Legislators, Networking, and Breakfast Chatter Abound!
By SAOLAM NGUYEN
Northeast Chapter President
The Northeast Chapter held their annual Legislative Breakfast on Wednesday, Nov. 19. More than twenty accounting professionals from across the Capital Region gathered at the Fort Orange Club in Albany to show their support and advocate for NYCPA’s legislative agenda.
Attendees filtered in bright and early at 8 a.m., and the first hour flew by as everyone enjoyed breakfast and mingled in the lounge. Plenty of new faces were in attendance, with representation from firms and organizations across a variety of backgrounds, including KPMG, UHY, BST, and MMB.
I kicked off the main event and thanked everyone for their attendance. John McCarthy, the NYCPA Government Relations Team representative, provided an overview of the team’s legislative priorities. I then introduced the keynote legislative speaker, Senator Pat Fahy, who shared her views on the State of the State, outlined her upcoming legislative objectives, and commended attendees for the chapter’s interest and passion. Senator Fahy also offered congratulations on the passage of the Alternative License Pathway legislation in the Assembly, which at the time only needed Governor Kathy Hochul’s signature to go into effect. In a major win for the NYCPA, the legislation was signed shortly thereafter on Nov. 21.
NYCPA Northeast Chapter Holds NextGen Winter Event 2025
By ABIGAIL DONOHUE
NextGen Committee Co-Chair
The holiday season is always a great time to catch up with friends, family—and of course—your fellow NextGen members!
The NYCPA Northeast Chapter NextGen group gathered on Dec. 4, 2025, at Apex Entertainment in Albany to celebrate another successful year. With members from diverse professional backgrounds including tax, audit, and forensic accounting, it’s always nice to hear what everyone has been working on.
On a personal note, the Northeast Chapter NextGen members are some of the hardest-working professionals in the Capital Region, and events like this give us the chance to unwind and enjoy the community we have built together.
Our celebration had no shortage of fun—we hit the bowling lanes, snacked on some pizza, sliders, and wings, and let our competitive sides come out in the arcade. From friendly banter to unexpected high scores, the night was full of laughs and great memories.
It was the perfect way to close out the year—relaxing, reconnecting, and reminding ourselves why this group is so special. Here’s to another year of growth, collaboration, and good times with the Northeast Chapter NextGen community!
adonohue@fazforensics.com
Northeast Chapter Charts Paths to New Opportunities
By Saolam Nguyen
Northeast Chapter President
When I first joined the Northeast Chapter, the COVID-19 pandemic was well under way. As someone who had recently moved to the Capital Region, I was looking for a way to connect with other professionals in the area. The NextGen Committee seemed like a great place to start. Through my position as NextGen co-chair, I gained experience in public speaking and event planning while having countless other opportunities to expand my network.
My time as a chapter officer allowed me to gain more in-depth knowledge about NYCPA processes and to challenge my leadership abilities. Through organizational programs and student outreach, I have gained valuable skills and fostered relationships that will benefit my professional and personal growth.
I am grateful to the NYCPA for the opportunities and the growth the Society afforded me, and I am excited to see other members of our Northeast Chapter stepping up and taking charge. Our involvement with the NYCPA provides unique opportunities for professionals like myself to make connections outside of our organizations and expand our horizons.
A proud farewell
By BETH VAN BLADEL
Northeast Chapter President
March/April 2025
I am happy to share my four-year term as chapter president is ending and I will be transitioning to the role of past president. My happiness is because the next generation of the Northeast Chapter is ready to take the helm, and this brings me incredible joy.
Saolam Nguyen will advance to the role of Northeast Chapter president. I look forward to supporting her as she leads with the intention of increasing member engagement. Steven Lewis will become Northeast Chapter president-elect; in this role he will support Saolam, train the incoming treasurer and transition out of his role as NextGen Committee co-chair. Chris Sauers will assume the role of Northeast Chapter treasurer/secretary and will be a conscientious steward for our chapter funds.
I want to thank Northeast Chapter past Chapter Presidents F. Mike Zovistoski and Andrew Matthews for dedicating their time and resources to inspire and mentor our future leadership. I also want to thank NYCPA CEO Calvin Harris Jr. for his leadership in rebuilding his operational team. With the support of the Society, our chapter has the resources to grow and engage our members.
Our chapter committees are busy planning events that focus on student engagement, professional networking and, most importantly, fun!
Steven arranged for our members to attend a Student Etiquette Dinner on March 14 at Siena College. Saolam and Steven will be organizing our return to Siena college on July 7-9 for the Career Opportunities in the Accounting Profession (COAP) program.
The NextGen Committee is planning an end-of-season social networking event at Wolff’s Biergarten’s Albany location on May 1. Stay tuned for another fun summer event in August.
Chris Sauers has organized a hands-on accounting profession learning activity for our members to share with 518ElevatEd students at Albany, Troy and Schenectady High Schools during the week of May 5.
The Golf Committee is planning the annual Financial Professionals Golf Outing and NextGen Golf Clinic at the Wolferts Roost Country Club on June 16.
The Day at the Races Committee led by Kylene Fitsik is planning another fun day at the Saratoga Racecourse on July 3.