The American Institute of CPAs presented awards to seven CPAs during the ENGAGE 2026 conference in Las Vegas this week.
The awards highlight CPA efforts in a specific accounting specialty area, excellence in volunteer efforts, or significant contributions to the accounting profession.
“The CPAs recognized at this year’s ENGAGE conference embody the professionalism, integrity, and commitment that define the CPA license,” Eva Simpson, vice president of member value, tax and advisory services for the AICPA, said in a statement on June 10. “They have distinguished themselves among their peers and serve as inspiring leaders in personal financial planning and technology advisory services. We take pride in recognizing their exceptional efforts each year.”
Mathieu Lupien Technology Advisory Volunteer of the Year
Named in memory of Mathieu Lupien, an AICPA volunteer who passed away from cancer in December 2025, this new recognition reflects the passion, expertise, and steady advocacy he brought to the technology advisory space in his numerous contributions as a CITP credential holder.
Each year, this award will recognize a volunteer who embodies the collaborative spirit, innovative mindset, and deep commitment that he exemplified.
Lupien was recognized as the inaugural recipient of this award during the ENGAGE 2026 conference.
His more than 25 years of finance experience included serving as president and co-founder of Simfiny Solutions, headquartered in Montreal, as well as senior finance roles in domestic and international companies.
He held the CPA designation in Canada and added the CITP credential in 2019.
Standing Ovation Honors
The AICPA honored six CPAs for contributions to their specialty areas with the Standing Ovation award.
The AICPA’s Standing Ovation program recognizes young CPAs who exhibit exemplary professional achievement in personal financial planning, business valuation and forensic accounting, and information management and technology assurance.
Beyond making a notable contribution to the accounting profession, nomination requirements include maintaining an active CPA license, being an AICPA member in good standing, and holding either the Personal Financial Specialist (PFS), Certified Information Technology Professional (CITP), Certified in Financial Forensics (CFF), or Accredited in Business Valuation (ABV) credential.
Personal Financial Planning Standing Ovation
The two recipients of the 2026 Personal Financial Planning Standing Ovation hold the PFS credential. They are (in alphabetical order):
- Mitch Kennedy, CPA/PFS,MS, CFP, Senior Wealth Advisor at Mariner, Novi, MI
- Victoria Thayer, CPA/PFS, Founder and CEO of Novii CPA, Madison, WI
Technology Advisory Standing Ovation
The four recipients of the 2026 Technology Advisory Standing Ovation award all hold the CITP credential. They are (in alphabetical order):
- Jeffrey Cook, CPA, CITP, Legacy Financial Services, Palm Beach Gardens, FL
- Marnie Feffer,CPA, CITP, CISA, Director, IT Governance, Risk & Compliance, Mizuho, Hewlett, NY
- Jared James, CPA, CITP, CISSP, CISA, Cybersecurity Principal, Baker Tilly, Seattle
- Jenny Trotta, CPA, CITP, CISA, Principal, Plante Moran, Southfield, MI
Photo credit: Isaac O’Bannon
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Tags: Accounting, AICPA, aicpa award, aicpa engage 2026, awards
