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Executive Committee Q&A: Why Supporting the Indiana CPA-PAC Matters

By February 9, 2026February 17th, 2026No Comments

Some people think “political action committee” sounds partisan, but the Indiana CPA-PAC is a key tool for protecting the CPA license and stopping harmful legislation from becoming law. After seeing lobbyist Lou Belch and the INCPAS team in action at the Statehouse, why do you think supporting the PAC matters?

Lisa Tressler, CPA

“Lou Belch and the INCPAS team are our profession’s most informed and effective advocates at the Statehouse. Their many years of experience enables them to work with legislators to navigate complex policy issues, anticipate developments that could affect our profession and communicate our priorities with clarity and credibility. They have built strong, trusted relationships with key decision-makers, which allows our voice to be heard early and often in discussions that shape the regulatory and legislative environment for CPAs. This consistent presence and proven track record have resulted in meaningful successes—protecting licensure standards, promoting a stable business climate, and ensuring policymakers understand the real-world implications of proposed changes.”

Lisa D. Tressler, CPA
INCPAS Chair
RBSK Partners PC

Corbin L. Miller, CPA, CGMA

“Prior to joining the board, I didn’t fully understand the depth to which the Society, Sherrill Rude, and our lobbyist, Lou Belch, work together to monitor and identify legislation that could impact our industry. They, along with INCPAS members, work diligently to maintain and strengthen relationships with legislators, which is critical when it comes to conveying our concerns or positions on existing legislation and introducing new legislation. The recent changes to licensing requirements and the passage of PTET a few years ago are just a few examples of these efforts. This is why contributing to the PAC is one of the most impactful things a member can do.”

Corbin L. Miller, CPA, CGMA
INCPAS Chair-Elect
Insight Accounting Group, PC

Colby J. Chamberlin, CPA

“Our PAC isn’t theoretical — it’s proven. When Indiana adopted 120 hours for licensure, it was not by chance. It happened because the INCPAS team and our lobbyists spent countless hours educating lawmakers, building relationships and making the case for change. That success was possible because of our PAC, which gave us the influence and access needed to move the issue forward. Supporting our PAC ensures we can continue to be in the right place at the right time when the next challenge arises.”

Colby J. Chamberlin, CPA
INCPAS Vice Chair
Pile CPAs

E. ZeNai Savage, CPA

“Supporting the PAC may sound political, but for the Society it’s about protecting the profession. I’ve seen how the Society’s advocacy has made a real difference — not just by making sure harmful proposals don’t move forward, but also by pushing for positive changes, like reducing the 150-hour requirement so the license is more accessible. Supporting the PAC means the Society can keep protecting our credibility and opening doors for the next generation of CPAs!”

E. ZeNai Savage, CPA
INCPAS Vice Chair
Indy Chamber

JoAnna F. Simek, CPA

“I felt the same way for a long time. Now my perspective has shifted. Having an effective PAC that understands the inner workings of government can go a long way when you need to get something accomplished. Those relationships are invaluable and have paid dividends back to our profession over the years. Whether you realize it or not, you’re probably the beneficiary of a legislative change that INCPAS worked through with the PAC to accomplish something positive for us.”

JoAnna F. Simek, CPA
INCPAS Vice Chair
Forvis Mazars

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