSCPA mentor program (MentorMatch), and volunteer opportunities.

“As older generations contemplate retirement, it becomes more and more important to develop the leadership qualities of younger CPAs to ensure the future of our businesses and our profession," stated VSCPA president & CEO Stephanie Peters. "While much of that must be done at the company and local level, it’s our job at the VSCPA to provide an infrastructure for training the leaders of the future.”

LEAD is designed for CPAs at all stages of their careers, with a particular emphasis on developing the soft skills necessary for today's business world. A competency framework to guide CPAs through LEAD is currently under development, according to the Society.

“My career advancement would not have been possible without the leadership skills that were developed from my involvement with the VSCPA," said VSCPA member Bo Garner, CPA, a manager at PBMares in Newport News, per a statement. "Leaders aren’t made over night, and there is no recipe for a great leader as they come with all different character traits and competencies. However, there are certain skills that all leaders should have and which I was given the opportunity to develop and refine through my involvement with the VSCPA and the LEAD Initiative.”

For more on LEAD and the VSCPA, head to the Society's site here.

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