James Underwood Elected Chair of The Georgia Society of Certified Public Accountants

James Underwood, CPA, CFP advisor at Focus Partners Wealth in Atlanta, Georgia, has been elected chair of The Georgia Society of Certified Public Accountants (GSCPA) Board of Directors for the 2025-26 fiscal year. His election took place at the Society's annual business meeting in St. Thomas, USVI. Boyd Search, President and CEO of GSCPA, expressed confidence in Underwood's leadership, highlighting his commitment to the profession and his ability to navigate its evolving landscape.

With 15 years of active involvement in GSCPA, including service on the Board of Directors and various committees, Underwood is poised to lead with a focus on changing the public's perception of the accounting profession. He aims to highlight the fulfilling and financially rewarding aspects of being a CPA, countering the prevalent narratives of stress and long hours. Underwood's vision includes fostering open communication about the profession's challenges and opportunities, thereby inspiring current and future CPAs.

Underwood's role as chair comes at a time when the accounting profession faces significant changes and challenges. His leadership is expected to guide GSCPA in advocating for the profession, providing lifelong learning opportunities, and supporting personal and professional development for its nearly 14,000 members across Georgia. For more information on GSCPA and its initiatives, visit https://www.gscpa.org.