The 2024 INCPAS CPA Celebration Awards recognize INCPAS members and leaders in the profession who are driving change and innovation, strengthening the talent pipeline and overall making positive impacts on the CPA and accounting profession.

This year’s awards program featured seven judged categories alongside two special recognition honorees. Meet this year’s 2024 finalists and honorees below, and stay tuned! Winners will be announced at the CPA Celebration event on Friday, November 22.

ADVOCACY AWARD

Benjamin L. Smith, CPA, CGMA
President & CEO – Estep Doctor & Co, PC

What issues related to the profession are you most passionate about?
My practice specialty is tax. I try my best to be up front with my clients and make sure we work towards not only reporting tax for what has happened, but also planning for the future—all the way out to how taxation affects your retirement. I work closely with estate attorneys and especially with financial advisors to help clients through the entire lifetime of taxation.

What inspired you to get involved with advocacy?
Our firm has always tried to stay involved with INCPAS to help give back to the profession. Participating in both the INCPAS Tax Resource Advisory Council and the Indiana Department of Revenue Commissioner’s Advisory Council has given me unique insight into the operations at the IRS and DOR. For both our clients and the profession, I feel I am helping streamline processes so Indiana taxpayers have the best experience if they need to deal with any unusual issues.

How do you respond when someone says accountants are boring?
I’m rarely asked that question. Anybody who knows me knows I’m not boring! LOL. Seriously, it’s not hard to tell them I get to interact with different people, businesses and challenges every day. It’s seldom boring to me!

BREAKTHROUGH AWARD

Presented by Miles Talent Hub

This award honors a member who has overcome significant challenges or adversity in their path to professional success.

Olga Chaikouskaya, CPA
Owner – CXO Solutions, LLC

What drives you most to succeed?
The impact I can have on people—whether it's helping a business grow, mentoring others, or showing those who face challenges that success is possible. My journey from Belarus to the U.S. as a non-English-speaking single mother was filled with difficulties, but it made me stronger.

I am inspired by the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of my colleagues, clients and the community. Empowering others and seeing them thrive motivates me to keep pushing forward. Knowing my journey can inspire others to overcome their own obstacles fuels my passion for success.

What is your favorite way to unwind after a busy work period?
Focusing on my family and kids—being a mom brings me so much joy. I also love exploring the world through travel, staying active and prioritizing my health. I’m passionate about sports, enjoy reading and find fulfillment in volunteering and mentoring others. It’s important for me to recharge and reflect on the journey while staying connected to the things that matter most.

I also try to maintain a good sense of humor, especially about my ultimate relaxation goal: doing absolutely nothing!

What is your favorite thing about working in accounting?
Bringing clarity and strategic insight to complex financial challenges. Accounting is more than just producing financial statements—it’s a key to unlocking business growth.

As a strategic CFO, I help businesses understand how numbers shape decisions, drive growth and create opportunities. While many may think of accounting as dry or tedious, I see it as an exciting tool for transformation. I also enjoy the innovation and problem-solving that comes with modern finance, especially when it comes to automating repetitive tasks to focus on what truly matters—value creation.

As someone who started at the entry level and worked my way up to CFO, I understand the importance of providing insights that help businesses make informed decisions. That’s why I launched my consulting company—so small- and mid-sized businesses can access CFO expertise to help realize their strategic goals and reach new heights. My goal has always been to make financial insights accessible and empowering. Accounting allows me to have a meaningful impact on the future success of organizations, which I find incredibly rewarding.

Erin Smith, CPA
Senior Analyst – Insight Accounting Group

Why did you choose to pursue a career in accounting?
I chose to pursue a career in accounting because I love analytical work and being able to help my clients reach their goals. In terms of my own goals, achieving my CPA license is my proudest professional milestone.

Do you have a quote or mantra you turn to for guidance and inspiration?
When I feel that I am needing a little emotional pick me up, I always remind myself, “What did you come here to do? Let everything else go and just do it.”

