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Across the nation, the accounting industry has struggled to retain legacy tax professionals and attract a new wave of skilled tax accountants. In the 2025 Thomson Reuters Institute State of Tax Professionals Report, data shows that 64 percent of accounting firms nationwide find it somewhat challenging to attract new talent, and 48 percent report difficulty in keeping qualified professionals.

That is why PYA Accountants and Advisors is investing in leadership at the national level. One of PYA’s leaders based in the Knoxville office, Tax Principal Tina Collins, has just been named the President-Elect for the National Association of Enrolled Agents (NAEA). She will assume the role of President-Elect in 2026-27 and serve as President from 2027-28.

Collins first joined the selective 10-member NAEA board in early 2024 to advocate for the interests of nearly 15,000 enrolled agents (EAs) across the United States.

What is the role of Enrolled Agents in the tax industry?

EAs hold a unique credential within the tax profession, granting them the level of authorization needed to represent taxpayers in front of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

The EA profession grew by seven percent this past year, which was the largest increase in four years. 

The NAEA said the growth is a reflection of the broader shift in the tax profession as traditional pathways evolve. 

However, EA credentials have remained appealing to tax professionals seeking specialized expertise in tax services only. IRS data indicates approximately 71,900+ EAs are actively credentialed, representing a distinct and growing segment of the tax professional landscape.

Collins will represent that growing group of professionals as President of the NAEA come 2027.

Learn more about PYA’s Tax Planning & Compliance Services.

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