Aprio’s Lexy Kessler Named Chair of the American Institute of CPAs and the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants
May 14, 2025
ATLANTA – May 14, 2025 — Aprio, the 24th largest business advisory and accounting firm in the U.S., proudly announces that Lexy Kessler, CPA, CGMA, assurance and audit services partner, has been named Chair of the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA), and Chair of the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants, which combines the strengths of the AICPA and the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA). Lexy steps into the role following her term as vice chair, bringing decades of leadership, vision, and impact to one of the profession’s most influential positions.
As a trusted business advisor, Lexy blends experience in assurance, tax, and consulting to help clients navigate shifting markets and unlock growth. A former leader of Aprio’s Government Contracting practice and Mid-Atlantic region, she has driven significant regional expansion, built high-performing teams, and strengthened the future of the profession through volunteerism and mentorship. Known for her ability to build momentum through collaboration and intentional listening, Lexy focuses on what drives and inspires people. Her leadership is grounded in creating meaningful connections and helping the profession adapt and thrive for decades to come.
As Chair of the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants, Lexy will serve as a leading voice for over 580,000 AICPA and CIMA members, candidates, and registrants worldwide. In this role, she will guide strategic conversations on the future of the profession, champion initiatives that support talent development and innovation, and foster collaboration across firms, educators, and regulators.
“Through every shift in policy, every wave of technology, and every business model transition, accounting remains indispensable. It is unstoppable,” said Lexy. “I’m honored to serve as Chair. My focus will be on listening and building meaningful connections with members, students, firm leaders, and future professionals — because real understanding begins with listening.”
Lexy has played a vital role in national talent and pipeline initiatives, most recently chairing the National Pipeline Advisory Group, which gathered input from more than 8,000 voices across the profession and recommended actionable strategies to address workforce challenges. She also helped guide the rollout of the CPA Exam’s new Core and Discipline model and continues to advocate for flexible, research-driven pathways to licensure.
“The accounting profession is at a pivotal moment, with enormous opportunity to drive relevance, innovation, and talent growth,” said Richard Kopelman, CEO of Aprio. “Lexy’s deep experience, thoughtful leadership, and passion for people make her exceptionally well-suited to lead the AICPA forward.”
For more information about Lexy Kessler and Aprio’s leadership in the profession, visit www.aprio.com.
About the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants, AICPA, and CIMA
The Association of International Certified Professional Accountants (the Association) advances the reputation, employability, and quality of CPAs, CGMA designation holders, and accounting and financial professionals globally. Founded in 2017 by the AICPA and CIMA, it represents 580,000 AICPA and CIMA members, candidates, and registrants in more than 150 countries and territories, advocating for the public interest and business sustainability on current and emerging issues.
About Aprio
Aprio is the brand name under which Aprio, LLP, and Aprio Advisory Group, LLC, deliver professional services. Since 1952, clients throughout the U.S. and across more than 50 countries have trusted Aprio for guidance on how to achieve what’s next. As a premier business advisory and accounting firm, Aprio Advisory Group, LLC, delivers advisory, tax, managed, and private client services to build value, drive growth, manage risk, and protect wealth, and Aprio, LLP, provides audit and attest services. With proven experience and genuine care, Aprio serves individuals, entrepreneurs, and businesses, from promising startups to market leaders alike. Aprio has grown to 2,000+ team members providing solutions to clients in industries including Manufacturing and Distribution, Non-Profit and Education, Professional Services, Real Estate, Construction, Restaurant, Franchise & Hospitality, Government Contracting, and Technology. Aprio.com
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