Charles Johnson III, an Indianapolis Certified Public Accountant (CPA) will begin his one-year term as chair of the Indiana CPA Society Board of Directors on July 1.
He will become the first African-American board chair in the 95-year history of the society, which serves as the professional association for CPAs in Indiana. Johnson is committed to advancing the CPA profession in Indiana including the society’s diversity programs like the Diversity Summit, Game On: CPAs in Action and the new INCPAS Scholars program.
Johnson said, “While my term as chair is a milestone for the society, I’d like to use my role to bring attention to an important issue – support for the society’s diversity initiatives and increasing diversity in the CPA profession. Our programs can succeed, and we have the opportunity over the next few years to bring more diverse talent into the profession than we ever have before.”
Johnson joined the INCPAS board in 2008. An active member of the society since 1992, he served four years on the Indiana CPA Educational Foundation Board of Trustees, including two years as secretary. In 1999, he was awarded the society’s Outstanding CPA in Government Award.
INCPAS President and CEO Gary Bolinger said, “Charles Johnson has been a leader in both the business and government sectors over his distinguished career. Now he is making history as the first minority chairman as the Indiana CPA Society celebrates its 95th year. His term as chairman of the board coincides with several innovative programs and will raise awareness of the need to promote the pursuit of academic achievement and embrace diversity in Indiana. Charles is a perfect example of how hard work and dedication can bring success. He is both a role model for aspiring CPAs, and a talented professional who will help ensure the success of this organization over the next year and long into the future.”
As a member of the INCPAS Board of Directors, Johnson’s responsibilities will include working with the chair-elect, vice chairs and directors to see that the society’s mission is carried out to the fullest extent.
Johnson said, “I plan to address the impact of diversity at every opportunity. We will continue to communicate the significance of diversity to our members, and through our diversity programs we will reach high school and college students, educators and business leaders. I will do everything possible to keep diversity at the forefront of our strategy and implementation.”
Johnson currently serves as managing principal at Engaging Solutions LLC in Indianapolis, one of less than10 minority-owned CPA firms in Indiana, where he oversees fiscal consulting services. Prior to forming Engaging Solutions, Johnson spent 21 years with the Indiana State Board of Accounts where he served as the principal officer for eight years.
