Megan G. Hughes, APR, serves as Vice President of Operations for the Alabama Society of CPAs, where she leads the internal functions that keep the organization moving forward—from communications and member engagement to events, professional development and key strategic initiatives. Working closely with Society leadership and the Board of Directors, she ensures the mission of serving, supporting and advocating for accounting professionals is reflected in every aspect of the organization’s work. With a strong foundation in public relations and a passion for storytelling, Hughes is dedicated to highlighting the impact CPAs make in businesses and communities across Alabama.
“Effective communication has the power to shape perception, build trust and inspire action. Working in public relations gave me that foundation and, over time, I found myself increasingly passionate about achieving one goal: finding an organization where I could truly serve as ‘trusted counsel.’”
Helping Hand
Giving back has always been important to me. I heard someone refer to it as “paying civic rent”, and that made so much sense to me. It’s like someone put into words how I’ve always felt. Over the years, I’ve served on nonprofit boards and volunteered my time with organizations like Distinguished Young Women of Alabama and the YMCA of Greater Montgomery, and taken on leadership roles through industry, school and parent associations. I’m especially passionate about mentoring—whether it’s through professional development programs or within our own association—helping young professionals navigate their early careers, build confidence and uncover their leadership potential has been the most rewarding. I truly believe that when you share what you’ve learned, you multiply its impact.
Point of Pride
One professional accomplishment I’m especially proud of is earning my Accreditation in Public Relations in 2015. This positioned me to be awarded the Phillip R. Forest, Jr. Professional Achievement Award in 2023. The field of Public Relations has given me so much, and to be both nominated and selected by my peers for an honor like this is something I will never forget.
Influential Figures
The list is long. I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have mentors—especially strong women—who believed in me and encouraged me to take on challenges I might not have pursued on my own. I also credit a few great leaders who modeled what it looks like to lead with both professionalism and empathy. And, of course, my family and close friends have provided constant support and perspective through every stage of my career. It also goes without saying that I could never do what I do or have made it to where I am without my family. Especially my husband.
What’s the No. 1 piece of advice you’d give a younger woman just starting out in her career?
Top Tip: “Don’t wait until you feel ready—say yes to opportunities that stretch you. Confidence often comes after you take the leap, not before. Also, remember that your voice and perspective have value, even early in your career.
Future-Focused
My goal is to continue helping shape a stronger, more connected community of accounting professionals. I’m passionate about finding new ways to make our association more accessible, relevant and impactful for future generations. Personally, I also hope to keep mentoring and developing others who want to grow in leadership and communications roles within the nonprofit and association world.
Fulfilled
One of the most rewarding parts of my work is seeing brown boxes arrive at our office. I know that within those brown cartons are the overs of our quarterly magazine. They will have already hit the mailboxes of our members, and hopefully, in cities across the state, people are reading, learning and enjoying all that our team has poured into that issue.
Out of Office
Right now, my life outside of work is all about family. I love spending time with my family and friends, traveling and exploring new places close to home. The weekends are never long enough, but I love the routine of the week and watching our little boys grow and thrive at school. Those moments away from the office help recharge my energy and creativity so I can bring my best self to the work I love.
Love List:
- Shop Stops: Melissa Warnke Candles & Home, Embellish, Elisabet Boutique, Sunrise & Sheridan and Target (duh!)
- Dinner Date: La Jolla, Little Donkey, Chappy’s or El Rey
- Drink of Choice: Bramble at the Tipping Point or a Hot Chai Tea from Hilltop
- On the Playlist: “Left it in the River” by Jamie MacDonald
- Quoteable: “If you have more than three priorities, you have no priorities.” ― Brené Brown, Dare to Lead: Brave Work. Tough Conversations. Whole Hearts.
