Partner Ryan Black-Deegan Selected to Attend AICPA’s 2026 Leadership Academy
Williston, Vermont – October 12, 2026
Davis & Hodgdon CPAs Partner Ryan Black-Deegan was one of only 36 professionals honored by the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) as a member of the Leadership Academy’s 18th graduating class. Ryan was selected based on his exceptional leadership skills and professional experience for the four-day Leadership Academy program, which will be held December 1st – 4th.
Ryan joined Davis & Hodgdon CPAs in 2016. He was recognized by Forbes magazine as one of America’s best CPAs in Vermont for 2026. He is a board member and Vice-Chair of the New England Society of CPAs, council member of AICPA, and treasurer and member of the Executive Committee for Generator Makerspace. Ryan is also the treasurer and member of the Executive Committee for Burlington City Arts Foundation. He is a graduate of the Leadership Champlain Class of 2020, and he was celebrated as one of Vermont Business Magazine’s class of 2023 “Rising Stars” comprising 40 up-and-coming leaders under 40.
The AICPA Leadership Academy was designed to strengthen and expand the leadership skills of promising emerging professionals while they network with a peer group of talented and motivated CPAs.
The Leadership Academy features career-development workshops and sessions with some of the accounting profession’s most prominent influencers. Participants were selected from public accounting firms of all sizes, corporate finance, non-profit, academia, wealth management and consulting.
Click here to learn more about the AICPA Leadership Academy.
Davis & Hodgdon Advisory Group (DHAG) is a business and financial services firm with locations in Williston and Rutland Vermont. DHAG is a one-of-a-kind financial firm with the unique ability to offer tax planning through Davis & Hodgdon CPAs, financial and investment planning through *Copper Leaf Financial, and client accounting services through Convergent Accounting. These comprehensive services address all of your business and individual needs and each has a fully dedicated staff. Since 1990 the firm has provided clients with progressive, proactive services through expert staff, high-end technology, and unparalleled efficiency.
About the American Institute of CPAs
The American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) is the world’s largest member association representing the CPA profession, with a history of serving the public interest since 1887. AICPA members represent many areas of practice, including business and industry, public practice, government, education, and consulting. A founding member of the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants, the AICPA sets ethical standards for the profession, attestation standards, and U.S. auditing standards for private companies, not-for-profit organizations, and federal, state, and local governments. It develops and grades the Uniform CPA Examination, offers specialized credentials, partners across the profession to build future talent, and drives continuing education to advance the vitality, relevance, and quality of the profession.
*Copper Leaf Financial is an affiliated and separately registered entity.
