Byron K Patrick, CPA.CITP, CGMA, CCA, MCSE started his career in 1999 as a public practicing CPA. He eventually embraced his passion for technology and merged it with his experiences in public accounting and transitioned to the IT Director of a mid-sized CPA firm in 2004. Later, in July of 2008, Byron established Simplified Innovations Inc to focus on servicing the needs of CPA Firms, which he sold in 2016. He joined Network Alliance to lead their business development in the CPA industry. Byron is known nationally as an industry thought leader and is a multi-year recipient of the CPA Practice Advisor's 40 under 40 award. Additionally, Byron is a frequent speaker at many State and National conferences regarding various topics relating to technology in the accounting industry. He has contributed to many industry publications over the years. Byron has been an active member of the Maryland Association of CPA's since the beginning of his career. He is one of the founding members and past Chair of the MACPA's New/Young Professionals Network (NYPN). Byron is a previous Chairman of the Board of Directors for the MACPA. In addition, Byron is a member of the technology committee and has participated in a number other taskforces and initiatives over the years. Byron credits much of his professional success to the support and mentorship of the MACPA. Byron has also been actively involved on a national level with the American Institute of CPA's. He earned the Certified Information Technology Professional credential in 2006 and is currently a member of AICPA Council and was previously a member of the Information Management and Technology Assurance Executive Committee. He has also been a member of the Future of Peer Review task force and is a CPA Ambassador.