Kelly Ward, CPA, CGMA, MBA – 2019 40 Under 40 Honoree

Career Highlights:

• June 2019: Elected Chair of PCPS Small Firm Owner Networking Group
• 2019 AICPA Engage Speaker
• 2016, 2017, 2018: Accounting Profession Top 40 Under 40; CPA Practice Advisor
• 2018-2019: AK Society of CPAs Board Chair
• 2017 and 2015 AICPA E.D.G.E Conference Presenter
• Co-facilitator of AKCPA Leadership Academy
• 2015-2016: Leadership Fairbanks Participant
• May 2015: Appointed Chair of AKCPA Financial Literacy Commission
• October 2014: Graduate of the AICPA Leadership Academy
• September 2014: Graduate of the 2^nd Inspire Leadership Academy Class
• July 2014: Appointed Principal of Robinson & Ward, PC
• May 2014: Graduate of the 1^st AKCPA Leadership Academy Class

What are you doing to make a difference in the profession, your community, the world?

Education and empowerment of clients and the community is important to me. With that in mind, a lot of my outreach comes through classes for the community through our firm or through other means such as the local Realtors. I have also taught a Money Camp at the local university for the past three summers for kids and did an adult Money Camp this year. Reviewing Legacy Scholar applications for the AICPA and being a Legacy Scholars coach have also been a part of my outreach. Perhaps the largest outreach comes through being an Adjunct Instructor at the University of Alaska Fairbanks Community and Technical College for the past 10 years.

Favorite books/websites/speakers that you find influential:

Rachel Hollis, Jen Sincero, Sheryl Sandberg

What do you see yourself doing professionally in 10 years?

Principal of Robinson & Ward, active involvement in AKCPA and AICPA.

What accounting conferences do you normally attend?

AICPA Engage and various other AICPA conferences depending on year

What websites/magazines do you use to keep up on news of the accounting profession?

CPA Practice Advisor, Journal of Accountancy

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See all of the “40 Under 40” honorees for 2019.