The month of March brought many changes – warmer weather, NCAA March Madness and an extra hour of sunshine as we moved our clocks forward. March is also a month set aside to honor women who have made significant contributions in American history.

According to an article  in the Midlands Business Journal exploring the Glass Cliff Phenomenon, “women are more likely to advance into higher positions of leadership during times when an organization is experiencing significant financial duress, cultural chaos and /or other types of crises when failure is likely.” The authors go on to say, “this disappointing, fragile and potentially harmful phenomenon may be especially true if ethical transgressions are involved.”

The article discusses three studies the co-authors found while studying women in ethics. The first, a 2015 study from the Pew Research Center on Women in Leadership, found that “women are perceived to have an edge when it comes to being honest and ethical,” especially when it comes to “providing fair pay, benefits and offering mentorship.” The second study was a 2016 research report from the National Business Ethics Survey conducted in 2013 on behalf of the Ethics and Compliance Initiative (ECI). It found that “male and female leaders act similarly when it come to ethics.” “However, despite many shared priorities between male and female leaders, female employees and female leaders face tougher ethics environments than male employees.”

The third study published in 2020 in the Journal of Research in Education found that “female leaders in higher education (director, dean, vice-president, president) internalized and lived out an ethical framework based on social responsibility. These women perceived ethical leadership as much bigger than a role or title and were most concerned with equity and fairness.”

So, what is the bottom line for women in ethical leadership? The article concluded that in a world where only 10 percent of Fortune 500 CEOs are women, “leadership at all levels makes a difference in organizational culture, especially when it comes to ethical behavior.”

The NASBA Center for the Public Trust applauds the excellence and dedication of women in leadership, in recognition of Women’s History Month and throughout the entire year. Women leaders center ethical practices that support balanced, equitable and healthy organizational culture practices which, in turn, increase positive outcomes in an organization’s bottom line.

-Sharrona Reaves, Director of Programs and Development

As the mother of a 25-year-old son and a soon-to-be 23-year-old daughter, I was able to experience being both a stay-at home mom and a working mom. When my son turned five and my daughter turned three, I went back to work. I chose to go back to work at this time  for several reasons. First, my son was starting Kindergarten, and my daughter was a social butterfly who was ready to go and make friends. My household also needed the support of two incomes. And lastly, I missed it.

It wasn’t easy in the beginning. Any mother whose been a stay-at-home knows that changing the patterns your children are accustomed to is hard for both mom and child. Even though my children seemed to be adjusting well, I took on the guilt that many mothers feel. Did I go back to work too soon? Are the kids being treated fairly? Are they happy? Are they safe? My daughter was four months old when 9/11 occurred. Having them safely at home with me when the towers were hit was a huge relief. Thoughts ran through my head when I returned to work, asking myself, “would I be able to get to them if something catastrophic happened?”

Thankfully, my worst fears never manifested, and my children thrived. I did too. It was great to get up every morning and see us all preparing for our day and talking about our schedules. I loved juggling and managing our work schedules with their school plays, recitals, little league practices and games. I was both sad and happy to see them growing socially and becoming more independent. I was also excited and happy to have work of my own outside of their lives. My work kept me intellectually fed, challenged and, like my children, I enjoyed having a social life as well.

As a working mom, I had to give up the idea of being perfect, never needing help and beating myself up for missing or even worse forgetting an event. In our home, we communicated with apologies, grace and understanding when any of us missed our mark. Admittingly, I missed the mark more often than I’d like to admit.

Now that my children are adults, they share with me how traveling with my job taught them at a young age how to navigate through any airport. They tell me stories of moments when I wasn’t available, and they had to think through a situation and make smart decisions on their own as teenagers. They also remind me of important games, honors society functions and, the one I may personally never get over, my daughter’s debutante ball.

In closing, I have never regretted going back to work and being a working mom. It wasn’t always easy, but we made it through. I applaud and celebrate all mothers, including my own, who go to work every day and still make sure there’s food on the table, homework assignments are completed, games are attended and love is expressed.

-Sharrona Reaves, Director of Programs and Development

Episode 1: What IS Viable Leadership? 

In this episode, NASBA Center for the Public Trust President (CPT) and Viable Leadership Podcast Host Alfonzo Alexander answers the question, “What IS Viable Leadership?” Alexander breaks down the mission of the CPT and its commitment to develop, promote and empower ethical leaders and discusses how Viable Leadership will provide tools for leaders at every level and career stage.

Watch Video Here.

Episode 2: The DNA of an Ethical Leader

In this episode, CPT Founder David Costello talks with Viable Leadership Podcast host Alfonzo Alexander about what the DNA of an Ethical Leader looks like. Costello shares personal stories detailing tough ethical decisions he’s had to make in his career and gives great tips to young professionals on navigating a successful career.

Watch Video Here. 

