Ms. Crystal Cooke

Crystal Cooke joined the AICPA in early 2020 and leads the organization’s member‑facing Diversity & Inclusion team. In this role, she champions efforts that empower accounting and finance workplaces to cultivate cultures where people of all backgrounds, perspectives, and lived experiences feel valued, supported, and able to contribute fully. Under her leadership, the team develops resources that help organizations strengthen inclusion, foster diversity of thought, and build environments where talent can grow and thrive. Crystal is deeply committed to advancing a profession that reflects the global communities it serves. She believes that organizations grounded in inclusivity are best positioned to solve complex challenges, strengthen public trust, and drive sustainable success. Her work spans support for underrepresented professionals—including women and individuals who identify as LGBTQ+, as well as initiatives focused on developing the profession’s emerging leaders. She serves as Vice‑Chair of the AICPA National Commission on Diversity & Inclusion, where she collaborates with senior leaders across firms, organizations, and partner groups to expand pathways into the profession and promote inclusive leadership practices. Through this work, she helps shape strategies that attract, retain, and advance high‑performing talent across the accounting and finance ecosystem. Crystal’s leadership has been widely recognized. She has been named one of Accounting Today’s Top 100 Most Influential People in Accounting for four consecutive years (2022–2025), honoring individuals who are driving meaningful change across the profession. In 2025, she was also recognized as one of CPA Practice Advisor’s 25 Most Powerful Women in Accounting, acknowledging her role in fostering excellence, innovation, and inclusion. Prior to joining the Association, Crystal spent 12 years at the Center for Audit Quality, where she oversaw Governing Board operations, financial reporting, budgeting, and talent initiatives—including key efforts in Diversity & Inclusion. She began her career at KPMG LLP, serving seven years as an auditor in the firm’s Washington, D.C. assurance practice. Crystal holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from the University of Cincinnati. She resides in Bowie, Maryland with her family.