EMERGING LEADERS AWARD

This award honors up-and-coming leaders in the profession for going above and beyond in their work for their employer, clients and/or the community.

Brendon Howell, CPA
Senior Manager – Deals – PwC LLP

What excites you the most about working in accounting?
That it really is the language of business and an interesting blend of analytical and strategic thinking. A lot of people think accounting is just about numbers or taxes, and it's really so much more. It's about understanding the story behind the numbers and using them to make informed decisions about things like investments, business decisions and even life planning.

The accounting world is ever-evolving, and the nature of accounting standards and regulations continues to evolve and keep the field dynamic and intellectually stimulating, which is something that I need in my fuels me and my work. I love learning and being challenged! The opportunity to work with diverse clients and industries also adds to the excitement.

How do you respond when someone says accountants are boring?
I think accountants are portrayed as boring in movies and TV shows, but I'd bet that nine times out of 10, someone who knows an accountant would not say they are boring—especially not someone who works in public accounting!

Accounting is more than working in taxes or accounts payable. We are out here solving really important problems and getting involved in some of the most important business decisions. That requires a very diverse background of experiences and thought and, in that mix, you have some pretty fun people!

What has been a highlight of your career so far?
One of the most notable was when I was promoted to manager within PwC. It was the first goal I set for myself when I joined the firm as an associate, and there were some major steps I had to take before making it to that goal—including passing the CPA Exam. So when I got the call that I was being promoted to manager, it was a moment where all my hard work had paid off! To be able to share that with my friends and family was such a special thing for me, especially with my late grandfather, who was my role model and wanted the best in life for me.

Andrew McNeely, CPA
Audit & Assurance Director – Katz, Sapper & Miller, LLP

What does it mean to you to be a leader?
Being a leader means coaching the competence and character of those who work under my care. To rejoice in their accomplishments and hold them accountable for their results. To encourage when they feel down, exhort when they need inspiration, critique when they must improve, and praise when they shine.

What advice would you give to a student considering a career in accounting?
Pursuing accounting is like learning a trade: few can master it and even fewer are willing.  Therefore, a career in accounting will compensate you well and tend to give you solid job security. In addition, you can specialize in what you enjoy most about accounting, whether that’s being a corporate accountant, tax preparer/planner, auditor, consultant, etc. There are lots of specialties that can bring joy and meaning to your work beyond spreadsheets, debits and credits.

Do you have any favorite reads or podcasts that fellow CPAs should read/listen to?
I am an avid reader of The Wall Street Journal. I appreciate how WSJ keeps their newsroom stories separate from their opinion pieces, and I value the insights of both. I am also a faithful listener of the weekly Monday edition of The World and Everything In It podcast from World News Group. It features the segments "Legal Docket" and "Monday Moneybeat." Over the course of a year, I learned something about every single case before the U.S. Supreme Court, and I highly value economist David Bahnsen's weekly market commentary. Finally, I enjoy listening to LumiQ "true-crime, accounting style" type of podcasts for stimulating and engaging learning that also earns me CPE credits.

Emilee J. Smith, CPA, MBA
Partner – London Witte LLP

What do you hope to accomplish as you continue to grow in your career?
I've loved being involved in improvements to our firm. I hope to continue creating an atmosphere that encourages personal and professional growth while providing a high-quality experience for our clients.

What excites you the most about working in accounting?
I love the way the industry is changing! Public accounting specifically has evolved so much, and I really appreciate the new opportunities we have to serve our clients.

Do you have a quote or mantra you turn to for guidance and inspiration?
"Believe you can and you're halfway there." —Theodore Roosevelt

Esperanza Wynn, CPA
Accounting Manager – Corporate Consolidations – Elanco

What does it mean to you to be a leader?
A leader is someone who is a team player. They delegate tasks to develop their team. They have a positive influence on their peers, offering encouragement during tough times, recognizing achievements and providing constructive criticism when necessary.

What advice would you give to a student considering a career in accounting?
Explore all the different career paths you can have with an accounting degree—it is more than just taxes.

