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Shelly Compton
On July 1, 2026, Shelly Compton began her term as Board Chair of the Kentucky Society of CPAs, bringing more than 27 years of involvement with the Society and a clear vision for the year ahead.
Compton said serving as Board Chair is both an honor and a privilege. Her years with KyCPA have provided opportunities to build relationships, develop as a leader, expand her professional knowledge and advocate for the accounting profession.
As she begins her 2026–2027 term, Compton is focused on the changes taking place within the accounting profession and the opportunities those changes create.
“The accounting profession continues to evolve. Expectations are changing. Technology is changing. The workforce is changing,” she said. At the same time, she emphasized that CPAs continue to play an essential role in helping organizations, communities and individuals make informed decisions and build trust.
Compton has identified three priorities for her year as Chair: strengthening the accounting pipeline, elevating awareness of KyCPA’s advocacy efforts, and growing and engaging the Society’s membership.
Strengthening the accounting pipeline
The future of the profession depends on attracting talented students and young professionals to accounting, Compton said.
A key part of that effort is changing outdated perceptions of the profession. Today’s CPAs are trusted advisors, entrepreneurs, business leaders, technology users, problem solvers and strategic thinkers. They help organizations navigate challenges, identify opportunities and make critical decisions.
Compton wants students, parents, educators and career counselors to understand that accounting offers opportunities far beyond numbers and spreadsheets. The profession can lead to careers in leadership, entrepreneurship, public service, technology, consulting and many other areas.
She also emphasized the importance of recognizing accounting as a STEM discipline. STEM recognition reflects the technology, analytical and problem-solving skills used by today’s accountants and can help introduce more students to the profession.
KyCPA will continue working with educators, employers, policymakers, the AICPA and community partners to increase awareness of accounting careers and help build the pipeline of future CPAs.
Take action: Help build the future of the profession
The future of accounting depends on all of us. Here are three ways you can make a difference:
- Show up for students. Volunteer at a student event or connect with future accounting professionals at an upcoming networking event. Contact Caisey Cole, KyCPA Student Membership Coordinator, at ccole@kycpa.org to get involved.
- Invest in the next generation. Support the KyCPA Educational Foundation and help provide scholarships and expand programs that introduce students to opportunities in accounting.
- Create an opportunity. Have an open position or internship? Post it with KyCPA and connect your organization with students and professionals looking for their next opportunity.
Elevating advocacy
Compton’s second priority is making members more aware of KyCPA’s advocacy efforts.
“Advocacy may be one of KyCPA’s best-kept secrets—and frankly, we don’t want it to be a secret anymore,” she said.
KyCPA works on issues ranging from licensure and tax policy to workforce challenges, regulatory matters and legislation affecting businesses and communities across Kentucky.
Compton encouraged members to stay informed by following legislative updates and KyCPA advocacy communications. She also encouraged members to participate in CPA Day at the Capitol and support the KyCPA Political Action Committee.
Active member participation, she said, helps ensure the profession has a strong voice in the legislative process and strengthens the value of the CPA designation.
Growing and engaging membership
Compton’s third priority is strengthening the KyCPA community by growing and engaging its membership.
She believes the Society is at its best when members actively participate—whether by attending events, serving on committees, engaging in advocacy, mentoring future professionals or simply building relationships with fellow CPAs.
“Membership is about much more than receiving benefits,” Compton said. “It is about investing in the future of our profession.”
She encouraged members to become more involved and to share their experiences with students and young professionals considering accounting as a career.
Looking ahead
As Compton begins her year as Board Chair, she is challenging members to play an active role in shaping the future of the profession.
“Every one of us has a role to play in shaping the future of this profession,” she said.
Through stronger efforts to attract future CPAs, increased awareness of advocacy and an engaged professional community, Compton believes KyCPA can continue to strengthen the profession and its presence across Kentucky.
“I am excited about the year ahead and confident that, together, we can continue moving our profession forward.”
Meet Shelly Compton
Compton is Partner-in-Charge of Carr, Riggs & Ingram’s Bowling Green office and has more than three decades of experience in public accounting. A member of KyCPA for more than 27 years, she has served the Society in numerous leadership roles, including on the Board of Directors.
Throughout her career, Compton has provided audit, accounting and consulting services to financial institutions, governmental entities, healthcare organizations and nonprofit organizations. A graduate of Western Kentucky University, she serves on the university’s Accounting Advisory Board and has dedicated significant time to community and nonprofit leadership initiatives throughout South Central Kentucky.
Author: Kimberly Lindsey, Editor of The Kentucky CPA Journal