Richmond, VA (Sept. 22) — The Virginia Society of Certified Public Accountants (VSCPA) is proud to announce the formation of the VSCPA Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Advisory Council. The Society has long held diversity as a core organizational value, and this Council is our latest, most public step to provide expertise and strategic guidance to our members and industry leaders regarding diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI).
The new Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Advisory Council will:
- Advise the VSCPA Board of Directors and staff on programs and policies related to DEI and social justice.
- Engage with leaders in the profession, organizations, firms and schools to increase students of color entering the CPA profession.
- Identify resources to educate VSCPA members and their organizations about DEI issues.
The 19-member DEI Council comprises a diverse group of VSCPA members and business leaders across different organizations and accounting disciplines. Helming the Council are Anne B. Hagen, CPA, CGMA, MBA, president & CEO of the Masonic Home of Virginia in Henrico, and Krystal R. McCants, CPA, principal at Yount, Hyde & Barbour PC in Falls Church.
“The VSCPA — and our Board Chair Henry Davis III, CPA — have long been committed to diversity, equity and inclusion in the CPA profession; that’s why I am so proud to help lead this new Advisory Council to amplify our efforts," Hagen said. "Diverse professions are strong professions. We're dedicated to addressing racial inequity and finding solutions to increase the pipeline of underrepresented groups obtaining the CPA credential."
The VSCPA values diversity in the CPA profession and is committed to implementing the Statement on Racial Injustice released by Davis and VSCPA President & CEO Stephanie Peters, CAE, at the outset of our national focus on racial injustice. Fostering an environment with employees of diverse backgrounds brings new perspectives, ideas and experiences together to solve business challenges and drive resiliency, innovation and value creation. More information on our efforts as well as resources are available in our Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Resource Center at vscpa.com/diversity.