The MICPA is shaped by dedicated professionals who share a commitment to the accounting profession and its future. Each year, members bring their experience, skills and unique perspectives to the board of directors, helping guide the association and its initiatives on behalf of Michigan’s accounting and finance community. As we welcome the 2026-27 Board of Directors, we first extend our deep appreciation to outgoing Board Chair Lisa Fisher, CPA, outgoing officer Laurie Horvath, CPA, partner, NFP and Health Care practice lead, Baker Tilly, and outgoing board member Matthew Kidd, CPA, PFS, president, Kidd Advisors. 

“I’m proud of the strong teamwork we maintained throughout my year as chair,” says Fisher, emphasizing the value of the board’s varied experience. In particular, she adds, “I’m proud of the way the board and the MICPA worked together to strengthen the profession during a time of significant change. Throughout my term we remained focused on advancing the value of the CPA designation, supporting the next generation of accounting professionals and ensuring the MICPA continues to be a trusted resource for members.”

Serving as chair, Fisher says, has been one of the highlights of her career. “The role reinforced my belief that leadership is about listening, building trust and bringing people together around shared goals. I’m especially grateful for the opportunity to work with so many thoughtful and dedicated people who care deeply about our members and the future of the profession.” Reflecting on her recent retirement, Fisher adds, “As I close this chapter of my career, serving as chair feels especially meaningful. It has been a wonderful opportunity to give back to a profession that has provided me with so many opportunities, and I am grateful for the colleagues, mentors and friends who have been part of that journey. I leave this role optimistic about the future of the profession and proud to have played a part in helping shape it.”

Past chair and outgoing officer, Laurie Horvath echoes Fisher’s sentiments. “My term as chair was an honor and a privilege. Working alongside so many dedicated professionals to help tell the CPA story was energizing and deeply meaningful. I had incredible opportunities, met remarkable people, and gained invaluable perspective on advocacy and the future of our profession.” Reflecting on the past year, Horvath expresses deep gratitude. “Thank you to the MICPA team for your support, patience, and optimism, and to the board for your laughter mixed with hard work and commitment to strengthening the profession for today’s CPAs and those who will follow.” Cheerfully, she adds, “It was truly a blast.”

Likewise, outgoing board member Matthew Kidd expresses his gratitude for the opportunity to serve the profession and collaborate with the MICPA and his fellow board members. “Serving on the MICPA board has been one of the great privileges of my life and I'm honored to have played a role in stewarding our profession.” Humbly, he adds, “However, serving feels like a misnomer as the relationships, friendships, knowledge and support I've received from the association and fellow board members has far surpassed my contributions. I'm incredibly grateful for the opportunity to serve and, most importantly, for the professional connections that have become friends.”

Incoming Chair Gary Blanck is quick to recognize their individual contributions through the years. “Lisa [has] led with steady judgment, good humor and genuine care for the profession and the organization, setting a high bar for me to follow.” Of Horvath, he says the board will not feel quite the same, emphasizing her quick wit and humor as well as the combined guidance and leadership she and Fisher brought to their roles. Finally, he thanks Kidd for his years of service and thoughtful perspective, adding, “Thank you for your friendship... Good luck on your next adventure.”

Partner at Swad & Company, Blanck joined the MICPA in 1993 and has since been engaged with several of the organization’s initiatives throughout the course of his long-standing membership. Over the last 30 years, he assumed multiple leadership roles, including as Chair of the MICPA Construction Industry Task Force, a presenter at events and education programs and as a board member. As he enters this new role, Blanck says, “I want to build on the foundation this board has laid, strengthening member engagement, advancing our strategic initiatives, preparing our profession for an AI-driven future and carrying forward the collaborative culture we have created.”

As Horvath and Kidd exit the board, Sarah Jennings, CPA, CFE, CAE, CVGA, shareholder, Maner Costerisan P.C., and Sue Koss, CPA, ABV, CFF, CVA, partner, Province, will be joining as new directors. Neither, however, are new to service. Jennings, for example, possesses more than 20 years of public accounting, consulting and nonprofit leadership experience. A seasoned mentor with an interest in bolstering the talent pipeline, Jennings also serves as trustee for the Michigan Accountancy Foundation and is focused on the future. “I would like to support efforts that develop future leaders, expand pathways into the profession and ensure members have the relationships, education and resources they need to succeed.” She emphasizes the importance of readiness in a profession that is subject to continual change and her desire to assist the MICPA with anticipating those developments.