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CPA Celebration event logo for 2024

The INCPAS Awards Committee evaluated and ranked the award applications to select finalists and winners in each category.

The 2024 INCPAS Award Finalists are:

Visionary Award

 

ALPFA Indianapolis LogoALPFA Indianapolis

Photo of Judy Bobilya-Feher, CPAJudy A. Bobilya-Feher, CPA – Perfection Bakeries, Inc.

Photo of Benjamin A. Lippert, CPABenjamin A. Lippert, CPA – Donovan CPAs


Honors a transformative individual or organization implementing activities, processes or programs designed to address future issues/needs. Must be an INCPAS member.

Advocacy Award

Photo of Benjamin L. Smith, CPA, CGMABenjamin L. Smith, CPA, CGMA – Estep Doctor & Co, PC


Honors an individual or organization that has advocated on behalf of the CPA profession by working with the INCPAS advocacy team, legislators and/or regulatory officials. Does not have to be an INCPAS member.

Women to Watch Award

Photo of Stephanie Bowie, CPAStephanie Bowie, CPA – B. Empowered, LLC

Photo of Katy Leichty, CPAKatelyn N. Leichty, CPA – Kruggel Lawton CPAs

Photo of Christy Paddock, CPAChristina L. Paddock, CPA, CGMA – Christy Paddock Advisors LLC

Photo of Sarah M. Schenkel, CPASarah M. Schenkel, CPA – Katz Sapper & Miller LLP (Fort Wayne Office)

Photo of Ashley Vukovits, CPAAshley A. Vukovits, CPA – LiftBridge


Honors outstanding long-time or up-and-coming women within the CPA profession. Must be an INCPAS member.

Emerging Leaders Award

Photo of Brendon D. Howell, CPABrendon D. Howell, CPA – PwC LLP

Photo of Andrew D. McNeely, CPAAndrew D. McNeely, CPA – KSM

Photo of Emilee Smith, CPAEmilee J. Smith, CPA, MBA – London Witte LLP

Photo of Esperanza Wynn, CPAEsperanza R. Wynn, CPA – Elanco


Honors up-and-coming leaders in the profession — examples of leadership can be for their employer, clients and/or the community. Must be a member and under age 35 on December 31, 2024.

Talent Pipeline Award

Photo of Herschel FriersonHerschel Frierson – Crowe LLP

Photo of Andrew MansarayAndrew Mansaray – Dauby O'Connor & Zaleski, LLC (DOZ)


Honors an individual or organization that is building, diversifying and/or retaining talent in the profession. Does not have to be an INCPAS member.

Breakthrough Award

Photo of Olga Chaikouskaya, CPAOlga Chaikouskaya, CPA – CXO Solutions, LLC

Photo of Erin E. Smith, CPAErin E. Smith, CPA – Insight Accounting Group


Honors an individual who has overcome significant challenges or adversity in their path to professional success. Must be an INCPAS member.

INCPAS Volunteer of the Year Award

Photo of Amanda Horvath, CPAAmanda J. Horvath, CPA, CGMA – Katz Sapper & Miller, LLP


Honors an individual who has gone above and beyond to serve INCPAS in volunteer role(s). Must be an INCPAS member.

 

 

In addition to the 7 judged categories, 2 additional special recognition awards will be presented that evening: the Chair's Award and Distinguished Service Award.

Chair’s Award

Photo of Anita W. Sherman, CPA, CGMAAnita W. Sherman, CPA, CGMA – Greenwalt CPAs


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.

Distinguished Service Award

Photo of Kevin J. Hamernik, CPA, CIRAKevin J. Hamernik, CPA, CIRA – Forvis Mazars


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 careers.

 


If you can't make the event this year, we encourage you to support our pipeline initiatives with a donation to the Indiana CPA Educational Foundation.