Chapter History
In 2025, the chapter entered a defining year marked by growth, innovation, and leadership development.
Early in the year, four board members, Jahari Bynoe, Franchesca Bradner, Alexis Gentry, and Chaz Strayer, traveled to Atlanta to compete in the Best Practices Competition. Presenters Jahari and Franchesca earned first place at the Regional level, securing the UNF chapter’s first-ever qualification for the National Competition. This milestone marked a turning point in the chapter’s competitive history and reflected a growing culture of preparation, collaboration, and excellence. The chapter simultaneously expanded its focus on mentorship and service. Director of Recruitment Aleah Roy launched the chapter’s first Big and Little Program, pairing first and second semester candidates with active members to foster leadership development, mentorship, and a stronger sense of belonging within the organization. Director of Community Outreach Meg Scott initiated volunteer collaborations with professional firms, beginning with the KPMG Fall-A -Day volunteer event at Eartha’s Farm.
These initiatives strengthened both community impact and professional relationships while reinforcing the chapter’s commitment to service. Innovation remained central to the chapter’s growth. Building upon initiatives originally developed under the Prata Administration, the chapter continued to refine its use of artificial intelligence in marketing and recruitment efforts, creating a scalable, data-driven approach that increased engagement, visibility, and membership. The chapter also completed a full redesign of its website, led by Director of IT Victoria Torres, modernizing its digital presence and improving accessibility for candidates, members, alumni, and sponsors.
During the summer of 2025, seven board members, Felix Javier, Meg Scott, Jamie Baugher, Victoria Torres, Aleah Roy, Merrick Gottschalk, and Erica Grigg, represented the chapter at the National Conference. The chapter earned first place in the 2025 Social Media Competition and second place in the National Best Practices Competition. The national presentation, delivered by Felix Javier and Meg Scott, focused on the chapter’s innovative application of artificial intelligence in marketing and recruitment, earning national recognition and establishing the chapter as a leader in forward-thinking engagement strategies. Beyond competition results, the chapter experienced record growth. Sponsorship revenue increased, partnerships with firms expanded, and membership surpassed 90 active members.
These achievements reflected not only strategic planning, but a collective commitment to building leaders, empowering quieter voices, and creating pathways for members to grow with confidence. In November of 2025, leadership transitioned from Felix Javier to then Vice President Franchesca Bradner, marking the end of one of the most impactful periods in the chapter’s history. The year closed not merely with awards or recognition, but with a lasting legacy centered on mentorship, service, and leadership development, one defined by the belief that true leadership is measured not by individual accomplishments, but by how many others are uplifted and prepared to lead next.
In 2024, the chapter entered a period of transition, modernization, and strategic growth.
Academic advising transitioned from Mark Leininger to Jeffrey Gottlieb, providing renewed academic guidance and support. Under the leadership of President Kevin Prata, the board focused on revitalizing the chapter by increasing engagement, strengthening internal organization, and modernizing recruitment and outreach efforts. Recruitment efforts reached new heights under Director of Recruitment Ainsley, whose targeted strategies led to a more than 100 percent increase in candidate credits during Fall 2024 compared to Fall 2023. This growth reflected a renewed emphasis on accessibility, visibility, and student engagement. A major driver of the chapter’s visibility was Director of Marketing Felix Javier, who expanded the chapter’s social media presence through the strategic use of digital tools such as ChatGPT, Canva, and TikTok-style short-form video content. These initiatives generated thousands of views, significantly expanded the chapter’s reach, and attracted new members. As a result, the chapter earned first place in the Social Media Competition at the Regional Conference in Atlanta. In early 2024, the chapter also presented at the Beta Alpha Psi Best Practices Competition, highlighting its innovative approach to generating sponsorship revenue. This presentation emphasized sustainable partnerships with firms and marked a key step in the chapter’s competitive and financial development. The chapter further increased its emphasis on social engagement, organizing events such as a summer board retreat, a pickleball tournament, and group outings including Jacksonville Jaguars games. These efforts represented a deliberate shift toward a more balanced chapter identity, evolving from a purely professional organization into one that also prioritized community, connection, and member experience. Following the 2024 elections, a new board position, Director of Social Events, was created and filled by Erica Grigg. Under her leadership, the Professional Advisor role was introduced and filled by her manager, Leah Nowak, strengthening the chapter’s professional guidance and long-term vision. In November of 2024, leadership transitioned from Kevin Prata to Felix Javier, closing a foundational year and setting the stage for continued innovation and historic achievements in the year ahead.
In 2023, the chapter continued its core operations, including Meet the Firms, board meetings, workshops, and alumni socials. Mark Leininger proudly served his final year as academic advisor. Near the end of the year, Marlene Olavarria transitioned the presidency to Kevin Prata.
In 2022, Advisor Mark Leininger worked alongside President Robert King. The chapter received the Superior Chapter award for the fourth consecutive year, along with a $500 grant funded by KPMG and the KPMG Foundation. Mark was also recognized by Beta Alpha Psi’s leadership for his invaluable guidance. Later in the year, Robert King passed the presidency to Marlene Olavarria.
In 2021, the chapter earned the Superior Chapter distinction for the third consecutive year. That year also brought a change in academic advisors, as Dr. Michelman passed the role to Mark Leininger. Sarah Holcomb served as the first woman president of the UNF chapter. Despite the challenges of COVID-19, she introduced the alumni social, an event that has continued successfully every year since its creation. Later in the year, Robert King succeeded Sarah as president. The Xi Eta Chapter also participated in Beta Alpha Psi’s Mid-Year Meetings, presenting on Officer Transition Techniques and showcasing organizational resilience during the pandemic.
In 2020, the chapter entered its second academic year following its charter. By July 2020, BAP members had completed over 500 community service hours since inception. The chapter had also partnered with as many as 24 local firms and organizations. That year, the chapter attended the Annual Meeting on Chapter Operations, where its presentation on Technology in Operations was featured. The onset of COVID-19 disrupted operations, forcing many student organizations to shift to virtual or hybrid programs. During this time, President Thomas Beaucham guided the chapter through uncertainty, implementing structural changes that strengthened systems and governance. Near the end of 2020, leadership transitioned to Sarah Holcomb.
In April 2019, the Beta Alpha Psi chapter at the University of North Florida was officially inaugurated as the 331st chapter with the designation Xi Eta. Leadership transitioned from President Travis Swanger to Thomas Beaucham. Since its inauguration, the UNF chapter has remained committed to fostering leadership, academic excellence, and ethical practices. This commitment was recognized when the chapter received the Superior Chapter designation in its inaugural academic year, 2019 to 2020, and every year thereafter.
In 2018, the UNF Beta Alpha Psi Xi Eta Chapter saw many familiar faces. Dr. Jeffrey Michelman and Travis Swanger remained in their positions as advisor and president. Under Travis’s leadership, the sponsorship program was created, opening doors for national and local accounting firms to support the chapter. 2018 marked the early formation of the chapter. Anna Brosche, then President of Jacksonville’s City Council, was invited to speak at a BAP event in May 2018. In the fall semester, the chapter hosted events such as a firm visit from KPMG, reflecting early engagement with industry partners.
In late 2017, fifteen students gathered based on their GPA and two faculty recommendations. On October 13, 2017, thirteen students decided to file a petition and launch a chapter at UNF. The Beta Alpha Psi Xi Eta Chapter was established under the advisory of Dr. Jeffrey Michelman. During this period, the chapter had few members, as it was the beginning of BAP. With Travis Swanger as its inaugural president, the chapter convened its first board meeting in December 2017, laying the foundation for a legacy of achievement.