Ethics Matters

Q1 2024

In past years, we have purchased items at NASBA Center for the Public Trust (CPT) Fundraisers and have always enjoyed the items we have “won.” The NCAA Men’s Final Four was great, and our stay at the Hermitage in Nashville was a memorable experience. However, our trip over New Year’s Eve in Times Square at the New York Marriott Marquis far exceeded all of our expectations! 

We arrived in the Big Apple at about 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 30, and were able to check into our room, which was large with a nice seating area. The accommodations were just the start. The itinerary that came with the trip was the real thrill. 

The party on December 31 started at 6:30 p.m. in the JW Suite, located on the 43^rd floor of the hotel. We had the opportunity to meet the general manager of the hotel for cocktails and appetizers and had our picture taken in our “dress up” apparel. We were provided information for how the evening would flow and at 7:45 p.m., we made our way through the back of the hotel and down the staff elevators. They didn’t want other guests to see our group going down to Times Square. Upon arrival, we were met by a number of New York City Police officers, who led us through the crowd to an area where we could take pictures. It was such a wonderful experience!

We were then taken back to the hotel and taken to the hotel’s M Club to enjoy a buffet style dinner featuring plenty of good food. However, the most interesting item was a huge bowl of crab claws and shrimp accompanied by a variety of sauces. At approximately 11:15 p.m., we made our way back downstairs to the street level to witness the famous ball drop.

The crowd was so excited, as both Rodney and I were. Entertainment included live performances by Neil Diamond and others. The crowd was electric and at 11:59 p.m., the countdown started, and the confetti fell from the roof tops of the buildings. At 12:00 a.m., the ball hit the bottom and the year changed from 2023 to 2024. A new year was before us.

I was able to go live for a short time on Facebook and our family got to see us in the crowd. What a wonderful experience, a wonderful way to support the CPT, and a fantastic memory for Rodney and me!

Janice L. Gray
CPT Supporter and NASBA Past Chair

Ethics Matters

Q1 2024

Alfonzo Alexander, NASBA Center for The Public Trust (CPT) President, visited students and spoke about sustainable leadership this quarter through a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) initiative called the Balance Sheet Bash. The event was organized by Jeannine Birmingham, CPA, President and CEO of the Alabama Society of CPAs (ASCPA). Alongside Sharrona Reaves, NASBA CPT Director of Programs and Development, Alexander stopped in Birmingham, AL, Montgomery, AL, and Huntsville, AL, to lead discussions with other professionals about ethics and diversity in accounting. Events were hosted at the Kassouf & Co. office in Birmingham, the Alabama State Board of Accountants office in Montgomery and Alabama A&M University in Huntsville.  

The CPT interviewed Jeannine Birmingham on the event and asked her about the inspiration behind it all:  

Q: How did the Balance Sheet Bash come about? 

A: Balance Sheet Bash was inspired by Dr. Felicia Farrar, Adjunct Professor for Alabama A&M University, the University of Houston and the University of Louisville. Dr. Farrar contacted me in the spring 2023 with the idea of hosting diverse student programs in multiple cities. This would allow us to meet students where they are located and share inspiring information about the accounting profession. Dr. Farrar and I spent a considerable amount of time dreaming of what our Alabama program might look like. Then, we pulled in the leadership talent of professionals across the country, including Okorie Ramsey, AICPA Chair, Alfonzo Alexander, President NASBA CPT, Guylaine Saint Juste, President & CEO NABA, Dr. Jan Taylor, AICPA Academic in Residence, Jeannine Brown, Everyday Lead CEO, and others.  

Q: What did you feel were the primary areas of focus? 

A: The primary focus of Balance Sheet Bash, named by a recent ASCPA intern, Roidarrius Williams, is to promote diversity in accounting. The conference content focused on professional speakers, leadership training, resume and social platform tips, and onsite conversations with recruiters. 

Q: What are your future goals for this initiative? 

A: Our immediate goal is to evaluate the wins and the concerns of what we experienced this year (2024) and enhance the program for 2025 and beyond. Our goal is to increase Alabama’s diverse students who select accounting as a major and then work in accounting as a career. 

Birmingham reported that she received positive feedback from students after the initiative took place.  

Ethics Matters

Q1 2024

Ethical Leadership Certification Program 

The Ethical Leadership Certification Program (ELCP) is designed to help students identify and overcome ethical issues that young professionals will face. The program consists of six one-hour modules, an interactive case study, and comprehensive final exam. This online tool features “What Would You Do” polls, real life scenarios and interviews with ethics experts. 

Check with your institution on available scholarships for sponsorship funds set aside for ethics-related programming. Learn more about the ELCP and pricing here: https://learning.thecpt.org/. 

