Forbes Names Four Aprio CPAs to the 2025 America’s Top 200 CPAs List 

ATLANTA – October 21, 2025 – Aprio, the 24^th largest business advisory and accounting firm in the U.S., proudly announces that four of its CPAs – Lexy Kessler, Kathy O’Connor, Fred Davis, and Elisa Obillo – have been named to the Forbes 2025 America’s Top 200 CPAs list. 

The Forbes 2025 America’s Top 200 CPAs list celebrates accounting professionals who exemplify leadership in advancing the CPA profession. Developed in partnership with Statista, the list recognizes CPAs who have made significant contributions to their organizations and communities while maintaining the highest standards of ethics, experience, and client service. Each honoree was evaluated across a range of criteria, including professional achievements, thought leadership, community engagement, and dedication to shaping the future of accounting. 

Honorees: 

Lexy Kessler, CPA, CGMA, Assurance Services Partner, serves as Chair of the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) and the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants, representing over 700,000 accounting professionals worldwide. Lexy has more than 40 years of experience helping clients navigate complex assurance, tax, and consulting challenges. She has been a driving force in shaping the profession’s pipeline strategy, advocating for modernization and inclusivity in CPA licensure, and mentoring future leaders. Lexy has been recognized as one of Accounting Today’s “Top 100 Most Influential People in Accounting,” an AICPA “Most Powerful Woman in Accounting,” and a Washington Business Journal “Woman Who Means Business.” Her leadership on national boards and committees continues to advance the profession’s evolution for the next generation. 

Kathy O’Connor, CPA, CGMA, Nonprofit Consulting Leader, Partner, has built her career on strengthening organizations that serve others. With more than 30 years of experience working exclusively with nonprofits, Kathy delivers strategic, operational, and financial guidance to help organizations improve performance and achieve their missions. She founded O’Connor Consulting Services in 1999, which became part of Aprio in 2025, expanding the firm’s dedicated nonprofit consulting practice. Kathy has advised organizations with revenues ranging from $1 million to $1.2 billion, offering deep experience in endowments and financial assessments. A recognized voice in the nonprofit sector, she serves on multiple boards, including the Greater Washington Society of CPAs, where she chairs the Audit Committee and serves on their Executive Committee. She also received the AICPA Global Women to Watch in 2014. 

Fred Davis, JD, CPA, Nonprofit Tax Partner, is celebrated for his distinguished career spanning tax, law, and nonprofit leadership. With decades of experience working with high-net-worth individuals, private equity firms, financial institutions, and not-for-profit organizations, Fred brings an unmatched depth of knowledge to complex tax and compliance issues. He serves on the AICPA’s Tax Management Committee and the Corporate Advisory Board for the National Association of Black Accountants. Deeply committed to service, Fred is Treasurer of One Hundred Black Men of New York, President of Alpha Alpha Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc and mentors young men through the chapter’s Young Kingz Program. He also serves on the Hofstra University Board of Trustees and supports alums and community initiatives that foster education and opportunity.  

Elisa Martirez Obillo, CPA, Director in Aprio’s Assurance Services practice, brings more than 20 years of experience providing assurance and advisory services to clients in the technology, government contracting, and nonprofit sectors. Known for her technical precision and mentorship, Elisa advises on complex accounting topics including business combinations, revenue recognition, and financial reporting standards. She is deeply involved in advancing inclusion and professional development in the field, serving on the Virginia Society of CPAs’ (VSCPA) Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Advisory Council (DEI), Scholarship Committee, New Event Committee and serves as Vice Chairman of the Accounting & Auditing (A&) Advisory Committee. Elisa also mentors emerging professionals through the VSCPA and Maryland Association of CPAs and participated in events such as Session/Conference Speaker and panelist VSCPA conference, Northern VA Chapter of the VSCPA’s Government Contracting Special Interest Group and Unanet (CRM/Cosential) on-demand webinar.   

For more information about Aprio and its leadership team, visit www.aprio.com. 

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 2,400+ 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. 

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Aprio Media Contact      

Leslie Weiner, Public Relations Manager 
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