Blackman & Sloop CPAs is pleased to announce Deetra B. Watson, CPA, CGMA, has been promoted to the role of principal.

“It is an honor to join my colleagues as a Principal with the firm,” said Watson. “I am thrilled they invited me to become a member of the partner group and look forward to being more involved with the firm’s strategic growth.”

Watson joined the Blackman & Sloop team in 2005 as a staff accountant and was promoted through the ranks of the firm at record pace, most recently serving as senior manager in the assurance department. In her role at the firm, she is responsible for overseeing audit and assurance engagements, as well as providing additional accounting and consulting services. Watson primarily serves clients in the not-for-profit and education sector. She also performs audits of governmental and nongovernmental grants and is a frequent speaker on not-for-profit accounting and management topics.

A two-time graduate of the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Watson holds both Master of Science and Bachelor of Science degrees in accounting. She is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), where she was once featured as the “Start Here, Go Places” CPA of the month and served on the Assurance Services Executive Committee. She is also a 2010 alumna of the AICPA’s Leadership Academy. Watson is a member of the North Carolina Association of Certified Public Accountants (NCACPA), the NCACPA Not-for-Profit Committee, and the National Association of Black Accountants. Watson resides in her hometown of Durham, North Carolina, with her husband, Wimberly, and their three sons. When away from the office, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, exercising, and volunteering.