Photography by Richard Morgenstein

Cover Story

While her first job was working at a rhododendron farm , you might say that the seeds of Meredith Johnson ’ s CPA career were planted early in life , thanks to the financial lessons and examples of her mom .

“ My mom taught me how to stretch a dollar and get creative when faced with tough situations ,” Johnson says .

From those early days , Johnson ’ s career has definitely blossomed . She has worked as a financial advisor at Merrill Lynch ; senior wealth advisor and practice director at LPL Financial ; and for the past 12 years , partner at BPM LLP . She has also spent a number of years giving back to the community through her work with nonprofits and giving back to the profession and CalCPA .

Prior to becoming 2023-24 CalCPA chair , Johnson has served in various leadership roles , including on the CalCPA Board , CalCPA Council , Women ’ s Leadership Conference Planning Committee , Members Insurance Benefits Committee , Public Service Award Committee , and president , vice president , treasurer and director on the CalCPA San Francisco Chapter .

Q : What or who inspired you to become a CPA , and when did you first know that it was the right career for you ? A : I was inspired to become a CPA because I met cool CPAs who were engaged in community service . When I was running a nonprofit , CPAs were some of my most

12 CALIFORNIA CPA AUGUST 2023 www . calcpa . org