Meet the chair: Christine Williamson, CPA 

In May, Christine Williamson, CPA, PMP, took the reins as chair of the VSCPA Board of Directors from Jennifer Lehman, CPA. Christine is a partner in the Tysons office of CohnReznick and is the leading the Government Contracting Industry practice service lines of Audit and Advisory. 

For Christine, the accounting bug bit early. 

In high school, she discovered her passion for accounting; by the time she attended the University of Maryland, she knew she wanted to become a CPA. “Encouragement from a family friend who was a CPA, along with his gift of a framed CPA postage stamp, further fueled my determination. Witnessing the lifestyle that he was able to provide for his family also motivated me to pursue the same path.” 

Before college graduation, she explored different roles — working in a bank, the credit department of a department store, and the accounting department of a construction company. Her full-time career began when she joined regional Maryland-Virginia accounting firm WatkinsMeegan, which later merged into CohnReznick LLP.  

Christine’s early exposure to accounting solidifies the importance of influencing students early in life and showing them the profession’s possibilities for fulfillment and success. That’s why she’s passionate about promoting the CPA profession to students; her desire to support the younger generation played a pivotal role in her pursuing VSCPA Board service. She hopes to leverage the collective efforts of the Board to raise awareness about the benefits of accounting and pursuing a CPA designation. 

“We plan to foster collaboration between the Board of Directors and all committees,” she says. “Together, we’ll strategize on effective ways to promote the CPA path, ensuring that students understand the rewarding opportunities it offers. Additionally, we’re committed this year as I am chair to visiting as many schools as possible (stretch goal of 115 visits), sharing insights, and encouraging students to embark on this fulfilling journey.”  

[Note: Every Board member has committed to making at least one CPAs in the Classroom visit this year. You can join them!]  And you can take the National Pipeline Advisory Group CPA pledge. 

Christine notes that becoming a CPA isn’t a walk in the park. “You must be deserving to pass the CPA Exam. It is tough but worth it; it’s not meant to be easy.” She says she attempted the CPA Exam twice before passing it on her third attempt.  

“I was determined to succeed,” she says. Christine was married with children and had moved to Virginia. “My husband took the kids on a vacation, and I stayed home to focus on studying. I passed, and I highly recommend studying with a partner. Having someone to stay focused with and create a fun competitive environment can be motivating.” 

Christine believes in leveraging the CPA designation to make a meaningful impact. Professionally, she’s most proud of co-authoring the GAUGE Report, a free benchmarking report for government contractors, for the past eight years, and being partner at CohnReznick LLP, which recently achieved the $1 billion milestone.  

Christine relishes the relationship-building aspect of being a CPA for her government contracting clients: “Connecting with people, solving problems, and being the go-to fixer … Seeing projects completed and witnessing results brings immense satisfaction.” 

That drive is what propels Christine to be focused on results during her term as VSCPA chair, especially in communicating with students. She identifies the following four issues as the top challenges facing the profession today: the CPA shortage, education about the accounting profession, AI integration, and balancing regulations with innovation. 

“Being a CPA is not just about numbers; it’s about people, problem-solving, and making a meaningful impact,” Christine says. “The journey is demanding, but the rewards are immeasurable!” 

Beyond the office, Christine enjoys serving on local boards in the community. She gardens with her husband, swims, plays golf, and helps her children plan their weddings. 

And Christine’s love of accounting is visible in a real way: Her son, Ken Williamson, is now an accountant, too. 

Got questions for Christine while she is chair? Reach out anytime to [email protected].