GREENBELT, Md., Jan. 9, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Board of Directors of the National Association of Black Accountants, Inc. (NABA) previously announced the search and fulfillment of the newly created executive-level staff position of chief operating officer. On January 5, 2015, business and performance strategist Lauren Yost officially began leading the national office operations and staff in this role.

With over 20 years of leadership and hands-on management experience in both for-profit and nonprofit organizations, Yost has successfully leveraged her expertise in operations, finance, and strategic planning to lead big picture visions, balanced with efficiency and practicality. Yost joins NABA from the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) where she served in a similar capacity as the vice president of operations and chief administration and strategy officer. During her nearly 10-year term at NRPA, Yost had responsibilities for strategic planning, human resources, information technology, conferences and exposition, sales, marketing, communications and magazine publication.

"This is an excellent opportunity to drive positive changes for NABA's members and partners and to have an impact on the advancement of such a vital mission," said Yost. "I was honored to be considered for such a critical role for the organization."

Yost holds a bachelor of arts degree in communications from Stetson University and master's diploma in professional coaching (MCLC credential) from Light University. During her years at NRPA, she served on the executive team that grew the association's membership from 17,000 to over 43,000, grew grants and partnerships department from $1.2 million to $3.6 million, and tripled the number of sponsoring companies for their $4.4 million annual convention, a third of NRPA' s total revenue.

"Lauren's skills and background make her uniquely qualified for this newly created role," stated Kenneth E. Cooke, chairman of the NABA Board of Directors. "We look forward to her implementing her expertise toward NABA, Inc.'s new direction for the future."

Yost will report directly to Cooke who also serves currently, as interim president & CEO.

About NABA
NABA, Inc. was founded in December 1969, the mission of NABA, Inc. is to address the professional needs of its members and to build leaders who shape the future of the accounting and finance profession with an unfaltering commitment to inspire the same in their successors. NABA, Inc. has over 5000 members across the country and more than 49 chapters.

Las Vegas 2015 Convention Theme
Connect. Collaborate. Cultivate. Bridging the Generational Divide

Contacts:
Stakeholders
Kenneth E. Cooke, CPA
chairman@nabainc.org
301-474-6222

Media
Michelle Harris, CAE
mharris@nabainc.org
240-542-5012

Moving Forward - Growing Through Collaboration and Connections

To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/national-association-of-black-accountants-inc-announces-new-chief-operating-officer-300018578.html

SOURCE The National Association of Black Accountants, Inc.