The American Institute of CPAs has awarded its highest honors—the Gold Medal Award of Distinction and the Honorary Gold Medal—to Kimberly Ellison-Taylor, CPA, CGMA, CITP, and Gene Dodaro, respectively.
The Gold Medal Award of Distinction and the Honorary Gold Medal recognize individuals whose careers have produced an extraordinary and lasting impact on the accounting profession and the public it serves.
“Through distinguished careers in profession leadership, technology, and public service, Kimberly Ellison-Taylor and Gene Dodaro have strengthened principles that define the profession: trust, integrity, and accountability,” the AICPA said in a media release on Oct. 22. “Their contributions have shaped the profession’s evolution and helped position it for the opportunities ahead.”
The awards were presented by Carla McCall, past chair of the AICPA and past co-chair of the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants, during the fall meeting of the AICPA governing Council.
The Gold Medal Award of Distinction has honored the accounting profession’s most influential leaders since 1944. The Honorary Gold Medal was established in 1980 to recognize individuals who aren’t CPAs but whose work has had a significant impact on the profession.
“The Gold Medal Awards recognize individuals whose contributions reverberate beyond their own accomplishments to leave a lasting impact on the profession and society,” McCall said in a statement. “Kimberly and Gene have each demonstrated exceptional leadership, vision, and service. Their influence will continue to shape the profession for years to come.”
Ellison-Taylor is widely recognized as a leading voice on innovation, technology, and the future of the profession. Throughout a distinguished career spanning more than three decades, she has helped organizations embrace emerging technologies, navigate change, and prepare for a rapidly evolving business environment.
As founder and CEO of KET Solutions, and through leadership roles at Oracle, KPMG, Motorola, NASA, and Prince George’s County (Maryland) Government, Ellison-Taylor has demonstrated how technology, strategy, and professional expertise can come together to drive meaningful results.
Her influence extends well beyond the organizations she has served. As chair of both the AICPA and the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants, she helped guide the profession through a period of significant technological and societal change. As one of the youngest leaders, the first person of color, and the first African American woman to serve as AICPA chair, she also expanded pathways for future generations of professionals.
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A passionate advocate for education, mentorship, and inclusion, Ellison-Taylor has inspired countless students and professionals while encouraging the profession to embrace innovation and opportunity.
“Kimberly has left an indelible mark on the profession by challenging us to think bigger, look forward, and recognize incredible possibilities in a changing world,” McCall said. “Her leadership, mentorship, and advocacy resulted in impact that goes far beyond ideas—she has inspired countless people to believe they belong, to use their voices, and to see themselves as part of shaping the future of the profession.”
For more than five decades, Dodaro has been a leading advocate for accountability, transparency, and effective government stewardship. As the eighth comptroller general of the United States and former head of the U.S. Government Accountability Office, he has strengthened public-sector financial oversight and helped policymakers address some of the nation’s most significant fiscal and operational challenges.
Throughout his career, Dodaro advanced government auditing, financial reporting, and internal control practices across federal agencies. His leadership reinforced the credibility and independence of the GAO while elevating the importance of accountability and performance management across government.
From directing the first audit of the U.S. government’s consolidated financial statements to advancing reforms that continue to improve government effectiveness, Dodaro’s contributions have strengthened public trust and elevated standards across the federal sector.
“Gene’s career demonstrates the extraordinary impact of principled leadership and an unwavering commitment to the public interest,” McCall said. “His legacy of accountability, transparency, and service exemplifies the very best of the profession.”
Photo caption: Kimberly Ellison-Taylor and Gene Dodaro (American Institute of CPAs)
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