IssuesWatch Live: Professional Issues Update (E2307044)

Theresa is the chief operating officer of the NJCPA. She oversees the management of all programs that support the organization's strategic plan, mission and objectives. Theresa provides overall staff supervision as they work to achieve the organization's goals and objectives. She also manages all aspects of budgeting and resource requirements. Theresa has been with the organization for more than 15 years. Prior to her role as COO, Theresa worked with NJCPA chapters, committees and interest groups as director of member engagement.

Aiysha (AJ) is the CEO and executive director of the New Jersey Society of CPAs. She previously was the executive director of BKR International’s Americas Region where she was responsible for overseeing the implementation of all strategic efforts for BKR accounting and business advisory member firms in the United States, Canada, Latin America and the Caribbean. She has more than 20 years of wide-ranging global experience working for nonprofits and professional and trade associations. AJ has proven success in building and supporting high-trust organizational cultures, growing revenue and programs, and building strategic partnerships. She was elected to the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors in 2023. She is a member of BKR’s Center of Excellence Advisory Board. She is also on the boards of the Community Foundation of New Jersey and the Executive Women of New Jersey. In addition, she is a board member of the Berkshire Farm Center & Services for Youth, a nonprofit child welfare organization in Canaan, New York. She has been an active member of the University of Chicago’s Alumni Board from 2021-2023. She was named No. 1 on NJBIZ’s Accounting Power 50 list in 2023 and one of its 2023 People to Watch in Finance. She was also named one of ROI-NJ’s ROI Influencers: People of Color 2023.

Ed is a partner at WithumSmith+Brown and is the 2023/24 President of the NJCPA. He has more than 20 years of accounting, auditing and consulting experience for both public and private companies in the technology, life sciences, manufacturing, distribution, construction, government and service industries. Ed is a former inspection specialist with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB). He has obtained certificates in International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) from the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and is also certified in financial forensics. He is the Team Leader of Withum's International Accounting & Auditing Services Group, which includes IFRS implementation, convergence and reporting. He currently serves on the American Institute of CPAs' (AICPA) Technical Standards Subcommittee and formerly served as an Independence and Ethics Joint Trial board member. He is also a member of the New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants (NYSSCPA) and the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners. He was one of the honorees of the 2008 “Forty Under 40” list by NJBIZ.