Mylène Lapierre transforms CPA NB, redefining CPAs as strategic business leaders, advocating economic impact, fostering innovation, and empowering future financial professionals.

Mylène Lapierre, President & CEO of the Chartered Professional Accountants of New Brunswick (CPA NB), leads a dynamic organization representing over 3,000 highly skilled professional advisors. As the face of CPA NB, Lapierre transforms the perception of Chartered Professional Accountants (CPAs) from mere number-crunchers to strategic business leaders who drive economic success.

“Forget the stereotypes of pocket protectors and adding machines,” Lapierre states emphatically. “A CPA is a crucial part of your team: a business partner who can run audits and tax planning, certainly, but also offer future forecasting, process improvements, and business valuations.”

Through her leadership, she transformed CPA NB into a forward-looking organization that is no longer only a regulator, but also a business champion and an economic agent.

A Small but Mighty Team

With the relatively modest size of CPA NB, Lapierre has led with a passion that has set the organization up as a model for all other CPA bodies in the country.

“I only have seven staff members, but they are nimble and efficient,” she says. “We deliver great value for our members because I encourage an innovative mindset. I support my team in trying new things so we can evolve into a go-to resource for business and community leaders.”

Under her leadership, CPA NB went from being a compliance-based organization to an organization that actively engaged in defining economic policy for the country, interacting directly with government departments, and molding businesses’ policies on financial issues.

From Rules Enforcement to Staking a Leadership Position

Regulation is at the heart of the work that CPA NB does, but Lapierre has helped broaden the influence of the organization from just a regulatory body. She has ensured CPAs are being seen as necessary partners in economic development.

“In the past, we were focused on regulation alone. Now, we are becoming known in our province, regionally, and nationally,” she explains.

She strongly advocates for a place at the table in economic decision-making for CPAs. As she develops relationships with governmental bodies and private sector leaders, she positions CPA NB as the go-to thought leader on matters of strategic financial decision-making.

This shift in approach has required a culture change—one that demands strong leadership. In just two years at the helm, Lapierre has successfully led CPA NB from being rigid and reactive to being proactive and collaborative.

Navigating the Challenges of Leadership

Lapaire’s journey in leadership has not been easy, as when she was appointed as President & CEO, she was balancing full-time work with studying for two professional designations and raising two young children at the same time.

She quips, “Sleep!” when asked what she had to sacrifice for it to all work.

And even though the schedule was demanding, Lapierre said she always made sure her health and well-being were not compromised.

“Everyone has 24 hours in a day. The key is prioritizing time wisely,” she explains. “It takes a ton of planning, but I never let it come at the cost of my health. I listened to my body and stepped back when needed.”

However, time management was not the only hurdle she faced. Lapierre encountered biases, particularly around her age and gender.

“At the beginning, I experienced bias because of my age. There was reluctance to let me lead because I didn’t have decades of experience. But experience isn’t the only thing that matters—attitude does too.”

Determined to prove her worth, Lapierre immersed herself in research, sought advice from mentors, and continuously expanded her expertise. She believes in the power of logical decision-making and taking calculated risks.

“Sometimes, you feel that you are on your own when you are trying to change things for the better. But the relentless determination to keep moving forward will always pay off,” she said.

Empowering Women in Leadership

Lapierre has beaten the stereotypes and broken institutional mindsets that said women cannot be the best executives if they have children of their own. She attributes her success to her superb strategic decision-making, adaptability, and unwavering commitment to continuous learning.

Lapierre also understands that it’s not about being an authority figure but about inspiring and guiding teams to a single purpose.

Be nice,” she cautions. “This is essential, regardless of your position, but particularly if you are a leader. My employees are precious people, and I treat them as such. Leadership is not about being a dictator who makes all the decisions from above. Instead, listen to others, consider their advice, reflect, and then make your own decision.

She believes that in an inclusive, supportive environment, people can really do their best work. Fostering a culture of respect and empowerment, she has built a high-performing team that drives CPA NB forward.

Commitment to Lifelong Learning

Continuous learning is a core value that Lapierre upholds for herself and her team.

Like all CPAs, she has to do professional development hours annually to continue with her designation. However, she takes this a notch higher by always looking out for opportunities that help her enhance her knowledge base.

“I will never regret deepening my knowledge,” she says. “I encourage my staff to do the same. Whether it’s earning a formal designation, attending a free webinar, or networking with peers—every learning opportunity matters.

Her focus on lifelong learning is also part of the larger mission of CPA NB. She ensures that the organization provides training and professional development opportunities that help CPAs stay ahead of the curve.

Making an Impact Beyond Business

Lapierre is passionate about ensuring that CPAs contribute to society beyond their professional roles.

“We are trusted business advisors who are ready to advance the socio-economic well-being of our communities,” she says.

CPA NB actively supports financial literacy education and community activities. The organization offers free tax clinics and financial education. Therefore, everyone has access to financial know-how.

“CPA NB is here to move our businesses and communities forward,” Lapierre says confidently.

The Future of CPA NB Under Lapierre’s Leadership

Under Lapierre’s leadership, CPA NB is poised to move forward as a modern, impactful organization that goes beyond traditional regulatory roles.

She has a vision of a future where CPAs are perceived as indispensable business partners—strategic advisors who help organizations navigate complex financial landscapes and drive long-term success.

By fostering innovation, collaboration, and professional development, she is putting CPA NB on the path as a thought leader in the industry.

With her passion and drive, Lapierre continues to lead the future of CPA NB, redefining what it means to be a CPA in today’s business world.

Her story is one of resilience, adaptability, and visionary leadership—an inspiration to professionals across industries and a testament to the evolving role of CPAs in driving economic and social progress.