The Colorado State Board of Accountancy (“the Board”) elected new leadership at its October 21 meeting, following the addition of two new members at its August 19 meeting. Together, these changes bring a blend of professional experience, educational insight, and diverse perspectives to the Board as it continues overseeing CPA licensure and regulation in Colorado.

New Board Leadership

Jonathan Marquez, CPA, has been selected as Chair of the State Board, succeeding Suzanne Owens-Ott, CPA. Previously serving as Vice Chair, Marquez brings familiarity with the Board’s priorities and ongoing initiatives, providing continuity as he steps into his new leadership role.

Diego Baca, CPA, will serve as Vice Chair. A former Chair of the Colorado Society of CPAs (COCPA), Baca brings extensive leadership experience, a strong appreciation for the importance of regulatory oversight shaped by his background in auditing, and a deep understanding of the issues and opportunities facing Colorado’s accounting profession.

COCPA also recognizes Suzanne Owens-Ott, CPA, for her multi-year service as Board Chair and her commitment to bringing an educator’s perspective to the Board’s discussions during her tenure on the Board, which will end in August 2027. Her contributions helped ensure that the experiences and needs of accounting students and future CPA candidates remained part of the conversation.

Welcoming Three New Board Members

In August 2026, the Board welcomed two new professional members and one public member, all appointed to terms expiring August 1, 2030.

Amy Cardillo, CPA, brings a valuable combination of accounting education and direct experience in professional practice. Her perspective helps bridge the connection between the classroom and the workplace, particularly as Colorado implements new CPA licensure pathways and considers how educational requirements translate into professional readiness.

Kimberley Temple, CPA, brings the perspective of Colorado’s rural accounting community. Her experience adds an important geographic dimension to Board discussions, helping ensure that the needs and challenges of CPAs practicing in communities across the state are represented.

Maria Perea joins as a public member, bringing experience in education and an important perspective from outside the CPA profession. Her background will provide valuable insight into how the Board’s decisions affect the broader public, reinforcing its responsibility to protect consumers and maintain public trust in the profession.

Helen Raleigh, CFA continues her service on the Board as another public member, bringing expertise in finance and corporate governance and a commitment to transparency, accountability, and representing the interests of Colorado’s public.

Supporting the Profession and Protecting the Public

Appointed by the Governor, members of the Colorado State Board of Accountancy serve an important role in protecting the public through the licensing and regulation of CPAs. Their work helps maintain professional standards while addressing the evolving needs of the accounting profession.

As Colorado prepares to implement expanded CPA licensure pathways under SB26-076, the Board’s combination of experienced leadership and new perspectives will be particularly valuable in navigating changes that affect candidates, educators, employers, and licensees.

COCPA congratulates the Colorado State Board of Accountancy’s new leaders and members and looks forward to continuing to support the Board’s important work to protect the public interest through active participation in its stakeholder processes and by serving as a resource for professional insights and perspectives from Colorado’s accounting community.

To learn more about the Colorado State Board of Accountancy, visit their website: https://dpo.colorado.gov/Accountancy