Nurturing Excellence, Shaping Leaders: Elevate Your Impact with the Schuldiner/Smollan Leadership Academy.

Attend NAEA’s exclusive leadership development program May 15-16, 2025 and gain insights from NAEA leadership on their involvement and learn how to enhance engagement in the industry.

The Schuldiner/Smollan Leadership Academy (SSLA) is named for the two primary forces behind the creation of the National Association of Enrolled Agents; Syd Schuldiner, EA, served as NAEA’s first president in 1972 and David Smollan, EA, served as the second president in 1973. This program seeks to train volunteers for success as leaders of NAEA at the local, state, and national levels.

Explore how you can get involved by attending this year’s Schuldiner/Smollan Leadership Academy.

WHO CAN PARTICIPATE IN THE SSLA PROGRAM?

This program is open to any NAEA member who wants to gain more leadership skills, learn more about member engagement and leadership at the affiliate and national level. This member only program is presented by an esteemed group of NAEA leaders.

Register

Pricing

2025 SSLA Advanced Ticket*

Join NAEA’s leadership in an exclusive session exploring the strategic imperatives that drove their commitment, pathways for seasoned professionals to contribute meaningfully, and innovative approaches to fortify member engagement. This deep dive offers a rare perspective on catalyzing member-driven momentum and shaping the future of our mission with purpose and impact.

  • Refine Advanced Leadership Skills: Participants will cultivate advanced leadership competencies to navigate complex challenges and drive strategic engagement across local, state, and national NAEA levels.
  • Master Member Engagement Strategies: Attendees will explore sophisticated member engagement techniques, enabling them to create innovative initiatives that enhance collaboration and participation within the NAEA community.
  • Analyze NAEA Leadership Dynamics: Participants will critically examine the historical and structural aspects of NAEA governance, including the influence of founding leaders, to strategically inform their contributions as future leaders.

*To purchase the Advanced Ticket, you must have previously attended SSLA.

$245

This is a member-only event.

Register

2025 SSLA Standard Ticket

Gain insights from NAEA leadership on their involvement and learn how to enhance engagement in the industry. Learn leadership skills, member engagement and direction at the affiliate and national level.

$195

This is a member-only event.

Register

Refund Policy

Tickets are non-refundable but are transferable to another member. Attendees can transfer tickets directly from their registration page. Transfers are accepted until May 10th. After that date, no transfers will be accepted. Exceptions are made on a case-by-case basis. If you require assistance, please contact education@naea.org. Limited space is available; a waitlist will be activated for those interested in attending should registration reach capacity.

Agenda

The schedule is still being finalized and is subject to change. Please stay tuned for updates.

Thursday, May 15

Time Session Type Agenda
8:00 – 8:50 AM Joint Welcome (All) / Leadership
Breakout 1: Partner introduction
8:50 – 9:50 AM Standard Breakout 2: Leadership styles
YOU are NAEA – Opportunities to Serve
8:50 – 9:50 AM Advanced Broader Scope of Leadership
Breakout 2: Formal v. Informal Leadership
9:50 – 10:10 AM Joint Break
10:10 – 11:20 AM Joint NAEA and DEIB (includes Circle of Trust Exercise)
Breakout 3: Commonalities
Breakout 4: I am/I am not
11:20 – 11:50 AM Standard Breakout 5: Communication Styles
11:20 – 11:50 AM Advanced Video/Discussion: Implementing DEIB objectives throughout NAEA
11:50 AM – 1:15 PM Joint Lunch
1:15 – 2:30 PM Standard Writing reports/motions/background
Breakout 6: Committee Report w/ motion
2:30 – 3:00 PM Standard Strategic Thinking
1:15 – 3:00 PM Advanced Mentoring (all): Coaching techniques and gaps in learning.
3:00 – 3:20 PM Joint Break
3:20 – 4:20 PM Standard Financial Literacy for Board Members
Group Discussion: Preparation for meetings/follow-up to meetings
3:20 – 4:30 PM Advanced Advanced Governance: Structures and Reaching Consensus
Group Discussion: How do Chapters and DEIB affect the formality of NAEA?
4:30 – 5:00 PM Advanced Create action plans for improvements at NAEA
4:20 – 5:00 PM Standard Mock committee meetings and break into groups for an overview
6:00 PM Joint Group outing!

