Amy Kistka becomes 99th chair of FICPA board

Orlando, Florida – The Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants (FICPA) has officially entered a new leadership chapter with the appointment of Amy Kistka, CPA, as the 99th Chair of its Board of Directors. Her term began on July 1, 2026, marking a significant milestone for both the organization and one of Florida’s most established professional accounting bodies.

The appointment reflects continuity as well as change within the FICPA, which represents more than 20,000 members across the state. Kistka steps into the role after years of steady involvement in the organization, moving through multiple leadership positions and committee responsibilities before reaching the top governance seat.

In her remarks following the appointment, Kistka emphasized gratitude, professional commitment, and a deep personal connection to Florida’s accounting community.

“I am honored to step into the role of Chair and thankful for the trust that’s been placed in me by my fellow Directors, FICPA Leadership and our more than 20,000 members across the state,” Kistka said. “I am likewise grateful to Deloitte for supporting my volunteer service and to firm partners Kim Griffin-Hunter and Nancy Juron for encouraging me to lead. As a fourth-generation Floridian and a second-generation accountant, I care deeply about the future of our profession, the prosperity of our state and the well-being of the people who call it home.”

Kistka’s professional journey has been closely tied to Deloitte’s Jacksonville office, where she has built her entire career. She graduated from the University of North Florida with both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in accounting before joining the firm in 1998 as an audit assistant. Over more than two decades, she steadily advanced through the organization, becoming Managing Director in 2016 and Marketplace Leader in 2018.

Her appointment as FICPA Chair is also notable for another reason — she is the first leader from a Big 4 accounting firm to hold the position in more than 20 years. Industry observers say this reflects both her long-standing professional experience and the organization’s emphasis on broad representation across the accounting sector.

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FICPA President & CEO Shelly Weir highlighted the significance of Kistka’s leadership at a time when the profession continues to evolve and face new challenges.

“The support of the Big 4, and from Deloitte in specific, has played an invaluable role in the FICPA’s advocacy work these past 18 months,” Weir said. “As we continue to protect the license and secure the future of the profession, Amy serves as the ideal example of a Florida CPA. She truly embodies what it means to be an Auditor of Truth and a Steward of Trust.’”

Kistka’s rise within the FICPA has been steady and deeply rooted in service. She began her volunteer involvement in 2019, joining both the State Legislative Policy Committee and the Women in Leadership Committee. Her engagement expanded quickly, and by 2023 she became a member of the FICPA Board of Directors.

In 2024, she advanced further by serving as Vice Chair of the State Legislative Policy Committee. Alongside this, she has overseen several major committees, including Women in Leadership; Content Advisory; and the Valuation, Forensic Accounting, and Litigation Services Conference committees. Her involvement across these areas has given her a broad view of both policy and professional development within the organization.

Beyond her FICPA work, Kistka is also active on the national and community stage. She serves as a member of the AICPA Council, contributing to broader discussions shaping the accounting profession across the United States. In Jacksonville, she also sits on the Board of Directors for City Year Jacksonville, supporting initiatives aimed at helping students succeed in public schools.

Her appointment comes with a full leadership team supporting her term. The 2026–27 FICPA Board of Directors includes Carshena Allison of WatsonRice, who will serve as Chair-Elect, and Karen Lake of SALTexpert LLC, who will serve as Immediate Past Chair. Other board members include Robbie Maya of Kaufman Rossin, Chris Oatis of Grant Thornton, Jennifer Paget of Crowe, Mindy Rankin of Warren Averett, Christopher Stemley of Disney Financial Services, Alex Sueiro of PAAST, Alex Welsh of A-LIGN, Dana Zukierski of EY, and Katey Exum of A-LIGN, who will serve as Young CPA Committee Chair in a non-voting role.

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The FICPA Council for 2026–27 also brings together a wide range of professionals from across the industry, including representatives from KPMG, BDO, PwC, CLA, Cherry Bekaert, Forvis Mazars, and several advisory and financial firms, as well as academic representation from the University of South Florida.

Together, this leadership structure is expected to support Kistka as she guides the organization through a new year of advocacy, professional development, and continued efforts to strengthen the CPA profession in Florida.

As she takes on the role of the 99th Chair, Kistka steps into a position shaped by a long line of industry leaders — but also into a moment where accounting, regulation, and professional expectations are rapidly evolving.