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OBU—Oklahoma Baptist University

OBU Grads Among Top New CPAs

March 25, 2014

Two OBU graduates have been named as 2014 Trailblazers by the Oklahoma Society of Certified Public Accountants. Chad Wilsie and Melanie Warren were both selected for the honor, two of only 20 members selected statewide.

Wilsie, a 2006 OBU alumnus, is a CPA and tax senior manager with Eide Bailly, LLP, in Oklahoma City. Warren, also a 2006 OBU graduate, is a CPA and corporate accounting manager with Samson Resources Corporation in Tulsa, Okla.

In 2012, Brad Johnson, a fellow OBU alumnus, received this same recognition. Johnson is a CPA and currently serves as vice president and controller for The Baptist Foundation of Oklahoma.

In 2010, the Trailblazers program was established to recognize the innovation, professional dedication and community commitment of the OSCPA's "New CPAs," defined as members who are under 40 or who have five or fewer years of CPA experience.

"Every year the Trailblazer program gives us a group of young professionals who make us proud and this year is no exception," said Ted Blodgett, 2013-2014 president of the Oklahoma Society of Certified Public Accountants. "It's wonderful to see young CPAs stepping up to become leaders in their profession and in their communities so early in their career."

The OSCPA accepts Trailblazer nominations each year during the summer and fall. A panel of OSCPA members then selects 20 honorees using an anonymous application scoring system where applicants' identities are hidden. There were more than 40 nominations from OSCPA members, former Trailblazers and non-members. This summer, all honorees will be celebrated at the OSCPA's 96th Annual Members Meeting on June 13, 2014, in Norman, Okla.

With more than 6,000 members in public practice, industry, government and education, the OSCPA is Oklahoma's only statewide professional association of CPAs. Since 1918, the organization has continued to provide professional education, conduct quality reviews and promote and maintain high standards of integrity and competence within the accounting profession. Learn more about the OSCPA, including membership and free job posting information.

Learn more about studying accounting at OBU's Paul Dickinson College of Business, or call (405) 275-2850.