What is your favorite way to unwind after a busy work period?
I enjoy taking weeklong vacations, domestic and international. This helps me recharge, spend time with family and mentally prepare for the next busy time.

INCPAS VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR AWARD

This award honors a member who has gone above and beyond to serve the Society in volunteer roles.

Amanda Horvath, CPA, CGMA
Audit Director – Katz, Sapper & Miller, LLP

What’s the most rewarding part of giving back to the Society and the profession?
The most rewarding part is the opportunity to stay connected with the incredible people who are dedicated to advancing the CPA profession. I enjoy interacting with the Society’s staff, learning about developments impacting CPAs, and making an impact on Indiana CPAs. I also find it fulfilling to share this knowledge with my colleagues, especially CPA candidates at the start of their careers.

What advice would you give to someone considering getting involved in the profession in a volunteer role?
If you have considered volunteering: go for it.  Don’t wait until you feel like you have all the skills or experience, because you can make an impact at any point in your career. Reach out to INCPAS staff or other volunteers to learn more about opportunities and apply. There’s always room for people who want to make a difference.

Do you have any favorite reads or podcasts that fellow CPAs should read/listen to?
I found Atomic Habits by James Clear to be particularly insightful. It emphasizes how small, consistent behaviors can lead to remarkable results over time. At my firm, we sometimes say “Better every day,” and this book reinforced that idea for me. Rather than feeling overwhelmed by big goals, the key is to focus on tiny, manageable improvements, which ultimately lead to achieving those larger objectives.

TALENT PIPELINE AWARD

Presented by Forvis Mazars

This award honors an individual or organization that is building, diversifying and/or retaining talent in the profession.

Herschel Frierson
Principal – Strategic Networks Leader – Crowe LLP
Chairman – NABA, Inc.

What inspires you to continue supporting the talent pipeline?
I know my own journey, and I did not get here by myself. As I learned from my parents: give back! I owe it to my family, community and profession to give as much as I have received. Every time a young person walks up to me and says “thank you,” it reignites a fire inside of me to give even more.

What is the number one action you think accounting professionals could take to support the pipeline?
Be a mentor. I always say, “If you see it, then you can be it”

Why should a student consider a career in accounting?
Accounting is the foundation of business. This great profession opens up so many doors—you just need to walk through ONE!

Andrew “Mons” Mansaray
Director of Talent Acquisition – DOZ

What’s the most rewarding part of being a part of the accounting profession?
The accounting community is quite the paradox: it’s both vast and tight-knit. When I’ve been a part of someone’s professional career path and see them pursuing their dream and achieving success, it fills me with joy!

What is your favorite experience in working to support the talent pipeline?
Kicking off the first day of busy season with our interns and associates. It’s humbling to see the excited (and sometimes nervous) faces of everyone we have connected with on campus who have trusted us to start their professional journey.

What is the number one action you think accounting professionals could take to support the pipeline?
Return to your alma mater and get involved with the accounting students. You would be surprised how much one conversation could change the trajectory of someone’s life and career.

VISIONARY AWARD

This award honors a transformative individual or organization implementing activities, processes or programs designed to address future issues/needs.

Judy A. Bobilya-Feher, CPA
CFO - Perfection Bakeries, Inc.

Being visionary often requires creativity and thinking outside the box. What inspires you creatively?
There are so many things over my years that have influenced me to always ask “how can I make it better?” My father was a sole proprietor of a women’s shoe store in Fort Wayne, working six days a week while helping my mother raise seven kids . He was a bit of a DIY person and there are so many great stories from growing up of his ingenuity, not only at home but also in the business. He even did all the home and car repairs on his own on his one day off, often consulting books in the library. My two brothers are both electrical engineers, and growing up with them playing with erector sets, electrical kits and science testing kits, I saw a lot of crazy experiments that weren’t “by the book.”

