PEYTON GORDON has been named the 2026 Rising Star and was recognized during the Business Meeting at the MSCPA Annual Convention held at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort in Destin, Florida, on Saturday, June 27. This prestigious honor recognizes Peyton’s exemplary leadership, dedication to the Mississippi Society of CPAs, the Young CPA Network, the accounting profession, and her community.

   Peyton is a Senior Manager with Carr, Riggs & Ingram in Ridgeland, where she specializes in serving construction contractors, subcontractors, and related industries. She helps clients navigate complex tax regulations while positioning their businesses for long-term growth and success. After earning both her Bachelor of Accountancy and Masters of Taxation degrees from the University of Mississippi, Peyton began her career with BKD/Forvis, later joined HORNE, and eventually found her professional home at CRI.

   Throughout her career, Peyton has been a thoughtful and compassionate leader dedicated to helping others grow both professionally and personally. Whether mentoring staff, recruiting future CPAs, speaking with students, or serving in professional organizations, she consistently encourages others to recognize their potential and pursue the many opportunities available within the profession. She strives to leave the profession better than she found it by developing future leaders and inspiring others to become involved.

   Peyton made an immediate impact within the Young CPA Network. She served on the YCPA Board for five years and actively contributed to its programs, committees, and initiatives. During her tenure, she was elected Treasurer, Vice-Chair, and President, helping elevate the Network while setting an example of servant leadership for her peers. She also represented the Young CPA Network on the MSCPA Board of Governors.

   Her commitment to the MSCPA extends well beyond her involvement with the Young CPA Network. Early in her career, Peyton joined the Taxation Committee and quickly became an active contributor. She served two years as YCPA Chair and has chaired the Taxation Committee for the past two years, a role she will continue in the coming year. Under her leadership, the Mississippi Tax Institute has achieved record levels of sponsorship and exhibitor participation. Peyton is also a dedicated member of the Central Chapter, where she currently serves as Vice-President of Membership and will assume the role of Vice- President of Programs next year. She is known for her willingness to step forward, volunteer, and lead wherever she is needed.

   Peyton’s influence on the profession extends beyond Mississippi. She was recently appointed to the AICPA Individual and Self-Employed Tax Technical Resource Panel, where she helps guide tax policy discussions, advocates for CPAs, and provides feedback to the IRS and U.S. Treasury. She also presents internal continuing professional education programs for her firm and publishes articles on technical tax topics. Through her active presence on LinkedIn, Peyton shares her expertise, promotes the profession, and encourages engagement among accounting professionals.

   Her dedication to service is equally evident in her community involvement. One of her current passions is Harbor Day School, formerly The Little Lighthouse, where she serves as Treasurer and Chair of the Finance Committee. She played a key role in establishing the school’s first Finance Committee during a major capital campaign for a new facility. In that capacity, she works alongside bankers, attorneys, financial advisors, and fellow CPAs to support the organization’s financial stewardship and long-term strategy. She also volunteers directly with the children served by the school.

   Peyton is an active member of Grace Crossing Church, where she serves in the special needs ministry, preschool, and Vacation Bible School. She and her husband, Michael, are the proud parents of two daughters, Reese, age 5, and Elle K, age 3. Outside of work and family life, Peyton enjoys staying active on the tennis and pickleball courts and has recently rekindled her enthusiasm for running.

   At the end of the day, Peyton hopes her impact extends far beyond tax returns and technical expertise. She wants to be remembered as someone who invested in people, encouraged others to pursue leadership opportunities, and helped shape the next generation of CPAs.

   Please join us in congratulating Peyton Gordon, the MSCPA 2026 Rising Star.