NABA President and CEO Named to Top 100 Most Influential People in Accounting List

"This honor is a testament to Gwen's professional accomplishments and passion for creating opportunities for people of color within our industry," said Darryl R. Matthews Sr., executive director and COO of NABA. "It also speaks to the impact that NABA has in cultivating and nurturing outstanding leaders who change the world."

This is the second year in a row that a NABA leader has made the list. Norman K. Jenkins, CPA, immediate past president and CEO of NABA, was listed among the top 100 in 2005. He was the only black person identified in 2005; Skillern is one of two blacks cited on the 2006 list.

"It is a privilege to have myself and NABA recognized for our ongoing commitment to create opportunities for people of color within the accounting and finance profession," said Skillern, who currently serves as senior vice president and general auditor for CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield (CareFirst) and is a NABA lifetime member who received the organization's Presidential Service Award in 2004. "Black professionals have made many strides since NABA's start in 1969, but there is still work to be done. NABA is committed to further developing opportunities for current and future generations of students, professionals and business leaders."

The Accounting Today staff compiles a broad list of candidates each year for its Top 100 list. Skillern was selected this year for her plans to enhance and expand NABA's core programs including its Financial Literacy initiatives; increase NABA membership by capitalizing on the growing number of African-American CPAs; and create greater opportunities for NABA and its members domestically and globally through stronger partnerships with the American Institute for Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the Association for the Advancement of Black Accountants in South Africa (ABASA).

A graduate of the University of California, Berkeley, Skillern went on to get a Master of Business Administration from Stanford University. Throughout her career, she has served in public accounting, internal audit and finance roles.

In addition to her role with NABA, Skillern serves on a number of boards, including the Board of Directors for Marian House and the Baltimore Metropolitan Chapter of the Coalition of 100 Black Women, where she received the Jewel Award for outstanding service in 2005.

A resident of Baltimore County, Skillern earlier this year was named among "Maryland's Top 100 Women" by The Daily Record.