By Lori W. Braden, PICPA vice president - marketing and communications

Jennifer L. Cryder, PICPA’s executive vice president and chief operating officer, has unanimously been selected as the PICPA’s new CEO and executive director by its Board of Directors. The selection marks the first time in PICPA’s 125-year history that a woman will helm the statewide accounting association. Cryder is only the sixth executive to serve in the role since the PICPA was founded in 1897.

“I’m incredibly honored to assume the role of CEO and executive director,” Cryder explains. “As a student attending my first accounting class, I could never have imagined the life and career that becoming a CPA would create. It has been a privilege serving the PICPA for the past six years, and I look forward to serving CPAs in Pennsylvania and the profession in this new role. I see a bright future for the PICPA as we look to celebrate our 125th anniversary in the coming year, and we will keep our focus on supporting the essential work done by CPAs every day.”

Michael D. Colgan, PICPA’s retiring CEO and executive director, applauds the work of the CEO search committee and PICPA Board, and calls the choice of Cryder an outstanding selection. “Jen has performed exceptionally during her tenure at the PICPA, and as a CPA has a thorough understanding of the profession’s landscape, challenges, and opportunities,” Colgan says. “She has demonstrated great leadership skills and vision as COO, and will continue to drive the PICPA to be an outstanding resource for our members and a hub of thought leadership for the profession.”

Colgan announced his retirement earlier this year, and a member-led executive search committee was formed to find his successor. Cryder will begin serving as CEO and executive director on Sept. 1. After a short transition period, Colgan will retire on Dec. 31, 2021.

Cryder joined the PICPA in 2015 as vice president of operations and chief financial officer, and was promoted to executive vice president and chief operating officer in 2018. In her time at the PICPA, Cryder has overseen all operational and financial aspects of the business, growing net assets, diversifying revenue sources, and leading its digital transformation. Prior to joining the PICPA, she was senior manager in EisnerAmper LLP’s not-for-profit practice. Her client portfolio included social service and fine arts organizations, private educational institutions, associations and foundations, and biotechnology and life sciences companies.

Cryder earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Temple University and a master’s degree from Drexel University. She is a longtime member of the PICPA, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), and New Jersey Society of Certified Public Accountants. Cryder is also a member of the Temple University Executive Committee of the Accounting Circle, and was awarded the 2020 Accounting Achievement in Nonprofit/Government by the Temple University Department of Accounting.

Jen Cryder can be reached at jcryder@picpa.org. 

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