Friday, May 16

Time Session Type Agenda
8:00 – 9:40 AM Joint Committee Meeting Role play; debrief
EA Awareness and How to Lead as a Subject Matter Expert
9:40 – 10:00 AM Joint Break
10:00 – 11:30 AM Standard Leadership and Member Engagement challenges
Breakout 7: Member Challenge
Video on Vulnerability
Breakout 8: Communication equation
10:00 – 11:30 AM Advanced Presentation of Action Plans
Discussion: How to best inform, engage, recruit, and retain members
11:30 – 12:00 PM Joint Wrap-up: The Future of our Association / Evaluations / Certificate ceremony

Speakers

Raven Deerwater EA, PhD, is the chair of the Leadership Development Committee for NAEA. He is the lead author on “Leadership Development at NAEA: A White Paper,” and has been a faculty member of the Schuldiner/Smollan Leadership Academy since 2015.

Raven is also the Vice-President of the Melos Institute, which studies leadership in professional organizations nationwide. He sold his tax practice in Mendocino, CA, in 2024 and currently works for the University of Michigan as a remote coach of mathematics teachers.

Terry Durkin, EA, MBA is the principal of Durkin Associates Tax Services based in Marlborough, Massachusetts. She specializes in individual, small business, and trust tax return preparation and representation. Terry is a past president of NAEA and served on the NAEA Board of Directors from 2011-2017. She received the NAEA Founders Award in 2012. Terry is also an NTPI Fellow. She has been involved with the Schuldiner Smollan Leadership Academy since the pilot program launched in Massachusetts in 2011.

Terry is past president of the Massachusetts Society of Enrolled Agents (MaSEA) and received the MaSEA 2010 EA of the Year Award. She received her BS degree in applied mathematics with computer science from Yale University and her MBA degree with a concentration in finance from New York University. In her spare time, Terry enjoys golfing.

Tynisa (Ty) Gaines, EA holds a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial-Organizational Psychology from the University of Illinois and a Master’s degree in Public Personnel Management from Troy University.

A dedicated member of the tax community, Ty has been part of the National Association of Enrolled Agents (NAEA) since 2007, an NTPI Fellow since 2010, and a graduate of the Schuldiner Smollen Leadership Academy (SSLA), where she now serves as an instructor. She has an impressive professional track record, including being named EA of the Year by the Virginia Society of Enrolled Agents (VASEA) in 2015 and serving as a past VASEA President. She also held a director position with NAEA and has contributed to multiple committees.

In recognition of her commitment to mentorship, Ty received NAEA’s Mentor of the Year award in 2022. She is an accomplished author of several tax articles and two e-books and currently serves as the Editor-in-Chief of NAEA’s EA Journal. In addition to her editorial work, she is an adjunct instructor at Molloy University, where she teaches EA exam prep online.

Specializing in military taxpayers and cryptocurrency, Ty is a Tax Project Manager for Token Tax LLC and operates her remote tax practice from Fort Worth, Texas.

Lonnie Gary, EA (ret.), USTCP is from Mountain View, California and passed the Special Enrollment Exam in 1992. Lonnie began preparing tax returns professionally in 1988 and is recently retired. While an active Enrolled Agent, Lonnie specialized in federal and state tax agency representation. He is also admitted to practice before the United States Tax Court as a non-attorney.

Lonnie served on the Internal Revenue Service Advisory Council (IRSAC) from 2008 to 2010 where he was Chair of the Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) Sub-group in 2009. Lonnie has presented tax seminars to various business groups, IRS Forums and EA chapters and affiliates. He has also appeared on the Tax Talk Today program discussing professional ethics and tax law changes.

Lonnie is a Past President (2014-2015) of NAEA and has served as Chair of several committees and task forces including the Government Relations Committee. He is also a past president (2003-2004) of the California Society of Enrolled Agents (CSEA) and past president (1999-2000) of the East Bay Association of Enrolled Agents (EBAEA).

Angela Radic, EA is a second-generation enrolled agent, and the owner of Artemis Tax Service, located in the Columbus, Ohio area. Angela holds a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Behavior Management, and has served in a number of leadership roles at the National Association of Enrolled Agents (NAEA) including Secretary of the Board of Directors, instructor for the Schuldiner-Smollan Leadership Academy, and chair of the Leadership Development, Nominating, and Social Media Administration Committees. Angela has been recognized for her contributions to NAEA by receiving the 2022 Outstanding Volunteer Award, the 2021 President’s Award and the 2020 Enrolled Agent Mentor Award.

Hotels & Things To Do

Hotels

Attending Fly-In and SSLA? Extend your stay at the Hyatt House Washington DC / The Wharf with the NAEA discount today! The discounted hotel block will close on April 18, 2025. Registered attendees will also receive an email with additional hotel options where they can use NAEA’s discount code.

