Melisa Galasso, CPA – 2019 40 Under 40 Honoree

Career Highlights:

Melisa F. Galasso is the founder and CEO of Galasso Learning Solutions, where she designs and facilitates courses in advanced technical accounting and auditing topics, essential professional development skills, and train the trainer programs. Her passion is providing high-quality CPE that is meaningful, creates efficiencies and improves quality, and positively impacts ROI.  Melisa earned the Association for Talent Development Master Trainer™ designation and is in the process of completing the rigorous requirements to become a Certified Professional in Learning & Performance (CPLP).  This passion for instructional design is one of the differentiators that sets her apart from other CPE providers. She also serves on the AICPA’s Technical Issues Committee, has had leadership roles on various A&A committees, and serves on the VSCPA’s Board of Directors.  Melisa was honored as “40 under 40”, was named the 2019 Rising Star by her regional NAWBO chapter, received the Don Farmer award for achievement in technical content instruction, and has earned several other awards for public speaking and technical training.  Prior to establishing Galasso Learning Solutions, Melisa worked in public accounting, industry, internal audit, and academia.  She earned her BSBA from Georgetown University.

What are you doing to make a difference in the profession, your community, the world – maximum 100 words

Melisa supports many charitable organizations including the Arts & Science Council, Charlotte Symphony Orchestra, Dress for Success, Girls on the Run, and Charlotte Humane Society.  She is an active volunteer for Saint Nektarios Greek Orthodox Church, Providence Day School, and Georgetown University. Melisa is active in the CPA profession by serving on committees at the local, state and national levels.  As her term wraps up as a member of the AICPA’s Technical Issues Committee, she looks forward to her next committee assignment.  Melisa also continues to coordinate several women’s initiatives including planning the Professional Women’s Conference for the NCACPA and VSCPA.

Favorite books/websites/speakers that you find influential

• Favorite Books – “Presence,” by Amy Cuddy, Extraordinary Circumstances by Cynthia Cooper, Traction by Gino Wickman
• Websites – Working Mother Magazine, Journal of Accountancy, A Mighty Girl
• Speakers – The CPA profession is lucky to have some amazing speakers like Donny Shimamoto, Jennifer Elder, Joe Rugger, Amy Vetter and Jim Lindell. In addition, some of our leaders are amazing speakers like Kimberly Ellison-Taylor and Tom Hood.

What do you see yourself doing professionally in 10 years?

Given the rapid rate of change impacting the accounting profession, it is difficult to predict what GLS will look like in 10 years. While continuing professional education will continue to adapt to meet the needs of the profession, I expect to see GLS continuing to provide high-quality education that provides great return on investment to my clients.

What accounting conferences do you normally attend?

This year I attended the AICPA’s ENGAGE conference and in particular the National Advanced Accounting & Auditing Technical Symposium. I also spoke at the AICPA’s Not For Profit. I have spoken the last few years at the Government Accounting & Auditing Conferences but this year it conflicted with my family vacation in Europe. In addition to speaking at several state society conferences throughout the country, I still co-chair of the NCACPA’s Professional Women Conference as well as serve on the planning committee for the VSCPA’s Women’s Leadership Forum. I’ve also had the pleasure of speaking at regional conferences for several of the largest global accounting alliances.

What websites/magazines do you use to keep up on news of the accounting profession?

• Journal of Accountancy
• Checkpoint Newsletters
• FASB & GASB media notices
• Accounting Today
• CPA Practice Advisor

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See all of the “40 Under 40” honorees for 2019.