2025 Strategic Leadership Forum brings inspiration, innovation, and advocacy

The OSCPA 2025 Strategic Leadership Forum and Annual Meeting was held May 6–7 in scenic Newport. Against the backdrop of the Pacific Ocean, OSCPA leaders, members, and guests gathered for inspiration, insight, and connection.

Tuesday opened with remarks from 2025–26 Board Chair Gary Holcomb, Executive Director at Ernst & Young LLP. The morning featured an impactful National Accounting Profession Update by Carla McCall, Chair of the AICPA and Co-Chair of the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants. Carla provided timely insights into current issues affecting the profession on a national scale.

The rest of the day was devoted to leadership development with an intensive workshop led by Jennifer Wilson of ConvergenceCoaching, LLC. In her session, Becoming a More Inspiring and Impactful Leader, she challenged participants to reflect on leadership behaviors, overcome roadblocks, and use actionable frameworks to improve communication and accountability. 

Wednesday began with Doug Westervelt, CEO of Internetworks, who presented Threats & Triumphs: Harnessing Technology in 2025 and Beyond. Doug provided an engaging look at the evolving cybersecurity landscape.

Outgoing Board Chair John Hawkins reflected on the accomplishments of the past year in his 2024–25 OSCPA Year in Review. The morning closed with an overview of OSCPA legislative and advocacy activity by OSCPA Legislative Counse Nicole Palmateer Hazelbaker and OSCPA leaders Selene Sullivan, Adam Abplanalp, and Jason Orme.

OSCPA President/CEO Sherri McPherson shared organizational updates before Gary Holcomb concluded the program by underscoring the momentum and opportunities ahead for the CPA profession.