My first job after college was at Coopers & Lybrand for five years. There I got to see many types of businesses and how things can be done in different ways. Part of my job was to try to identify suggestions for improvements for my clients. Now at Aunt Millie’s for over 30 years, when we run into problems, my mind shifts to “how can we make this better?”

I like to make things better – for the business, for people, for efficiency, for beauty’s sake! I get a lot of satisfaction out of that.

Why is it important to continue to innovate in the profession?
The world is changing! You likely want to say that is a “duh” observation, but over my career, it seems like technology and the pace of life keep changing at a faster and faster pace. Innovation is much of what drives that in the world today and it is not restricted to innovation of new products.  Innovation is going on in everything we touch and do today, and it will only continue to advance.

As far as the profession is concerned, there are many related professions that didn’t exist when I first graduated from school that oftentimes are challenging the way our profession has historically or is currently operating.  For the CPA of today and tomorrow to stay relevant and involved, we need to stay current on the trends out there, drive innovation in our own positions and industry and innovate ourselves. Continuous self-improvement is what will keep us relevant tomorrow.

Why should a student consider the accounting profession?
What I love about the seat I sit in is seeing all aspects of the business and understanding what makes us tick, what disrupts us and what makes us great. I also love being part of the team that responds to the many business influencers we don’t have control over: our competition, our customers, our vendors, global economics and politics.

It’s often like a surfboard, where the wave creates challenges you have to respond to and you do your best to navigate just getting on the board and trying to stay on it as the wave gets more intense.

In my seat, I get to work with all the other departments that make Aunt Millie’s tick and understand their relevance and where their wheel fits into the machine.  I understand the financial side better than anyone; most non-financial departments have limited or no understanding. I feel my seat has the broadest understanding of the business and, with innovation, makes me valuable to Aunt Millie’s in helping run the business. This is why I would choose this profession again!

BJ Lippert, CPA
Partner – Donovan CPAs

What does it mean to you to be a visionary?
When visionaries look around, they don’t see what is there—hey see what could be there. Even more importantly, they can rally a team behind the idea of what could be there and get them excited about bringing it to life. It’s one thing to have an idea. It’s a completely different skill set to say, “Come with me! We’re going to change the world around us together.”

How can individuals and/or organizations and firms best ensure they’re staying on top of the evolution of the profession?
Hire and empower an incredible team. A visionary’s role is to rally the team toward a common, better future. The visionary also has to be humble enough to step out of the way while the team is charting the course. I love the analogy of climbing a mountain together. The visionary can paint a picture of the summit we are trying to reac;. the rest of the team needs to be empowered to navigate the daily terrain. This approach is so important to Donovan CPAs, we literally rewrote our mission statement to make our people our #1 priority: “Our mission at Donovan CPAs is to attract, develop, and empower an ever-growing team beloved by the clients they serve.”

How do you respond when someone says accountants are boring?
I know accountants who fly airplanes, ride motorcycles, compete in powerlifting competitions, skydive, own fashion stores, curate food blogs, run marathons, headbang to heavy metal music and so much more. Our profession draws in individuals who are meticulous, detail-oriented, reliable, hard-working and persistent. Could these attributes be spun into something negative like “boring?” Perhaps. If this is the case, then I say we could all stand to be a little more boring. Of course, if our clients would prefer to have their tax returns delivered while we juggle flaming swords, I’m sure we could accommodate that request as well!

ALPFA Indianapolis

What does it mean to the ALPFA team to be visionary?
It means embracing our core mission of connecting Latino leaders for impact. At ALPFA, we see the future as an opportunity to elevate and empower our community through collaborative efforts with key sponsors and partners like INCPAS. In essence, being visionary means paving the way for future generations of Latino leaders by creating a supportive network today that will lead to transformative impacts tomorrow.

What do you think is the most exciting about the future of the accounting profession?
The future of accounting is especially thrilling due to the integration of artificial intelligence and advanced data analytics, which are set to revolutionize the profession and create new career opportunities for accounting professionals.

