Celebrating Our 2026 Trailblazers: Ethan Garrett, CPA

Meet Ethan Garrett, CPA

A problem-solver, dedicated volunteer, and advocate for the profession, Ethan Garrett, CPA, brings both technical skill and a strong sense of service to his work and community. He earned his bachelor’s degrees from Freed-Hardeman University before completing his MBA at Oklahoma Christian University. While his career began in accounting, Ethan has built a unique path that bridges finance and technology. In his current role at Diamondback Energy, he applies his accounting foundation to improve processes, solve business challenges, and help connect accounting and technology in meaningful ways.

Ethan also stays actively involved in both the profession and his community. He serves on several OSCPA committees, the OSCPA-OKC Chapter board, and volunteers with local organizations, including Wings Special Needs Community and ReadOKC.

What He Has to Say

OSCPA: Why did you decide to become a CPA? 

Garrett: Although my career has been in industry, I viewed earning the CPA as a natural progression and a way to continue challenging myself. Continuous learning has always been important to me, and preparing for the exam helped me strengthen existing skills and expand my knowledge. While demanding, the process was a meaningful and rewarding step in my professional development.

OSCPA: What has been your proudest moment in your career so far? 

Garrett: Four years ago, I transitioned from an accounting role to an information technology role at Diamondback Energy. Having worked on technical projects in accounting, I now focus more heavily on technology while maintaining accounting exposure. I consider this a major milestone in my career because experience in both disciplines has allowed me to effectively bridge the gap between accounting and IT.

OSCPA: What do you hope to accomplish in your career? 

Garrett: My goal is to promote data literacy, particularly among accountants. In today’s technological landscape, understanding data is essential, as accounting is increasingly technology driven. I am also passionate about recruiting and developing talent, and I hope to continue sharing knowledge and experience with others, especially those early in their careers, as a meaningful measure of success.

Accomplishments