Illinois CPA Society Announces 2020 Outstanding Leadership Award Recipients

The Illinois CPA Society (ICPAS)—one of the largest state CPA societies in the nation—is proud to announce the recipients of its prestigious 2020 outstanding leadership awards.

“It’s an honor and privilege to recognize the remarkable achievements and contributions of these diverse and dynamic individuals,” says Todd Shapiro, ICPAS president and CEO. “We are truly fortunate to have such inspirational members dedicated to our mission of enhancing the value of the CPA profession and leading the next generation of CPAs through the unprecedented change impacting accounting and finance today.”

Each year, ICPAS’ prestigious awards recognize outstanding leaders within the CPA community. ICPAS is proud to present the following honorees:

Lifetime Achievement Award

The Lifetime Achievement Award is the highest honor bestowed on a member who has demonstrated distinguished service to ICPAS and the accounting profession.

Elizabeth A. Murphy, Ph.D., MBA, CPA – Professor Emerita, DePaul University

Women to Watch Awards

In partnership with the ICPAS Women’s Committee and Association of International Certified Professionals Accountants, Women to Watch Awards are presented in two categories, Experienced Leader and Emerging Leader, to recognize women who have made significant contributions to the accounting profession, their organizations, and to the development of women as leaders.

Experienced Leader

Carol M. Jessup, Ph.D., CPA, CFE – Professor of Accountancy, University of Illinois Springfield

Emerging Leaders

Lauren Bruce, CPA, CIA – Senior Manager, Grant Thornton LLP
Hollis A. Hanson-Pollock, CPA – Associate Practice Fellow, GASB and Audit Manager, Crowe LLP

Lester H. McKeever Jr. Advancing Diversity Awards

Presented in two categories, Outstanding Leader and Emerging Leader, the Lester H. McKeever Jr. Advancing Diversity Award recognizes individuals who are committed to advancing diversity in the accounting profession.

Outstanding Leader

Sandra Waller Shelton, Ph.D., MBA, CPA – KPMG Endowed Professor of Accountancy, Director, Internal Audit Education Program, DePaul University

Emerging Leader

Reuel Brumell, CPA – Private Wealth Consultant, Grant Thornton LLP

Outstanding Educator Awards

Awarded to educators at four-year and two-year colleges and universities, the Outstanding Educator Award honors educators who have made significant contributions to the education of accounting students through their leadership, teaching excellence, and active involvement in the accounting profession.

Four-Year College/University

Michael T. Popowits, CPA, MAS – Senior Lecturer, Department of Accounting and Director of Student Professional Development, iLEAD, UIC Business

Two-Year College/University

Christine A. Wayne, EdD, MBA, CPA – Accounting Professor and Department Coordinator, William Rainey Harper College

Young Professionals Leadership Award

The Young Professionals Leadership Award recognizes a young professional who has demonstrated outstanding leadership skills in his or her career, in public or community service, and through involvement in professional organizations.

Curt M. Mastio, CPA – Managing Member, Founder’s CPA and Adjunct Instructor, Northwestern University

Time and Talent Public Service Volunteerism Award

The Time and Talent Public Service Volunteerism Award honors an organization for its outstanding service on Illinois CPA Society or CPAs for the Public Interest volunteer initiatives.

Kutchins, Robbins & Diamond Ltd.

Distinguished Service Awards

ICPAS’ Distinguished Service Award is bestowed on members who display a commitment to excellence by taking on extra challenges and responsibilities in their 2019-2020 volunteer service.

Linda S. Abernethy, CPA – RSM US LLP – Governmental Executive Committee
Margaret L. Al-Qassas, CPA – MichaelSilver – Taxation Executive Committee
Tony Boras, CPA – Crowe LLP – Governmental Report Review Committee
Scott R. Cosentine, CPA, CAMS, CGMA – Ashland Partners & Company LLP – Audit and Assurance Services Committee
Beth M. Cwik, CPA, CFP – Huck Bouma PC – Taxation – Estate, Gift and Trust Committee
Alison H. Fetzer, CPA – ORBA – Not-for-Profit Organizations Committee
Karen M. Fleming, CPA, MST – BKD CPAs & Advisors – Taxation – Estate, Gift and Trust Committee
Robert T. Hedrick, EA, MST – Hedrick Systems Group Inc. – Taxation – Practice and Procedures Committee
Mark S. Heroux, JD – Baker Tilly Virchow Krause LLP – Taxation – Practice and Procedures Committee
Mark S. Klesman, CPA, CGMA – Klesman & Company PC – Peer Review Report Acceptance Committee
Ellen L. Landgraf, Ph.D., CPA, CFE – Loyola University Chicago – Ethics Committee
Monty D. Meyer, CPA/PFS, MST, USTCP – Monty Meyer CPA & Associates PC – Taxation – Practice and Procedures Committee
Kim D. Meyer, CPA – Hudgens & Meyer LLC – Peer Review Report Acceptance Committee
Brittany Y. Okossi, CPA – KPMG LLP – Mary T. Washington Wylie Alumni Advisory Group
Linda C. Rapacz, CPA – Linda C. Rapacz CPA PC – Peer Review Report Acceptance Committee
Jonathan E. Strouse, CPA – Harrison & Held LLP – Taxation – Practice and Procedures Committee
Andrew VanSingel, JD – Internal Revenue Service – Taxation – Practice and Procedures Committee