In a move that reshapes the Texas State Board of Public Accountancy, Governor Greg Abbott has tapped Grant Coates and James "Jim" Trippon for positions that will have them overseeing the state's accountancy standards. Their terms, sharing an end date on January 31, 2025, are part of the state's efforts to guard public interest by insisting on a level of competence and capability in its certified public accountants. As reported by the Office of the Texas Governor, the duo brings a combined wealth of financial acumen and oversight experience to the board.
Through a career spanning over two decades at Miles Production Company and The Miles Foundation, Fort Worth's Grant Coates has built a record not just in financial and investment roles, but also in community service. Serving as CEO and president of The Miles Foundation, his new position on the board is backed by his perspective as an executive committee member for Read Forth Worth, and board member positions across a range of local businesses and philanthropic entities. Having earned his Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from the University of North Texas—followed by a Master of Business Administration from Texas Christian University—Coates brings to the board a deep understanding of both the fiscal and communal aspects of public accountancy.
On the other hand, James "Jim" Trippon of Houston arrives with a distinct resume, punctuated by his status as a certified public accountant (CPA) and president of both JM Trippon & Company and Trippon Wealth Management Group. An author of personal finance and a member of illustrious groups such as the Texas Society of CPAs, Mensa International, and the Union League Club of Chicago, Trippon holds a Bachelor of Science in Accountancy from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. The breadth of his financial insight promises to be a valuable addition to the board, ensuring that certified public accountants operating in Texas do so with the highest order of prudence and skill.