Why should a student consider the accounting profession?
Students should consider a career in accounting because it offers a solid foundation for understanding business, ensures a stable and in-demand profession, and opens doors to diverse opportunities across various industries where they can have a significant impact on financial strategies and operations.

WOMEN TO WATCH AWARD

Honors outstanding women within the CPA profession.

Stephanie Bowie, CPA
Owner – B. Empowered, LLC

Why should more young women consider becoming a CPA?
Earnings potential, instant credibility (street cred in these business streets), striking fear in the hearts of men (okay, maybe that’s a stretch), the look of complete awe and respect coupled with a slight tinge of envy from the non-accounting humans. Once a woman has chosen accounting as a career field and undergraduate major, if she also digs into her innermost self and hears her voice say, “I WANT TO BE A CPA,” she should absolutely do so. Hearing this voice, however faint the whisper may be, is a sure sign to pursue the CPA license with all her heart.

What do you love the most about being part of the accounting profession?
I am always sharing openly (and loudly) what I DON’T like about the profession...taxes and bookkeeping! I am the most non-accountant accountant people will ever meet. But, if I dig a little deeper, and wax a little poetic, there are so many things that I LOVE about accounting.

• The paradox. Accounting is both certain and uncertain. Difficult and simple. At the highest level, if my debits equal my credits, it’s time for a glass of wine! On the other hand, if my debits don’t equal my credits, it’s time for a shot of tequila!
• The spiritual connections. Nelson Mandela once said “Reconciliation is a spiritual act.” He was referencing the healing in South Africa after the demise of apartheid. And yet as an accountant, it made me appreciate what I do all the more. Also, the Bible says God has given us the “Ministry of reconciliation.” Very powerful stuff!
• The trust. The world has a very high degree of trust in the CPA profession. The assumption is that we are competent and credible; that we are honest brokers. And, by and large, we are all of these things and more!

What would your theme song be?
It’s a toss up between Beyonce’s “Run the World (Girls),” Kelis’ “Bossy,” Daya’s “Sit Still Look Pretty,” and Alessia Cara’s “Wild Things.” Honorable mention goes to Kendrick Lamar’s “They Not Like Us.”

Katelyn N. Leichty, CPA
Tax Partner – Kruggel Lawton CPAs

What do you love most about being part of the accounting profession?
I love the impact we have on our clients. They are so appreciative of the tax planning solutions we come up with through interesting, engaging work. It’s a win-win.

What has been a highlight of your career so far?
Being part of women’s leadership initiatives. We are seeing more female partners than when I started out in the profession; however, there is still work to be done in this area. I have enjoyed being part of groups that support and encourage women’s growth.

Do you have any favorite reads or podcasts that fellow CPAs should read/listen to?
Within our firm, we read “The 6 Types of Working Genius” by Patrick Lencioni and completed the corresponding assessment. It’s been helpful to think through our individual strengths and weaknesses within the work context, and how that can lead to more effective teamwork.

Christy Paddock, CPA
Owner/Consultant – Christy Paddock Advisors LLC

What keeps you motivated in your career?
I am always motivated by staff and clients who want to learn.  It is so rewarding to use my experience and talents to help them succeed.

Is there a piece of advice that has made an impact on your career journey?
I would advise everyone to try your hardest, have fun and give God the worry (and glory).

What is your favorite way to unwind after a busy work period?
Always the beach, but I also enjoy my pool!

Sarah Schenkel, CPA
Director – Audit & Assurance Services Group – Katz Sapper & Miller LLP (Fort Wayne Office)

What keeps you motivated in your career?
Public accounting is never boring, and there are endless opportunities to learn, grow and invest in others along the way. Constant change in accounting standards, advising clients through business expansion and challenges, and investing in my team keep me motivated to continually pursue progress.

Why should more young women consider becoming a CPA?
Public accounting is a very rewarding career that provides young women with opportunity for continual growth and development while allowing for financial security and independence. It also allows the ability to drive the pace of their careers as they navigate different seasons of life.

