Emerging leader: Kris Rogers.

• Position: Certified public accountant - Interview

"Tax professionals are often stereotyped, but that's not today's industry. It's exciting! It has a vibrancy I'm not sure our profession has seen before. The new generation of tax professionals are bringing with them an energy that I hope is contagious." That's the strong voice of Kris Rogers, director of tax at Love's Travel Stops & Country Stores Inc. and co-chair of Tax Executive Institute's Emerging Tax Professionals Subcommittee. Rogers is the magazine's second Emerging Leaders profile.

Rogers carries that energy to her job at Love's. "I also know the decisions I'm making on a daily basis are truly influencing the future of the company. I know I'm making a difference each day, which is important," she says.

The biggest challenge for a corporate tax professional, according to Rogers, is making sure the organization sees tax as more than just a compliance function. "It's a strategic piece of the puzzle. It's helping your peers understand the bigger picture. I am very fortunate that Love's leaders understand what an integral part of the business our profession plays. While there are still many challenges ahead, their understanding does help to make my job just a little easier," she explains.

WORK-LIFE BALANCE

Another challenge: balancing work and family. "Now, younger professionals are looking for a work-life balance. No longer are individuals married to their jobs. They need more. They want careers and are driven, but need that time away from the office. It's very important to them," Rogers explains. "My career has always been important to me-but not at the expense of my family. In the public accounting sector, if I wanted to elevate my career and make partner, sacrifices were needed that I was not prepared to make. I have found my niche as a corporate tax professional, and I've learned [that] if you love what you do, then you can have it all!" Rogers says.

The main purpose of the Emerging Tax Professionals Subcommittee, according to Rogers, is to increase membership for the Institute and provide a focused forum for younger in-house professionals. "Our goal is to mentor and help the professional development of our future leaders so that they may carry the torch and are prepared for the challenges ahead. We're confident that this new generation will help break the mold of the stereotypes that have plagued our industry for so many years," she says.

'SPEED DATING WITH EXECUTIVES'

The subcommittee has planned sessions at the Midyear...