James M. Cox is the vice president of state advocacy and state society relations at the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). In this role, he assists state CPA societies and state boards of accountancy on state-level policy issues impacting the accounting profession. Prior to joining the AICPA, James served as the director of state and local affairs for BOMA International, a commercial real estate trade association. Cox also launched the state government affairs program for Goodwill Industries International, tracked state tobacco policy for the National Conference of State Legislatures, and started his career as a policy analyst for the Florida House of Representatives. James received his Bachelor?s degree in history and political science from Florida State University and holds a Master?s of Jurisprudence from Seton Hall Law School.

Calvin Harris, Jr., CPA, is the CEO of The New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants (NYCPA). He also serves as Executive Director of the Foundation for Accounting Education, Inc., and the Moynihan Scholarship Fund, Inc. He is Treasurer of the Society?s CPA PAC, Inc. A graduate of Morehouse College in Atlanta, Ga., Harris began his career as an auditor at Arthur Andersen LLP, later serving as the 24th Chairman of the Board and National President of the National Association of Black Accountants (NABA). Before coming to the NYSSCPA, Harris was Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the historic National Urban League (NUL), based in New York City. Harris has over 30 years of executive-level experience in working with complex organizations.

Amanda Hiller began serving as Acting Tax Commissioner on April 23, 2021. She continues in her role as General Counsel, a position she has held since December 2012. As Acting Commissioner, she directs the activities of more than 3,800 employees whose mission is to efficiently collect tax revenues in support of state services and programs while acting with integrity and fairness in the administration of tax laws. Toward that end, the department promulgates tax regulations; publishes forms, instructions, and guidance; engages in taxpayer outreach and education; processes tax returns; resolves filing errors and taxpayer protests; conducts audits; engages in civil and criminal enforcement activities; litigates tax disputes; and manages the state treasury. As General Counsel, Amanda is responsible for legal policy and matters of law for the department. She oversees the Office of Counsel, which provides legal services including litigation, internal and external tax law advice, and the preparation and review of legislation.

Andrew Jones joined MultiState as a Compliance Associate & Policy Analyst in June 2024. Andrew received a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Economics from Christendom College and a Master of Public Policy from George Mason University. Before joining the MultiState team full-time, he spent eight months with MultiState as an intern. Andrew enjoys cheering on his favorite teams, the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Carolina Panthers, reading a good book, or trying a new recipe from his home in Arlington, VA.

Ken is responsible for management of The Business Council's government affairs staff and the Council's overall legislative and regulatory advocacy efforts; he is also directly responsible for the Council's lobbying on economic development, climate, energy, and taxation issues. He received his Masters degree in Public Administration from the SUNY Albany Graduate School of Public Affairs (MPA '83) and his bachelor's degree from SUNY at Brockport.

Jovan C. Richards is an Entertainment, Political, and Hospitality Professional. He specializes in government relations, communications, political consulting, non-profit advocacy and volunteerism, and the art of mixology. Jovan currently serves as the Media & Government Relations Associate Director for the NYS Society of CPAs. He additionally serves as the President for the NYS Young Democrats; the Executive Director for the Westchester County Democratic Committee; the Vice President of Operation Prom National Network; and the Chair of the Association of Chartered Unit Presidents (ACUP) for the Young Democrats of America. Jovan is also a mixology and wine expert. Jovan has worked for numerous spirit brands such as Bulliet Bourbon, Tres Agaves Tequila, Goslings Rum, Shipwreck Rum, and White Girl Rose. He has also designed cocktails and menus for places like Yankee Stadium, the Prudential Center, Liberty Science Center, and Hilton Hotel brands. Jovan has studied Film/Video at Five Towns College and Political Science at Southern New Hampshire University.

Jennifer Winters serves as the Executive Secretary for the State Board for Certified Shorthand Reporting, State Board of Public Accountancy, and the Quality Peer Review Oversight Committee for the New York State Education Department?s Office of the Professions. Winters, a certified public accountant, holds a bachelor's and master's degree in accounting from the State University of New York at Albany. Previously, Winters served as a senior airman in the U.S. Air Force, an associate auditor at KPMG US, the senior internal auditor at the New York State Police, and an internal control officer for the New York State Military and Naval Affairs.