How do you respond when someone says accountants are boring?
I would say that’s a big misconception. Public accounting is always evolving, and there is no shortage of opportunities and challenges which make each day exciting. I work with a lot of awesome people, none of whom are boring!

Ashley Vukovits, CPA
Managing Director – LiftBridge

What do you love the most about being part of the accounting profession? 
What really gets me excited about being an accountant is the chance to make a real difference for businesses and people, while being part of this amazing community of professionals. There's always something new to learn, which keeps my brain buzzing. I love how we can take complex financial information and break it down, helping our clients see things clearly and make smart choices.

Thinking of my fellow CPAs, we are such a diverse bunch, but we all share this commitment to doing things right and being precise. Plus, I get to flex both my analytical muscles and my creative problem-solving skills every day.

What keeps you motivated in your career? 
What really keeps me fired up is the chance to help others. At this stage in my journey, I have a wealth of experience under my belt, and it's incredibly rewarding to use that knowledge to help companies thrive. But it’s not just business success. I've been lucky enough to build mentoring relationships with people from all corners of the globe, and let me tell you, there's nothing quite like watching someone you've guided grow into their potential and crush it in their career.

How do you respond when someone says accountants are boring? 
You know, that question always makes me smile because my friends outside of work would probably fall out of their chairs laughing if anyone called me boring! Sure, there's a part of accounting that's all about debits, credits, tax laws, and diving into GAAP research. But let's be real: that's just a small slice of the pie these days. As a CFO, I’m not hunched over T accounts all day—I’m out there shaping strategy and building relationships.

As for me? Being an accountant has been one wild ride. I've jet-setted around the globe, rubbed elbows with thousands of people, and made friends in places I never even dreamed of visiting. I've had an absolute blast in this profession, and I've got a feeling the best is yet to come.

CHAIR'S AWARD

This award is presented by the immediate past board chair to an individual who has had a profound impact on their career, service on the board or the profession.

This year, Carrie Minnich, CPA, MAcct, is pleased to recognize Anita W. Sherman, CPA, CGMA, as the 2024 Chair’s Award honoree.

On why she presented this award to Anita, Carrie said, “Anita is someone I’ve looked up to throughout my career, starting at Manchester University. From her involvement with Manchester, to her leadership at Greenwalt and INCPAS, to her service on nonprofit boards—she exemplifies the values of the accounting profession. Her dedication to the community and profession serves as an example for others to follow.”

DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD

This award is the highest honor given by INCPAS. It recognizes a member who has made major, long-time contributions to the profession, INCPAS or the AICPA during their professional career.

This year, we’re pleased to present Kevin J. Hamernik, CPA, CIRA, of Forvis Mazars, with the Distinguished Service Award.

“Few member volunteers hit the ground running as passionately as Kevin Hamernik,” shares INCPAS President & CEO Courtney Kincaid, CAE. “For more than 20 years, Kevin has been a fixture within the Society and the greater CPA community in Indiana. After joining INCPAS in 2002, he immediately leapt into service. His volunteer roles span almost all aspects of our work, from advocacy and leadership to member recognition. His tenure includes 14 years on the Government Relations Committee, serving as a Trustee for the Indiana CPA-Political Action Committee, and three terms on the INCPAS Board of Directors, including two as Vice-Chairman.

The accounting profession in Indiana is stronger because of Kevin’s service and leadership. It’s an honor to recognize him as the 2024 Distinguished Service Award honoree.”

Thank you to this year’s Presenting Sponsor Miles Talent Hub, VIP Reception Sponsor Shepherd Financial, Photo Booth Sponsor Morgan Stanley Wealth Management, Exam Candidate After Party Sponsor Forvis Mazars, and Alliance Pipeline Partner PwC LLP.

Thank you to this year’s VIP Tier 1 Table Purchasers: Christy Paddock Advisors, LLC, Donovan CPAs, Estep Doctor & Company, P.C., London Witte LLP and NABA, Inc.