Society
Lisa Kemper: retired and Fabulous!
Issue 3
August 28, 2024
I began my career with the Society in July 2011 as an Office Manager. I moved into the Continuing Professional Education (CPE) Department in 2013 as CPE Manager and became Education Director in 2018. It sounds like a long time ago when I began my journey at KyCPA, but it feels like just a few years have passed.
KyCPA staff at the Society office in Louisville in July of 2014.
Front row (Left to right): Darlene Zibart; Lisa Kemper; Charles George and Penny Gold.
Back row (Left to right): Suzanne Sturgeon; Kimberly Lindsey; Heather Hibbs; Vicki Blair; Lindsay Wilson; Lorri Malone; Jane Wells; Amanda Gettelfinger; Leslie Larkins; Melissa O'Bryan and Kendra Villiger.
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Yes, things have changed over the years, and I would not like to do it all today without fast internet, cloud computing, GPS on our phones, virtual learning and collaborations between state societies. The pandemic and its lasting impact on the social and education landscape created a watershed for all of us in the learning space (BC -- before COVID)/AC -- after COVID). As many have noted, it really just sped up changes that were already underway.
It has been a privilege to serve our members. I have tried to keep a half-step ahead of their learning needs and to provide them with any support possible. I am grateful for our productive relationship with the Kentucky Board of Accountancy—not every state Society is so lucky. I have worked with some amazing, talented and devoted staff members over the years. I am excited to watch this current group greet the future. Nothing remains the same and the opportunity to make an impact on members keeps us challenged every year.
On the horizon, I look for increasing momentum from compliance to competence in CPE. I also see the pressures that the great retirement of baby boomers and the shrinking number of college attendees will put on the profession and on the ability of KyCPA to serve it. I know that all will rise to the occasion.
On my last day, there was a major Microsoft outage, compromising our ability to live broadcast our Community Bank Update. I am so proud of our team that pivoted, created and executed Plan B on the fly. We launched the day just 5 minutes late! Floods, ice storms, snowstorms, power outages, missing speakers, missing lunches, Windows Updates at inopportune moments, hot mic “situations”; there have been so many experiences. As my brother Roger says, “It is either all good, or it will be a good story later.” For me, it has been both.
KyCPA staff at the 100-Year KyCPA Anniversary Celebration on June 14, 2024 at The Olmsted in Louisville.
Left to right: Lisa Kemper; Zoe Sapin; Paul; Kim Copas; Amanda Parkill; Sherri Stansbury; P. Anthony Alan; Brittany McGill; Shannon Greer; Darlene Zibart and Kimberly Lindsey. (Not pictured: Brittany Samuels)
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Kim Copas will take the reins from here as Education Director. She has been with the Society since 2016 and Conference Manager since early 2020. Previously she served as the Seminar Manager, Membership and CPE Assistant and Office Manager for the Society.
Kim Copas, KyCPA Education Director