The Indiana CPA Society (INCPAS) has announced the finalists for the 2024 INCPAS Awards honoring outstanding CPAs and related professionals in Indiana. All finalists and honorees are chosen by the INCPAS Awards Committee comprised of members of the Board of Directors.

This year’s winners will be announced at the annual INCPAS CPA Celebration on November 22 at The Crane Bay Event Center.

We congratulate the following finalists in each category:

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Breakthrough Award, presented by Miles Talent Hub

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

Finalists

Olga Chaikouskaya, CPA, CXO Solutions, LLC – Indianapolis
Erin Smith, CPA, Insight Accounting Group, PC – Goshen

Emerging Leaders Award

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

Finalists

Brendon Howell, CPA, PwC LLP – Indianapolis
Andrew McNeely, CPA, Katz, Sapper & Miller LLP (KSM) – Indianapolis
Emilee Smith, CPA, MBA, London Witte LLP – Indianapolis
Esperanza Wynn, CPA, Elanco – Indianapolis

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.

Finalists

Herschel Frierson, Crowe LLP – Indianapolis
Andrew Mansaray, Dauby O’Connor & Zaleski, LLC (DOZ) – Carmel

Visionary Award, presented by PwC

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

Finalists

ALPFA Indianapolis Chapter – Indianapolis
Judy Bobilya-Feher, CPA, Perfection Bakeries Inc. (dba Aunt Millie’s Bakeries) – Fort Wayne
Benjamin Lippert, CPA, Donovan CPAs – Indianapolis

Women to Watch Award

Honors outstanding long-time or up-and-coming women within the CPA profession.

Finalists

Stephanie Bowie, CPA, B. Empowered, LLC – Indianapolis
Katelyn Leichty, CPA, Kruggel Lawton CPAs – Goshen
Christina Paddock, CPA, CGMA, Christy Paddock Advisors – Plainfield
Sarah Schenkel, CPA, Katz, Sapper & Miller LLP (KSM) – Fort Wayne
Ashley Vukovits, LiftBridge – Fishers

We also congratulate the following honorees in these categories:

Advocacy Award
Honors an individual or organization that has advocated on behalf of the CPA profession by working with the Society’s advocacy team, legislators and regulatory officials.

Winner: Benjamin L. Smith, CPA, CGMA, Estep, Doctor & Co., PC – Muncie

INCPAS Volunteer of the Year Award

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

Winner: Amanda J. Horvath, CPA, CGMA, Katz, Sapper & Miller, LLP (KSM) – Indianapolis

Chair’s Award
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.

Winner: Anita W. Sherman, CPA, CGMA, Retired – Zionsville

Distinguished Service Award

The highest honor presented by INCPAS, this award recognizes a member who has made major, long-time contributions to the profession, INCPAS or the AICPA during their professional career.

Winner: Kevin J. Hamernik, CPA, CIRA, Forvis Mazars – Indianapolis

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.

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