AAFCPAs’ Career Development Leaders Achieve International Coaching Certification

Mary-Katharine Hardy, Director of Career Development & Engagement, and Kayla McEwen, Assistant Director of Career Development & Engagement, have earned the Associate Certified Coach (ACC) credential from the International Coaching Federation. This globally recognized credential signals a commitment to professional standards and strengthens AAFCPAs’ leadership in developing team members.

The ACC credential is a globally recognized mark of professional coaching excellence, demonstrating competence in coaching fundamentals and adherence to ethical standards. Earning the credential involves completing coach-specific education, logging more than 100 coaching hours, participating in mentor coaching, and passing a rigorous credentialing exam. By achieving this distinction, Mary-Kate and Kayla reinforce AAFCPAs’ commitment to cultivating talent, fostering growth, and ensuring team members have the guidance and support needed to reach their potential.

Recognized for her strategic leadership, decisive guidance, and big‑picture thinking, Mary-Kate assists team members as they explore career paths across accounting disciplines and build skills to remain engaged and productive. She leads the firm’s Professional Advancement & Development program and provides one-on-one career support for early-career professionals. “Earning the ACC credential deepens how I show up for our people every day,” Mary-Katharine said. “At AAFCPAs, we believe careers should be intentional, evolving, and aligned with what truly motivates each individual—not just a job description. This certification strengthens my ability to ask better questions, listen more deeply, and help team members see the full range of possibilities ahead of them. I’m incredibly grateful to work in a culture that invests so intentionally in professional growth and encourages us to continuously raise the bar in how we support one another.”

Mary-Katharine Hardy

Director of Career Development and Engagement

With a passion for helping people grow and thrive, Kayla focuses on executive coaching, leadership training, and personalized development strategies. She designs programs that encourage engagement, mentorship, and continuous growth while supporting individuals as they navigate career challenges. “Coaching at AAFCPAs is about helping individuals feel confident, capable, and empowered to take ownership of their growth, whether they’re navigating a challenge or preparing for what’s next,” Kayla said. “The ACC equips me with additional tools to provide thoughtful, impactful guidance—and to help our people continue growing in ways that feel authentic and sustainable.”

Kayla McEwen

Assistant Director, Career Development & Employee Engagement

“Mary-Kate and Kayla bring intention, discipline, and empathy to the work of helping our professionals grow,” said Carla McCall, CPA, CGMA, Managing Partner at AAFCPAs. “Their commitment to continuous learning is a core value of AAFCPAs and strengthens our ability to build future leaders, support meaningful career progression, and create an environment where our team members feel invested in and equipped for long term success. I’m proud of the leadership they bring to this work.”

“Their commitment to continuous learning is a core value of AAFCPAs and strengthens our ability to build future leaders, support meaningful career progression, and create an environment where our team members feel invested in and equipped for long term success. I’m proud of the leadership they bring to this work.” –Carla McCall, CPA, CGMA, Managing Partner at AAFCPAs.