Ethics in Action Video Competition 

Each year, students from around the country submit either a short-film or commercial video showing the CPT what they know about ethics, ethical leadership and ethical dilemmas with the chance to win up to $1,000. This program is open to StudentCPT and non-StudentCPT affiliated schools. Check out the rules, how to enter, and last year’s competition winners here: https://www.studentcpt.org/videocompetition/thevideo/. 

Campus Being a Difference Awards 

Each school year, the StudentCPT will honor one student and one faculty member on each chapter’s campus who positively impacts their school by displaying strong, ethical leadership. If you know a faculty member or student worthy of the award, reach out to your local StudentCPT chapter, or submit a nomination here: https://www.studentcpt.org/award/. 

StudentCPT Leadership Conference 

This in-person conference focuses on character development, chapter development and (of course) leadership training! Each summer, the CPT hosts the StudentCPT Leadership Conference (SLC) in conjunction with a NASBA Regional Meeting. This two-and-a-half-day conference also allows students to network with other leaders and NASBA conference attendees. Full scholarships are available to attendees thanks to generous donations made to the CPT.  

The 2024 SLC will be held June 4-6, 2024, in Louisville, KY. Contact [email protected] with your two student nominees by April 30, 2024. 

For more information, student nominations and past conference photos, please visit: https://www.studentcpt.org/slc/. 

Speaking Opportunities 

CPT staff members can speak with your student body on topics such as leadership, ethics, teamwork, networking, accountability, diversity and inclusion. Email [email protected] to book a speaking engagement today! 

Ethics Matters

Q1 2024

As I have shared before, I spend a considerable amount of time studying leadership. I read books and articles in addition to listening to podcasts. Recently, while viewing leadership discussions on YouTube, I once again became very fascinated with how trust and leadership work together. Trust is one of the most powerful components necessary for an individual to be a great leader. However, many times we overlook or forget how trust can impact a leader and the team that they are responsible for leading. 

Undoubtably, performance is a key measure of success for a leader. However, some of the greatest organizations and most successful teams value trust as much as they do performance. In fact, I could make an argument that the level of trust is a driver or key indicator for how great the performance can be or would be. I am enjoying learning about amazing teams within the Navy Seals. According to the information I read, they place equal value on trust and performance. In high-risk situations they encounter, it is extremely important for individuals to trust their leader and their other team members. The level of trust they have with each other supersedes performance when they are in critically important situations. The individual must have utmost confidence in and trust in their leader and the other team members. I contend, trusting the person next to you to do his or her assignment is critical for success in any environment. In addition, it is equally important to trust the leader’s ability to utilize the talents of the team and to motivate team members to make decisions creating opportunities for success for the team.  

We in business may not be facing life or death situations. However, the relationship between performance and trust remains the same. That same level of trust is necessary for leaders to build amongst their teams so that individual team members trust each other and trust the leadership of the organization. We deal with risks that may not be life-threatening, but can threaten our livelihood, our brand and the families we provide for through our businesses. We should make it our priority to become trusted leaders and team members.  

Another example of where I see the relationship between trust and performance is in sports. Earlier this month, I watched the Super Bowl. I was thoroughly impressed when I heard comments from team members after the game referencing the leadership from the Kansas City Chiefs’ head coach, Andy Ried, and quarterback, Patrick Mahomes. Nearly every player interviewed spoke about how they trusted the leadership of their quarterback and their coach. Even when the team was behind late in the game, they knew they would find a way to win the game, because of the confidence and trust they had in their leadership. I contend that this confidence and trust that the team members had in their leaders inspired the players to give their best. They all wanted to play their part in winning the game, and ultimately, they won.  

Ladies and gentlemen, I tell you, if performance is important to success, and we know it is, then we also must acknowledge that in a team environment, trust is also critical to help drive performance. If you are leading or influencing in any environment, please consider building a trusted relationship with those around you. There is truly power to drive performance through trust. As always, lead with integrity.

Lead with Integrity,
Alfonzo Alexander

Ethics Matters

Q1 2024

Were you one of the millions of viewers of this year’s Super Bowl? If so, you witnessed history and may not have even known! The 2024 Super Bowl, which took place at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, NV, was powered entirely by renewable energy. This was the first-ever Super Bowl to have been done this way! Who made it possible? A company by the name of Canadian Solar Inc. 

The company sourced the electricity from the Arrow Canyon Solar and Energy Storage Project, developed, owned, and operated by EDF Renewables. According to a recent PR Newswire release, Allegiant Stadium’s use of solar power highlights the viability of renewable energy sources in powering major events and facilities. For both the U.S. and global markets, the success of this event represents a significant milestone in the transition toward a sustainable energy future. 

“We are honored to have been selected by EDF Renewables as the solar module provider for the Arrow Canyon project and to contribute to such a groundbreaking moment in sports history,” said Thomas Koerner, Senior Vice President of Canadian Solar.  

