Illinois CPA Society Honors Outstanding Leaders at Annual Awards Event

The Illinois CPA Society presented its Leadership Recognition Awards at its annual event in Chicago on June 4, 2019. The awards recognize outstanding achievements and contributions of leaders in Illinois who are helping to shape the future of the accounting profession.

“It’s an honor and privilege to recognize the work of these dedicated individuals,” said Todd Shapiro, President and CEO of the Illinois CPA Society. “They are all dynamic leaders who are guiding the next generation through the evolution and rapid changes facing the accounting profession.”

The evening’s main awards were presented to the following individuals:

Lifetime Achievement Award: Presented for distinguished service to the CPA profession:

Lee A. Gould – CPA/ABV, JD, CFE, CFF, Managing Member at Gould & Pakter Associates LLC

Outstanding Educator Awards: Presented to educators making significant contributions to accounting education:

Terese Kasson – CPA, MSBA, Accounting Instructor/Academic Advisor, McKendree University
Bridgette E. Mahan – CPA, MBA, Instructor and Co-Chair of Business Department, Harold Washington College
Margaret M. Tower – CPA, MBA, Instructor of Accounting/Director of the Office of Student Engagement and Mentorship Program, DePaul University

Women to Watch Awards: Presented to leaders who are making significant contributions to the accounting profession, their organizations, and to the development of women as leaders. Winners were recognized in two categories:

Emerging Leaders

Julia M. Harried – Audit & Assurance In-Charge, Deloitte & Touche LLP, and Co-Founder, MakerGirl
Charlene Rhinehart – CPA, Managing Director, CEO Unlimited LLC and Founder & Editor-in-Chief, Wealthy Women Daily

Experienced Leaders

Rebekuh Eley – CPA, MST, Senior Manager, RSM US LLP
Kristen L. Fitzpatrick – CPA, Managing Principal, Miller Cooper & Co., Ltd

Lester H. McKeever Jr. Advancing Diversity Awards: Presented to leaders committed to increasing diversity in the accounting profession. Winners were recognized in two categories:

Emerging Leader

Chinedu C. Iwuora – CPA, Audit & Assurance Manager, Deloitte & Touche LLP

Outstanding Leader

Gregg S. Woodruff – CPA, PhD, Department Chair, Western Illinois University

Young Professional Leadership Award: Presented for outstanding leadership skills in their career or through public and community service

Nicole Presperin – CPA, Senior Director – New Ventures Group, Aon plc

Time and Talent Public Service, Volunteerism Award: Recognized for outstanding public service through the Illinois CPA Society’s CPA’s for the Public Interest volunteer initiatives

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