Detroit, MI August 12, 2014 — Robyn K. Fuller, CPA, Senior Auditor of International Operations at General Motors Finance, has been selected as one of 38 young CPAs to participate in the American Institute of CPAs 6^th annual Leadership Academy in Durham, N.C. this fall.

Fuller will join an exclusive group of rising stars in the accounting profession to learn strategic planning techniques and develop personal success skills for handling complex management challenges. Leadership Academy participants, all under age 36, will discuss pressing issues facing CPAs and the accounting profession with some of the profession’s most influential leaders, including AICPA Chairman Bill Balhoff, CPA, CGMA, and Barry Melancon, CPA, CGMA, the Institute’s president and CEO. 

“The AICPA’s Leadership Academy annually selects promising young CPAs and gives them the tools they need to continue to make an impact in the accounting profession,” said Balhoff. “As these CPAs continue to develop their careers, both the connections they make and the training they receive at the Leadership Academy will help guide them along the way.”

The AICPA selected the 38 attendees of the Leadership Academy from more than 100 candidates recommended by their employers, state CPA societies or both. Candidates submitted resumes which included work history, licensure information, professional volunteer activities, community service, and awards and honors.  

The selection process for the 2014 class involved the AICPA reviewing each submission in detail. The submission included a statement provided by the candidate explaining why their participation in the Leadership Academy would be personally important to them.

Fuller’s application focused on her passion of giving back to and helping to increase the level of interest in the accounting profession.  Additionally, Fuller’s work experience and volunteer work with Michigan CPA Society and National Association of Black Accountants, allowed her to be an obvious asset to the Leadership Academy. Fuller stated, “I hope to leave the Leadership Academy with a stronger awareness of the effect I have on others…and with the ability to make bold decisions that will help me live out my potential and realize my true purpose.” 

 The American Institute of CPAs 2014 Leadership Academy will be held from Sept. 28 – Oct. 2 at the Washington Duke Inn – Durham, NC. Additional information is available at AICPA.org/youngcpanetwork.