If you prefer to book somewhere else, explore hotel options near The Wharf or all hotels in the city for your stay during the SSLA event.

  • Hyatt-House-Washington-DC-The-Wharf-P018-Exterior-Day.16x9
  • Hyatt-House-Washington-DC-The-Wharf-P046-Rooftop-Sunset-View.16x9
  • Hyatt-House-Washington-DC-The-Wharf-P044-Rooftop-Pool-Evening.16x9
  • Hyatt-House-Washington-DC-The-Wharf-P052-Two-Queen-Bed-Guestroom.16x9

Things to Do in Washington, DC

Enjoy Washington, D.C., with top attractions like famous monuments, museums, and lively neighborhoods. Find things to do at The Wharf with waterfront dining and local events. For a full guide to D.C.’s sights, visit the official tourism guide.

  • Things to do in Washington DC (1)
  • Things to do in Washington DC

Health & Safety

Creating a safe, worry-free experience is our top priority.  

NAEA is preparing the 2025 SSLA event experience so that all individuals onsite—attendees, speakers, staff, and venue personnel—remain safe and comfortable throughout the event.

Duty of Care

We’re facilitating measures that will ensure optimal health and sanitary conditions in all environments where in-person interaction takes place. Read NAEA’s Duty of Care Plan. 

Pricing

2025 SSLA Advanced Ticket

Join NAEA’s leadership in an exclusive session exploring the strategic imperatives that drove their commitment, pathways for seasoned professionals to contribute meaningfully, and innovative approaches to fortify member engagement. This deep dive offers a rare perspective on catalyzing member-driven momentum and shaping the future of our mission with purpose and impact.

  • Refine Advanced Leadership Skills: Participants will cultivate advanced leadership competencies to navigate complex challenges and drive strategic engagement across local, state, and national NAEA levels.
  • Master Member Engagement Strategies: Attendees will explore sophisticated member engagement techniques, enabling them to create innovative initiatives that enhance collaboration and participation within the NAEA community.
  • Analyze NAEA Leadership Dynamics: Participants will critically examine the historical and structural aspects of NAEA governance, including the influence of founding leaders, to strategically inform their contributions as future leaders.

$245

This is a member-only event.

Register

2025 SSLA Standard Ticket

Gain insights from NAEA leadership on their involvement and learn how to enhance engagement in the industry. Learn leadership skills, member engagement and direction at the affiliate and national level.

$195

This is a member-only event.

Register

Refund Policy

Tickets are non-refundable but are transferable to another member. Attendees can transfer tickets directly from their registration page. Transfers are accepted until May 10th. After that date, no transfers will be accepted. Exceptions are made on a case-by-case basis. If you require assistance, please contact education@naea.org. Limited space is available; a waitlist will be activated for those interested in attending should registration reach capacity.

Agenda

Thursday, May 15

8:00 – 8:50 AM (Joint)

  • Welcome (All)
  • Leadership
  • Breakout 1: Partner introduction

8:50 – 9:50 AM (Standard)

  • Breakout 2: Leadership styles
  • YOU are NAEA – Opportunities to Serve

8:50 – 9:50 AM (Advanced)

  • Broader Scope of Leadership
  • Breakout 2: Formal v. Informal Leadership

9:50 – 10:10 AM (Joint)

  • Break

10:10 – 11:20 AM (Joint)

  • NAEA and DEIB (includes Circle of Trust Exercise)
  • Breakout 3: Commonalities
  • Breakout 4: I am/I am not

11:20 – 11:50 AM (Standard)

  • Breakout 5: Communication Styles

11:20 – 11:50 AM (Advanced)

  • Video/Discussion: Implementing DEIB objectives throughout NAEA

11:50 AM – 1:15 PM (Joint)

  • Lunch

1:15 – 2:30 PM (Standard)

  • Writing reports/motions/background
  • Breakout 6: Committee Report w/ motion

2:30 – 3:00 PM (Standard)

  • Strategic Thinking

1:15 – 3:00 PM (Advanced)

  • Mentoring (all): Coaching techniques and gaps in learning

3:00 – 3:20 PM (Joint)

  • Break

3:20 – 4:20 PM (Standard)

  • Financial Literacy for Board Members
  • Group Discussion: Preparation for meetings/follow-up to meetings

3:20 – 4:30 PM (Advanced)

  • Advanced Governance: Structures and Reaching Consensus
  • Group Discussion: How do Chapters and DEIB affect the formality of NAEA?

