Stephanie Otero, CPA, is the AICPA Vice President, Small Firm Advocate, bringing more than two decades of experience in public accounting, nonprofit leadership, and small firm operations.

Previously, she served as Director of Not-for-Profit at the AICPA, supporting CPAs in public practice and within nonprofit organizations by providing guidance, resources, and advocacy tailored to the unique needs of the nonprofit sector.

Before joining the AICPA, Stephanie was both CEO and CFO of Feeding America Riverside | San Bernardino, a leading hunger-relief organization in Southern California. She also spent 13 years as the owner of a small CPA firm in Palm Springs, California, giving her firsthand insight into the challenges and opportunities small firm practitioners face daily.

Stephanie is a certified coach and co-author of Navigating Entrepreneurship. A recognized thought leader, she has delivered a TEDx talk on “Strengthening Resilience Against Food Insecurity” and appeared across California media and podcasts. Her work has earned numerous honors, including a City of Riverside Proclamation, San Bernardino Hunger Hero, Latina of Influence, and the prestigious Athena Award.