CPAFMA Announces DeBora and Goodwin to Board
[LEXINGTON, Ky., Jan. 9, 2025] CPA Firm Management Association, leading the management of CPA firms by empowering and equipping them to succeed, announces the addition of two board members. CPAFMA welcomes Karen DeBora and Tammy Goodwin.
Karen DeBora, PAFM, brings over 25 years of experience in accounting client services to her role as the Director of CPA Operations and Administration at Aldrich CPAs + Advisors LLP. In 2019, Karen was honored with her firm’s Stephen M. Tatone Servant Leadership Award, recognizing her unwavering dedication to her team, clients, and community.
A CPAFMA member since 2019, she has actively contributed to the organization, including completing the CPAFMA Leadership Course. Additionally, Karen holds a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, which she leverages daily to enhance operational efficiency. An avid traveler, Karen has explored destinations around the world, including Moscow, Singapore, Manila, Peru, India and all 50 U.S. states. She was also inducted into the San Pasqual High School Hall of Fame as a contributor for her eight years of board service, during which she supported student-athletes' achievements on and off the field. In her free time, Karen enjoys hiking and beach walks with her family.
“I am honored to join the CPA Firm Management Association Board of Directors”, expressed DeBora. “From the moment I joined CPAFMA and participated in the leadership class, I knew I had found something special. The relationships I've built and the insights I've gained through this community have been truly invaluable. I aim to bring fresh perspectives on leveraging technology and innovative practices to enhance firm efficiency and client service. My goal is to contribute to the strategic growth of CPAFMA and ensure that it remains a vital resource for all members.”
Tammy Goodwin is the Firm Administrator at TRP Sumner PLLC, stepping into the role during a critical period as her firm navigated a complex merger. With 20 years of legal practice in estate planning, taxation, and business advisory, coupled with 15 years of experience in education—both as a college instructor and as an administrator in adult education— Goodwin has developed an ability to approach challenges in the accounting world from multiple angles. She created learning plans for all employees and launched two signature programs: the Emerging Leaders Academy and the Executive Coaching Institute. Additionally, she founded the Summer Intern Academy, a recruiting program for local college students to gain hands-on experience in a CPA firm and explore various service lines. This program has successfully converted several participants into permanent and seasonal hires. Her extensive professional experience includes key positions in the legal, accounting, banking and education fields. Goodwin is also a published author.
“Joining CPAFMA in 2022, I was quickly blown away by the welcome and inclusivity, and I’m thrilled to deepen my involvement with the organization as a board member,” shares Goodwin. “I bring a no-nonsense approach to my work, focusing on delivering the best possible outcomes for all involved. While I’ve only served as a Firm Administrator for four years, my career has been shaped by a wealth of experiences that provide me with a unique perspective on firm management and transitions. My goal is to leverage this diverse background to help the Board navigate complex decisions with fresh insights and a variety of perspectives."
“I am excited to welcome Karen and Tammy to the Board,” shares Kristine E. Latchaw, Director of Administration at Maner Costerisan, P.C., and CPAFMA Board President. "Their expertise, passion, and innovative perspectives will undoubtedly strengthen our mission to empower CPA firms to excel through effective and forward-looking management. I am excited to collaborate with them and eagerly anticipate the impact of their contributions."
About CPAFMA
CPA Firm Management Association was founded on January 1, 1984, to enable accounting firm managers to communicate with one another and provide each other with the benefits of everyone's experiences in what was a new and emerging profession. Through a combination of local meetings and seminars, national conferences, publications and surveys, CPAFMA, a firm-based membership association, has continued to offer benefits to members at minimal cost.
The Association is the one representative voice of the profession. Many of our members put forth a great deal of effort toward educating the public accounting profession about the benefits of hiring professional firm managers to run the operations of their respective firms. They have also largely shaped the profession, determined the direction for manager career pathing, and have been on the cutting edge of developments in our profession.
Learn more at CPA Firm Management Association (cpafma.org) and contact info@cpafma.org.