The Virginia Society of CPAs has launched its new Center for Innovation, part of its future-forward “VSCPA2025” initiative.

The Center for Innovation is an online resource offering learning and engagement programs to help professionals navigate the fields of technology and talent. Technology resources will help VSCPA members “adapt to, embrace and leverage rapidly changing technologies,” while the talent section will help “build leadership skills and grow knowledge of global trends to develop talent and build a thriving workplace of the future,” according to the state society.

“This is a pivotal moment for the CPA profession, as technology advancements, shifting demographics and the rapid pace of change create unprecedented opportunities,” stated VSCPA president and CEO Stephanie Peters. “The Society is committed to helping our members be future-ready by driving innovation in technology and talent development. Through the Center, we aim to provide a roadmap and resources CPAs need to make themselves indispensable in the business climate of the future.”

Planned activities for the Center include:

• A Cybersecurity Summit;
• Two awards recognizing innovation and diversity in the profession;
• XChange, a peer-to-peer learning program;
• Dale Carnegie leadership development certificates and a MindBridge learning program focused on artificial intelligence and data analytics.

The Center for Innovation is overseen by a council of CPAs and other leaders in technology, innovation and change management. Members include chair George Forsythe of WellsColeman in Richmond; April Cassada of the Virginia Auditor of Public Accountants in Richmond; Anita Collins of PBMares in Fredericksburg; Dan Hudgens of Deloitte in Richmond; Brian Kush of Intend2Lead in Austin, Texas; Thad Panik of Aronson in Rockville, Md.; Byron Patrick of Network Alliance in Reston; Louise Reed of Louise Reed CPA in Richmond; Lauren Soles of BDO in Richmond; J.J. White of Dale Carnegie in Richmond; and Aditya Yerramilli of Google in Mountain View, Calif.

For more on the Center for Innovation, head to the VSCPA’s site here.