Stephanie joined CEI Constructors, a leader in Colorado's heavy civil industry, in July 2024 as its assistant controller. Her previous experience, after graduating with summa cum laude honors from the University of Northern Colorado with a master’s degree in accounting, includes two stints at RubinBrown, as well as accounting positions in various governmental and public organizations. While a student at UNC, her work as a co-author was published in two tax publications. Named a 2022 COCPA Everyday Heroine for her deep commitment to serving others, Stephanie says that her personal experience as a first-generation, nontraditional student helps her relate to those who don’t follow the traditional college path. She “hopes to be that person who inspires a shared vision” for other nontraditional students.

Alexandria Romero is a governmental A&A training facilitator with Galasso Learning Solutions, a position she has held since July 2024. She previously worked in both public accounting and the nonprofit sector, including as director of finance for the City of Pueblo and chief financial officer of the Pueblo City-County Library District. She is strongly committed to the accounting profession and the COCPA, having served on the Society’s Board of Directors and as chair of the Young Professionals Council. A 2019 graduate of the AICPA Leadership Academy, Alex has chaired the AICPA Young Member Leadership Committee and currently serves on the AICPA Benevolent Fund Committee. She is especially passionate about engaging those who are new to the profession to offer mentorship, support, and networking opportunities, and has participated in the COCPA Educational Foundation’s Mentor Program. She believes that the Educational Foundation can directly impact the shortage of accounting students and young professionals entering the profession, not only by awarding scholarships to curb students’ educational costs, but also by connecting young professionals with COCPA resources and support.

Jeff has 17 years of experience in various accounting and auditing roles within the oil and gas industry. As the director of operational accounting at SM Energy, he focuses on fostering a highly engaged and rewarding work environment through effective communication, employee development, and establishing robust cross-functional relationships. He feels lucky to work for an industry-leading company in the oil and gas sector that has challenged him professionally and has provided opportunities to support the growth of others. As a recurring guest lecturer for master’s-level accounting courses at Colorado State University, Jeff knows the importance of maintaining a strong connection with those interested in pursuing a career in accounting. As a past member of the COCPA Audit Committee, he sees his role as an Educational Foundation Trustee as another opportunity to further advocate for the profession and to support those considering a career in accounting.

Recently retired as chair of Regis University’s accounting department, Judy continues as an affiliate faculty member of Regis’ Anderson College of Business and Computing. A Regis graduate herself, Judy worked in industry for more than 25 years before becoming a full-time professor, gaining experience in such sectors as manufacturing, telecommunications, consulting, and the federal government. She has taught accounting and finance courses for more than 23 years. She served two four-year terms on the Colorado State Board of Accountancy and was a member of the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy Communications Committee. She is a longtime member of the COCPA Accounting Education/Careers in Accounting Committee, currently serves as vice chair of the COCPA Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee, and served on the 2021 COCPA Accounting Educators Conference Planning Committee.

Laurie Corradino is an assistant professor of accounting at Colorado State University – Pueblo, and previously held the same role at the University of Wyoming and Colorado Mesa University. She has won several awards throughout her career, including first prize in the long case category of the AICPA’s 2021 CPA Evolution Resource Competition (CERC) Awards, for her case, Fixed Assets – A Logical and Visual Analysis. A longtime member of the Accounting Educators Conference Planning Committee, Laurie has been attending the Society’s educator-focused events for more than a decade. She knows firsthand the important role that the COCPA Educational Foundation can play in the life of a student who is pursuing an accounting degree. She earned both her bachelor's and master’s degrees from CSU – Pueblo, along the way earning scholarships from the Educational Foundation. “Those scholarships helped put me on the path to achieving my academic and career goals, for which I’m extremely grateful,” she says. “I'm excited to be part of the group that helps make this possible for others.”

Alicia first joined the COCPA as a student member while attending the University of Denver. After years of volunteering at the Society, she stepped into the role of Chief Financial Officer and Executive Director of the COCPA Educational Foundation for five years. Alicia now serves as the Society's third President and CEO, where she daily demonstrates her passion for the accounting profession and leads the organization as it carries out the COCPA mission to help people thrive personally and professionally through service and connection. Alicia’s professional background includes stints in public accounting, adjunct teaching, consulting, and coaching. This Midwest native enjoys spending time camping, boating, and traveling with her husband and their dog, Ally.

Todd, a Colorado native who graduated from Colorado State University, has been with McPherson, Goodrich, Paolucci & Mihelich, PC in Pueblo for the past 16 years. He was self-employed for many years prior, specializing in the commercial aviation maintenance and construction industries. He currently focuses on governmental consulting and audit, as well as tax and other consulting. A past treasurer of the COCPA Southeast Chapter, Todd serves on the CPE Board and the Governmental Issues Forum. Hailing from a smaller town and firm in southern Colorado, he looks forward to bringing to the Educational Foundation a unique perspective on the needs of students, firms, and clients in a more rural setting. In his free time, Todd enjoys getting out into Colorado’s beauty to travel, camp, hike, and ski. He has several classic cars that he enjoys maintaining, and he plays music with a group of local musicians.

Matthew works in the Internal Audit Department at CoBank, ACB, one of the largest private providers of credit to the U.S. rural economy. He previously served with the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce Impact Denver program and is an active member of CoBank’s Hispanic and Young Professionals Associate Resource Group. Matthew understands the importance of scholarships in a student’s education, and remembers their significance in his own professional journey, which he shared as part of the Society’s See Me Series: Stories of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. “As a minority student from an agricultural background, the process of getting my accounting degree was foreign to me,” he says. “Without the generous donors and organizations that donated their time and money to shaping my career, I don't think I would have pursued my CPA, gone into public accounting, and ended up where I am today. Now that I am in a position to give back, I know I can help make a difference in the lives of individuals who are the future of our profession.”

As a Healthcare and Financial Services Leader with A-LIGN, Blaise manages the firm’s Denver office, where 25 employees serve more than 400 clients. He is excited to bring to his Educational Foundation leadership role his experience as a member of the COCPA Technology Users Group, alongside his understanding of the cybersecurity landscape. He also emphasizes the importance of continuous learning amidst the always-changing environment in which CPAs work. “CPAs should be constantly learning and becoming proficient with evolving technology such as automation and artificial intelligence,” he says. Blaise is a 2022 graduate of the AICPA Leadership Academy and serves on the board of the Denver Chapter of ISACA (formerly known as the Information Systems Audit and Control Association). Outside of his professional commitments, he enjoys spending time with his wife and three children, whether skiing, biking, hiking, or golfing.

Karla has been with the Alamosa firm of Wall, Smith, Bateman, Inc. for an impressive 40 years – as a shareholder since 1996 and currently as the firm’s managing shareholder. She has devoted most of her career to providing assurance services to financial institutions; nonprofit entities; and governmental entities such as counties, cities, special districts, school districts, and higher education. As the profession continues to evolve, Karla sees the ability to embrace technology as critical. She has worked with several foundations over the years, as well as served on scholarship committees. Currently, Karla serves on Colorado’s oldest pro rodeo board of directors, as well as the Hospice del Valle, Inc. board. During her free time, you’ll find Karla spending time with her family at reining horse training and competitions, or enjoying the beauty of Colorado’s mountains.