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Passing the torch: A celebration of generations in TXCPA Houston
19th May 2025
On June 12, colleagues from our Houston office will gather at the Junior League of Houston for TXCPA Houston’s Every Member Counts 2025 Membership Celebration. This annual event is a highlight of the society’s calendar, offering an evening of recognition, connection, and networking opportunities. Attendees will enjoy a vibrant atmosphere filled with great food, lively music, and meaningful connections with fellow members and industry professionals. Members of HKA’s Forensic Accounting and Commercial Damages (FACD) team, including Scott Van Meter, Sean Sarsfield, Christina Reynolds, Matt Davis, Isabela Gonzalez, and Hassan Majid, will celebrate alongside colleagues and friends at this fun-filled event.
Honoring experience: The legacy of leadership
This year, Partner Scott Van Meter is being honored as a Spotlight Member in recognition of his dedication to TXCPA Houston and his leadership in litigation support, bankruptcy and restructuring, and financial consulting. This distinction offers Scott the chance to share his experiences with newer members while enjoying a special evening with the group. His long-standing commitment to the organization and his influence in the industry make him a standout choice for this recognition.
“This was a completely unexpected recognition that really surprised me. It is nice to be recognized, but it also makes me feel a bit old, especially considering the involvement of Matt Davis and Isabela Gonzalez, who are at the early stages of their careers.”
Scott Van Meter, Partner
Scott has participated in the Houston chapter for more than 30 years, joining the organization to connect with accounting professionals during his transition from law to consulting. Early on, he met several seasoned forensic accountants who generously shared their time and expertise with him. Their guidance provided him with valuable advice and expanded his technical knowledge, helping him successfully navigate this important career shift.
As a dedicated member of TXCPA Houston, Scott has held multiple leadership roles over the years, including serving as both the Vice-Chair and Chair of the chapter’s Forensic and Valuation Services Committee. Reflecting on how his contributions have impacted the organization and its members, he says, “I’d like to think I helped shape the direction of the [Forensic and Valuation Services] Committee back in the early 2000s, including the involvement of younger members in key roles on the Committee.”
“One of the most rewarding aspects of my involvement with the Houston chapter has probably been the friendships I have made over the years, including other professionals and the TXCPA Houston staff.”
Scott Van Meter, Partner
Scott’s mentorship isn’t just a moment in time – it’s a lasting investment in the future of forensic accounting. The knowledge and opportunities he has shared continue to shape the careers of younger members, ensuring his impact extends beyond his own professional journey.
Words of wisdom: Bridging the gap between generations
What words of wisdom would Scott give to new members who are considering or have just joined TXCPA Houston? “PARTICIPATE! Volunteer for committees and go to as many events as you can. Absorb knowledge from the educational programs, but also talk to the more senior members about their experiences,” he advises.
Scott’s words ring true for the next generation of professionals who are following in his footsteps, including Manager Matt Davis and Associate Consultant Isabela Gonzalez. They appear more than ready to carry the torch that Scott lit so many years ago. Matt joined TXCPA Houston in 2015 as a graduate student at the University of Houston. He candidly admits that the happy hours held by the chapter’s Young Professionals Committee were the initial draw for him, but it was the influence of one of his early career mentors, Rubik Yeriazarian, that encouraged him to attend more substantive events with the chapter. From there, he gained a real interest in the organization and grew more and more involved.
“Overall, TXCPA’s Houston chapter has been a wonderful resource for not just me, but countless others in the accounting community as well. By empowering its members to learn, grow, and forge bonds with one another, TXCPA Houston has played a key role in making Houston’s accounting industry what it is today.”
Matt Davis, Manager
Isabela discovered TXCPA Houston by doing some online research into professional organizations relevant to forensic accounting. Similar to Scott, she was making a career transition – in her case, moving from the nonprofit world into forensic accounting – and wanted to expand her professional network. Her desire was to gain insight into the day-to-day work of forensic accountants, learn about their experiences, and see if this career path seemed like a good fit.
As luck would have it, the forensic accountant Isabela ended up interviewing was none other than Matt Davis, so it’s probably safe to say that joining the Houston chapter – and, subsequently, HKA’s FACD practice – was a solid decision! Not surprisingly, she finds connecting, both formally and informally, with others in the accounting community to be the most rewarding aspect of being a member.
“I have learned that success is not just about landing the dream job – it’s about the journey and the people you meet along the way.”