The NASBA Center for the Public Trust (CPT) loves to see companies change mindsets and soar to new heights in what is possible. These stories demonstrate that changing the world for the better is not only feasible but happening at this very moment. Do you have a story to share? Email the CPT at [email protected].  

Ethics Matters

Q1 2024

The NASBA Center for the Public Trust (CPT) is a proud professional partner of Beta Alpha Psi (BAP) and was honored to attend its 2024 Mid-Year Meeting in February. The BAP conference took place in Dallas, TX, and featured prominent speakers, student leaders, leadership activities and competitions.  

CPT representatives attended to promote student programs, such as the Ethical Leadership Certification Program and the Student Center for the Public Trust (StudentCPT) chapter programs. Student Programs Manager Jasmine Jenkins served as a judge on the Best Practices Competition panel, where students developed and executed programs that promote awareness and student involvement in projects. Jenkins also participated in the main Leadership Activity where BAP members were timed, given challenges with an ever-changing team and asked to meet a deadline with Jenkins as their ‘boss’ intending to expose students to obstacles they will face in the workforce.     

Jenkins was grateful to spend time with StudentCPT officers and advisors who also serve under Beta Alpha Psi, as well as professional partners and professors who use the Ethical Leadership Certification Program.   

Jenkins also attended the Mid-Year Meeting held in Indianapolis, IN, March 8-9. The CPT is happy to showcase various products and services benefiting the academic community and promote ways in which they can help sustain accounting programs across the country.

Ethics Matters

Q1 2024

The NASBA Center for the Public Trust (CPT), whose vision is advancing ethical leadership to influence the world, announces new appointments to its board of directors for 2024. The CPT is excited to work alongside these leaders as they share their knowledge and expertise through board service. 

James Alderson, of La Quinta, CA – A retired CPA, Alderson has an extensive background in healthcare and accounting and is the past president of the Montana chapter of the Healthcare Financial Management Association. Alderson has spoken nationwide on healthcare compliance issues and business ethics to a wide variety of audiences, including the FBI and several universities nationwide. His role as a whistleblower in a major healthcare case resulted in the biggest hospital healthcare fraud case in history. He has been featured in the New York Times, Modern HealthCare and on the BBC and CBS’s 60 Minutes with Mike Wallace.  

Barry Berkowitz, CPA, of Huntingdon Valley, PA – Berkowitz practices public accounting through Mayer Hoffman McCann P.C., an independent CPA firm, where he chairs the firm’s HUD Task Force. Currently, he serves as a director-at-large on the NASBA Board of Directors and as chair of the NASBA CBT Administration Committee for 2023-24. Berkowitz recently concluded a nine-year term on the Board of Examiners, including two years as its chair. He was recently appointed by his state CPA society to serve on the AICPA Council, and he serves as NASBA’s representative on the Auditing Standards Board. 

Jenn Bouchard, of New York, NY – As chief people and administration officer with Figure 8 (parent to the Museum of Ice Cream, Home Quart and Hiatus), Bouchard is responsible for the business planning and culture, administration, human resources, talent, learning, internal communications and change management functions across the company portfolio. Prior to joining Figure 8, she served as the director of talent experience and change enablement for Meta (formerly Facebook Inc.). Bouchard is a graduate of the University of Alabama and former employee of the CPT. Additionally, she serves on the Vision Cameroon Youth Basketball and SXSW advisory boards.  

Michael Fritz, CPA, of Blacklick, OH – A retired senior partner with Deloitte & Touche LLP, Fritz served as the industry professional practice director for state and local government, higher education and not-for-profit industries. From 2013-23, he served on the NASBA Board of Directors as past chair, chair, vice chair, director-at-large, Great Lakes regional director, secretary, and treasurer. In 2015, Fritz completed a seven-year term with the Accountancy Board of Ohio where he is a former board and committee chair. He has served on the AICPA Government Audit Quality Center Executive Board and as a past executive board member of the Ohio Society of CPAs. He is currently the NASBA Awards Committee chair for 2023-24. 

Kelly Richmond Pope, PhD, CPA, of Chicago, IL – Pope is the Dr. Barry Jay Epstein Endowed Professor of Accounting at DePaul University, and a nationally recognized expert in risk, forensic accounting and white-collar crime research. An award-winning educator and documentary filmmaker, researcher, author, and international speaker, she teaches managerial and forensic accounting at the undergraduate and graduate level. In 2023 and 2020, the AICPA and CPA Practice Advisor named Pope among the top 25 most powerful women in accounting. Her book, Fool Me Once: Scams, Stories and Secrets from the Trillion Dollar Fraud Industry, published by Harvard Business Review Press (2023) is a riveting look at the perpetrators, victims and whistleblowers behind financial crimes and how organizations can prevent and detect fraud. 

To view a complete listing of the CPT Board of Directors, visit: https://thecpt.org/about-us/leadership/.