BJ Lippert, CPA
Managing Partner, Donovan CPAs

BJ is the managing partner of Donovan CPAs, where he has more than 20 years of experience in the profession, primarily in assurance. He thrives in areas of firm leadership such as culture, community involvement, process improvement, and people development. In addition to serving on the INCPAS Board of Directors, he is also a member of the PCPS Executive Committee and the Finance and Investment Committee for the Lambda Chi Alpha Educational Foundation. He was recognized with the 2026 Visionary Award from the Indiana CPA Society. BJ has a master’s degree in accounting from Butler University.

What is the profession’s top issue that needs to be addressed right now?

We need to bring humanity back into the profession. We have to be intelligent about automating the things that can be automated while giving humans the work that only humans can do. This is a people-to-people profession, and as technology becomes more deeply incorporated into what we do, our clients and teammates are going to value genuine, authentic human connection more than ever. That’s on us, as a profession, to solve: How do we bring as much humanity as possible back into the work we do?

What particular strength will you bring to the board?

I care deeply about people, and I also strongly believe that we don’t rise to the level of our intentions; we fall to the level of our systems. The leadership approach I plan to bring to the board is to think first about the impact our decisions have on people, and second about the systems we can create to ensure consistency and success well into the future.

Jon Rodgers, CPA
Vice President – Policy, NAMIC

Jon is a policy vice president at the National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies (NAMIC), where he has worked since 2006. He has held several roles in operations and public policy while at the association, including advocating NAMIC’s industry-related solvency, financial and accounting policies. He has led accounting teams and helped to modernize and develop new processes and reporting, as well as implement new financial management software for the association. Jon has a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Eastern Michigan University and a master’s degree in finance from Indiana University Kelley School of Business.

What is the profession’s top issue that needs to be addressed right now?

Technology (especially AI) and talent pipeline pressures. In terms of AI technology, I see a shift in the CPA profession towards oversight and evaluation of AI outputs than using AI as a tool for research and analysis. Firms will need to shore up their AI policies, strengthen overall governance practices and enhance data quality controls.

As far as talent, we are still seeing shortages that are being fueled by retirements and perceived barriers to entry. We need to continue to look for other ways of attracting tomorrow’s workforce, whether that be apprenticeships and/or updating curriculum at our schools and universities.

What particular strength will you bring to the board?

My career has given me the opportunity to see a membership organization from both the inside and the outside, which I think is a unique strength. As a finance leader, I’ve been responsible for the financial stewardship and operations that allow a nonprofit organization to fulfill its mission. As a policy subject-matter expert, I’ve worked on the external issues affecting members and helped communicate complex issues to policymakers and other stakeholders. That combination gives me a perspective on governance that connects financial sustainability, member value, advocacy and long-term strategy.

Michelle Rodgers, CPA
Partner, Rodgers CPA Group

Michelle and her husband Chris own Rodgers CPA Group. She has 20 years of experience in public accounting, focusing on business and individual taxation, payroll and consulting. She earned her bachelor’s degree in accounting with a minor in forensic accounting from Indiana State University in 2006. She is an Indiana-PAC Trustee and also volunteers with several non-profit organizations in her local community.

What is the profession’s top issue that needs to be addressed right now?

The top issue facing the profession is maintaining relevance with clients as trusted business advisors. It’s critical we use our professional skepticism and analytical skills to continue providing value to clients who are relying more on artificial intelligence each day. As professionals, we must be willing to adapt our guidance to our clients’ needs.

What particular strength will you bring to the board?

My background in public accounting in a small community gives me a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities CPAs are facing in similar-sized areas. I’m thankful for the opportunity to become involved at the board level.

Erin Wagoner, CPA
Chief People Officer – Katz, Sapper & Miller

Erin is the chief people officer at KSM, where she leads the firm’s people strategy and works closely with leadership to cultivate a strong culture, exceptional employee experience and long-term talent development. She began her career at KSM in 2004 in audit and tax advisory before serving in executive leadership roles as chief financial officer and chief operating officer for a not-for-profit financial services organization. She returned to KSM in 2022. Erin holds accounting degrees from Anderson University and Ball State University and is active in the profession and community through the AICPA, INCPAS and her service as vice president of the board of Grace Horizon.

What is the profession’s top issue that needs to be addressed right now?

The accounting profession is experiencing a period of unprecedented transformation. We’re navigating advances in AI and technology, changing client expectations, a multigenerational workforce with evolving expectations about work, and a rapidly changing competitive landscape as private equity investment and industry consolidation reshape many public accounting firms. As a Chief People Officer, I believe the long-term success of our profession depends on our ability to attract, develop and retain exceptional people while creating careers where professionals at every stage can thrive. If we get that right, we’ll be well-positioned to navigate whatever changes come next.

What particular strength will you bring to the board?

Throughout my career, I’ve had the opportunity to lead through significant change while keeping people at the center of every decision. I hope to bring a people-first perspective that balances business strategy with leadership development, employee experience and the long-term sustainability of our profession. I enjoy building relationships, finding common ground and helping diverse groups move toward a shared vision. I’m excited to collaborate with my fellow board members as we help shape the future of the CPA profession in Indiana.

Karl Ahlrichs, CSP, SHRM-SCP, SPHR
Consultant and Facilitator, ExpertSpeaks

Karl has worked in numerous roles in professional services, including as senior consultant at Gregory & Appel in Indianapolis, vice president at Professional Staff Management, and positions at Marsh & McLennan and Right Management, providing consulting services to clients across all industries. He is a national speaker and author on people issues in organizations, ethics, critical thinking and professional skepticism. He was named SHRM Human Resource Professional of the Year in Indiana and is one of fewer than 700 active certified speaking professionals in the National Speakers Association.

What is the profession’s top issue that needs to be addressed right now?

Ensuring artificial intelligence and automation strengthen — not weaken — professional judgment, ethics, accountability and public trust. CPAs and their clients are finding that AI-generated information is often not dependable, unbiased or appropriate for a particular decision. CPAs are key to the long-term success of commerce itself. They must remain responsible for asking the right questions, applying professional skepticism and communicating clearly.

What particular strength will you bring to the board?

I bring a practical, people-centered perspective on how the profession can prepare members for change and communicate better. Through my work as a consultant, facilitator and educator with AICPA, I have worked with accounting and finance professionals on ethics, critical thinking, professional skepticism and the responsible implementation of AI.