Isabela Gonzalez, Associate Consultant
Matt found it challenging to find opportunities in forensic accounting, as very few litigation consulting/financial accounting practices in Houston recruited from his university when he was a student. It took a lot of undue time and effort (not to mention stress) on his part to get his foot in the door. As a member of TXCPA Houston, he now does whatever he can to help the next generation of forensic accountants more readily find their way into this line of work. As mentioned, one of Matt’s success stories is Isabela Gonzalez!
A new generation rising: The future of leadership
Matt and Isabela have both been presented with several opportunities as a result of their membership. Matt has been asked to speak at various conferences hosted by TXCPA Houston (including last November’s Fall Accounting Conference and Technology Symposium), present numerous CPE webinars, participate in discussions as a panelist or moderator, and host Excel training workshops for college students.
Isabela’s more memorable moments include meeting Matt, who helped guide her in her forensic accounting career, and Sean Sarsfield, who gave her the opportunity to step into her dream role in forensic accounting. She has helped develop promotional videos for the Houston chapter, lined up her first speaking engagement, and even served as a mentor for students aspiring to work in forensic accounting.
Matt was involved in the Young Professionals Group for several years and is currently wrapping up his second term as Chair of the Forensic and Valuation Services Committee, seemingly following in Scott’s footsteps. Isabela is very active in the overall organization and serves on several committees, including the Young Professionals Group, the Forensic and Valuation Services Committee, and the Business and Internal Audit Committee, which is launching its first event soon.
“What started with me asking what it takes to become a forensic accountant has come full circle. Now, students are asking me the same questions. It is surreal and incredibly rewarding to know that I am inspiring the next generation, just like others once inspired me.” – Isabela Gonzalez
Overall, Matt’s involvement with TXCPA Houston has positively shaped his career. He has met a litany of friends and colleagues who have helped him come into his own as a professional and encouraged him to grow as a leader and mentor. Isabela notes that joining the organization has pushed her out of her comfort zone in the best way possible. She has grown more confident in talking to strangers, taking risks, and stepping into leadership roles, skills that have helped her both professionally and personally.
Building connections: How TXCPA Houston supports growth
As for the culture and the people they’ve met through the Houston chapter, both Matt and Isabela agree that everyone has been incredibly welcoming and inclusive. Matt says that the members are “fun, friendly, welcoming, and endearingly nerdy – as all accountants should be!” Isabela admits she was initially intimidated, thinking she’d be the odd one out as a student and career changer, but that wasn’t the case at all. “Whether you’re a student, a seasoned CPA, or someone in transition, there’s a place for you,” she says. “Everyone wants to help, share, and grow together.”
So, what would these younger members say to others who are considering joining TXCPA Houston? “Do it. Get involved early and often. There are so many committees and opportunities, and you’ll be surprised how quickly you can become part of something meaningful,” says Isabela. “You don’t have to be a CPA to join or contribute – there’s room for students, young professionals, and even retirees. The support system is amazing.” Matt adds: “I’d recommend not overthinking things – if you attend an event with the mindset of ‘Hey, I’m going to make some friends today,’ you’re going to thrive no matter what.”
Looking ahead: Carrying the torch forward
As anticipated, Isabela and Matt plan to continue their involvement in the Houston chapter. Matt sees himself continuing to be a steady presence in both the Young Professionals Committee and the Forensic and Valuation Services Committee, while Isabela aspires to become a CPA and give back through speaking engagements and sponsorships. She would love to guide others and lift them up in the same ways she has been supported by others in the organization. Isabela also hopes to spark more engagement and involvement from people at all levels, specifically by creating events that appeal to both newcomers and seasoned professionals. Her goal is to make learning and networking feel less like a chore and more like something members would enthusiastically RSVP “yes” to.
As Scott reflects on his recognition as a Spotlight Member, it’s clear that his contributions go far beyond his own career. The same generosity and guidance he received from seasoned forensic accountants years ago, he now passes on to the next generation. With rising leaders like Matt Davis and Isabela Gonzalez stepping into key roles, the cycle of mentorship continues, ensuring TXCPA Houston remains a thriving community for professionals at every stage of their careers. The torch has been passed – but the light Scott helped ignite will continue to shine for years to come.
For more on TXCPA Houston: Welcome to TXCPA Houston | TXCPA
For more on the 2025 Member Celebration and to register: 2025 Member Celebration | Event Details
