James Underwood, CPA, CFP, Elected Chair of GSCPA Board of Directors for 2025-26 Year

James Underwood, CPA, CFP advisor at Focus Partners Wealth in Atlanta, Georgia, has been elected as the chair of The Georgia Society of Certified Public Accountants (GSCPA) Board of Directors for the 2025-26 fiscal year. This significant appointment was announced during the Society's annual business meeting in St. Thomas, USVI. Underwood's leadership is expected to bring a fresh perspective to the GSCPA, focusing on the positive aspects of the accounting profession and addressing the challenges faced by CPAs.

Boyd Search, President and CEO of GSCPA, praised Underwood's leadership qualities, stating, "James is a steady, solutions-oriented leader who brings a calm confidence to every room he's in." With 15 years of active involvement in GSCPA, including service on the Board of Directors and various committees, Underwood's dedication to the profession is unquestionable. His vision for his term includes changing the public perception of accounting, emphasizing the rewarding and fulfilling nature of the profession beyond the commonly cited challenges.

Underwood aims to tackle the issues important to CPAs, advocating for the profession's benefits and financial rewards. "I want to help communicate those issues, hear CPAs' questions, and tackle the issues important to them," Underwood said. His approach seeks to inspire current and future CPAs by highlighting the profession's opportunities for personal and professional growth.

The GSCPA, representing nearly 14,000 members across Georgia, plays a pivotal role in supporting CPAs through advocacy, leadership, and development opportunities. Underwood's leadership is poised to enhance these efforts, ensuring the profession continues to evolve and thrive. For more information on GSCPA and its initiatives, visit https://www.gscpa.org.