The Claude K. Smith Endowed Lecture Series on Accounting is designed to provide Eastern Kentucky University students with the opportunity to hear, meet, network with, and learn from nationally recognized experts in the accounting profession. Additionally, the lecture series will be available to members of the accounting profession and the general community. The Series will provide an on-campus public presentation attracting accounting professionals from the region and nation.

EKU Accounting is pleased to welcome Ms. Lisa Simpson as the annual speaker on Thursday, April 25, 2024.

Lisa is Vice President of Firm Services for the AICPA. She leads teams that build and manage relationships with practitioners in public accounting firms of all sizes, creating awareness of changing trends that impact CPA firm success and providing resources and insights to enable firms to harness opportunities for the profession. Her teams create innovative programs and engagement strategies to engage a diverse pipeline of current and future CPAs.

Since 2020 Lisa has been engaging with thousands of CPAs and business owners as a co-host of the award-winning AICPA Town Hall Series. She has been named in the top 100 Most Influential People in Accounting by Accounting Today since 2020.

Lisa began her career with EY, gaining audit and tax experience in her six years with the firm. She then worked for a small firm in Lexington, Kentucky, for five years. Lisa has 20+ years of industry experience as well, having served as the CFO for non-profit and for-profit organizations before joining the AICPA in 2012.

Lisa graduated from Eastern Kentucky University and is licensed as a CPA in NC and KY.