Oklahoma Society of CPAs honors Spears Business alumni
Wednesday, May 21, 2025
Media Contact: Stephen Howard | Director of Marketing & Communications | 405-744-4363 | stephen.howard@okstate.edu
The Oklahoma Society of Certified Public Accountants selected four Oklahoma State University accounting graduates as 2025 Pathfinders and Trailblazers Award winners.
Chris Copeland, Jenny Cripps and Yamila Pons were named Trailblazers. This award distinguishes individuals who have made a significant impact on Oklahoma’s accounting profession and are highly involved in their local communities.
Melinda Stinnett was honored as a Pathfinder. This award celebrates those who have proven their dedication to leadership and mentorship in guiding others toward success.
“These four outstanding alumni exemplify how School of Accounting graduates are prepared not just for excellence in accounting practice, but for true leadership in both the profession and their communities,” said Dr. Angela Spencer, SOA head. “We take immense pride in these remarkable graduates and are grateful for the powerful example they set for our current students.”
Stinnett, a 1989 OSU graduate, is the retired CEO and founder of Stinnett & Associates. She was inducted into the SOA Wilton T. Anderson Hall of Fame in 2011, the Spears School of Business Hall of Fame in 2021 and the OSU Hall of Fame this year. Stinnett was also featured in “Spears School Tributes: 100 For 100,” which honored 100 distinguished alumni on the business school’s 2014 centennial anniversary.
Copeland, vice president of physical solutions at AEGIS Hedging, obtained his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in accounting from OSU. Before AEGIS, he spent more than a decade at Continental Resources in roles that included senior marketing analyst.
Cripps, chief financial officer at Gemini Industries, also holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in accounting from OSU. In 2021, the New York State Society of CPAs named her a Forty Under Forty Emerging Leader. Cripps guides Spears Business students as a dedicated participant in the Spears Mentoring Program offered through the Eastin Center for Career Readiness.
Pons, senior audit manager at Eide Bailly, participated in the selective American Institute of CPAs Leadership Academy in 2023. She was recently elected as the OSCPA Board’s Director at Large for the 2025-26 fiscal year.
CPAs across the state nominate Trailblazers and Pathfinders.
“Each year, we’re honored to recognize Oklahomans who go above and beyond in their careers and communities,” said Blaine Peterson, OSCPA president and CEO. “This year’s Trailblazers and Pathfinders lead with purpose, serve with heart and strengthen Oklahoma businesses, communities and the CPA profession.”
OSU’s SOA teaches interpersonal skills alongside a high-quality accounting education backed by impactful research and outreach. The SOA received its most recent reaffirmation of Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International (AACSB) accreditation in 2024.
Visit the Spears Business website to learn more about OSU’s accounting programs.