NASBA Center For Public Trust 
Ethics Matters
Q4 2024
NASBA’s 117th Annual Meeting took place from October 27-30 in Orlando, FL. NASBA Center for The Public Trust (CPT) staff were present to promote ethical leadership amongst meeting attendees and raise funds to support CPT programming.
On the first afternoon of the meeting, attendees heard from Chuck Gallagher at the CPT Ethics Workshop on Every Choice has a Consequence. Gallagher outlined his own experiences with poor decision making that landed him in federal prison and how his life completely changed as a result. The workshop was offered to demonstrate the importance of ethics in everyday and professional decision making. Attendees each received a total of two continued professional education (CPE) credits for completing the workshop.
Later that day, CPT President Sedrik Newbern addressed Annual Meeting attendees with an update on the CPT and its programming. Newbern announced that there will be a new StudentCPT chapter at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, which is projected to be established by the end of the year. He detailed the success of this year’s StudentCPT Leadership Conference (SLC) in Louisville, KY, and how 45 students from 28 colleges and universities participated and learned about ethical leadership and how to carry their learnings into their academic and professional lives.
Newbern also introduced attendees to the new Speaker Series and the CPT Connect Facebook group for students that was built to help them connect with each other as well as alumni. The new StudentCPT Tier system was also introduced, detailing the retirement of the Golden Star Chapter status and the criteria that each chapter must meet to reach a certain Tier status.
In the way of professional programming, Newbern mentioned the 19 states that are utilizing the CPT’s Ethical Leadership Training as part of their disciplinary action. He also announced that the 2025 Annual Golf Classic is set to take place at the Hermitage Golf Course in Nashville, TN, on May 13, 2025. Funds from the tournament will continue to support the CPT’s efforts in their student programming.
Attendees then participated in the CPT annual fundraising event, Ethics Feud: The Battle for Ethical Leaders. Two teams comprised of CPT Board representatives and familiar NASBA leaders answered a series of trivia questions having to do with ethics, the CPT and Disney movies while participants made donations and competed for a chance to win a variety of unique travel destination prizes. The event was a major success, garnering over $47,000 in donations. Proceeds raised from the event will support CPT programming, such as the newly launched Speaker Series and CPT Connect in addition to the Ethics in Action Video Competition and the Ethical Leadership Certification Program.
The CPT thanks everyone who had a part in contributing to the annual fundraiser event, making a huge success. Supporting CPT programming helps make a difference in young professionals’ lives around the world.
Chuck Gallagher in a ‘prison jumpsuit’ giving his presentation on Every Choice has a Consequence at the CPT Ethics Workshop.
Attendees during the CPT Ethics Workshop.
CPT President Sedrik Newbern providing CPT updates to attendees during the Annual Meeting.
NASBA Chair Maria E. Caldwell, CPA, enjoying the CPT annual fundraiser event.
The ‘CPT Team’ participating in the Ethics Feud: The Battle for Ethical Leaders, including former NASBA President and CEO and founder of the CPT, David Costello.
The ‘NASBA Team’ brainstorming answers during the Ethics Feud: The Battle for Ethical Leaders.
The crowd enjoying the fundraiser event, including NASBA Past Chair, Stephanie M. Saunders, CPA, and NASBA Vice Chair, Nicola Neilon, CPA.