4:30 – 5:00 PM (Advanced)

  • Create action plans for improvements at NAEA

4:20 – 5:00 PM (Standard)

  • Mock committee meetings and break into groups for an overview

6:00 PM (Joint)

  • Group outing!

 

 

Friday, May 16

8:00 – 9:40 AM (Joint)

  • Committee Meeting Role play; debrief
  • EA Awareness and How to Lead as a Subject Matter Expert

9:40 – 10:00 AM (Joint)

  • Break

10:00 – 11:30 AM (Standard)

  • Leadership and Member Engagement challenges
  • Breakout 7: Member Challenge
  • Video on Vulnerability
  • Breakout 8: Communication equation

10:00 – 11:30 AM (Advanced)

  • Presentation of Action Plans
  • Discussion: How to best inform, engage, recruit, and retain members

11:30 – 12:00 PM (Joint)

  • Wrap-up: The Future of our Association
  • Evaluations
  • Certificate ceremony

Speakers

Raven Deerwater EA, PhD is the chair of the Leadership Development Committee for NAEA. He is the lead author on “Leadership Development at NAEA: A White Paper,” and has been a faculty member of the Schuldiner/Smollan Leadership Academy since 2015.

Terry Durkin, EA, MBA is the principal of Durkin Associates Tax Services based in Marlborough, Massachusetts. She specializes in individual, small business, and trust tax return preparation and representation. Terry is a past president of NAEA and served on the NAEA Board of Directors from 2011-2017. She received the NAEA Founders Award in 2012. Terry is also an NTPI Fellow. She has been involved with the Schuldiner Smollan Leadership Academy since the pilot program launched in Massachusetts in 2011.

Tynisa (Ty) Gaines, EA holds a Bachelor's degree in Industrial-Organizational Psychology from the University of Illinois and a Master's degree in Public Personnel Management from Troy University. A dedicated member of the tax community, Ty has been part of the National Association of Enrolled Agents (NAEA) since 2007, an NTPI Fellow since 2010, and a graduate of the Schuldiner Smollen Leadership Academy (SSLA), where she now serves as an instructor.

Lonnie Gary, EA (ret.), USTCP is from Mountain View, California and passed the Special Enrollment Exam in 1992. Lonnie began preparing tax returns professionally in 1988 and is recently retired. While an active Enrolled Agent, Lonnie specialized in federal and state tax agency representation. He is also admitted to practice before the United States Tax Court as a non-attorney.

Angela Radic, EA is a second-generation enrolled agent, and the owner of Artemis Tax Service, located in the Columbus, Ohio area. Angela holds a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Behavior Management, and has served in a number of leadership roles at the National Association of Enrolled Agents (NAEA) including Secretary of the Board of Directors, instructor for the Schuldiner-Smollan Leadership Academy, and chair of the Leadership Development, Nominating, and Social Media Administration Committees. Angela has been recognized for her contributions to NAEA by receiving the 2022 Outstanding Volunteer Award, the 2021 President’s Award and the 2020 Enrolled Agent Mentor Award.

Health & Safety

Creating a safe, worry-free experience is our top priority.  

NAEA is preparing the 2025 SSLA event experience so that all individuals onsite—attendees, speakers, staff, and venue personnel—remain safe and comfortable throughout the event.

Duty of Care

We’re facilitating measures that will ensure optimal health and sanitary conditions in all environments where in-person interaction takes place. Read NAEA’s Duty of Care Plan. 

Hotels & Things To Do

Hotels

Attending Fly-In and SSLA? Extend your stay at the Hyatt House Washington DC / The Wharf with the NAEA discount today! The discounted hotel block will close on April 18, 2025. Registered attendees will also receive an email with additional hotel options where they can use NAEA’s discount code.

If you prefer to book somewhere else, explore hotel options near The Wharf or all hotels in the city for your stay during the SSLA event.

  • Hyatt-House-Washington-DC-The-Wharf-P018-Exterior-Day.16x9
  • Hyatt-House-Washington-DC-The-Wharf-P046-Rooftop-Sunset-View.16x9
  • Hyatt-House-Washington-DC-The-Wharf-P044-Rooftop-Pool-Evening.16x9
  • Hyatt-House-Washington-DC-The-Wharf-P052-Two-Queen-Bed-Guestroom.16x9

Things to Do in Washington, DC

Enjoy Washington, D.C., with top attractions like famous monuments, museums, and lively neighborhoods. Find things to do at The Wharf with waterfront dining and local events. For a full guide to D.C.’s sights, visit the official tourism guide.

  • Things to do in Washington DC (1)
  • Things to do in Washington DC