The American Institute of CPAs recognized outstanding volunteer leaders and rising professionals during last week’s 2026 AICPA Forensic and Valuation Services Conference.
The annual conference provides practitioners with timely insights, emerging trends, and practical guidance shaping the future of forensic accounting, litigation services and business valuation.
Each year, the AICPA honors professionals whose leadership, volunteer service, and professional achievements have strengthened the forensic and valuation community. The Volunteer of the Year Awards recognize individuals whose dedication to advancing the profession has had a significant and lasting impact, while the Standing Ovation Awards spotlight emerging leaders demonstrating exceptional professional achievement early in their careers.
2026 Business Valuation Volunteer of the Year: Brian Burns
Brian Burns, CPA/ABV, partner at Forvis Mazars, is the recipient of the 2026 Business Valuation Volunteer of the Year Award.
For more than 14 years, Burns has dedicated his time, expertise, and leadership to advancing the business valuation profession. Throughout his volunteer service, he has contributed to numerous AICPA committees, initiatives, and educational programs designed to strengthen the profession and support practitioners.
Burns has served on the Business Valuation Website Task Force, the AICPA Business Valuation Committee, the Accredited in Business Valuation Credential Committee, and most recently the Forensic and Valuation Services Committee, which he chaired in 2025. He is also a frequent speaker at the AICPA FVS Conference and a regular contributor to webcasts and technical initiatives supporting valuation professionals.
“Brian’s commitment to the valuation profession has been unwavering for more than a decade,” Mark Smith, director of valuation services for the AICPA, said in a statement. “His leadership, technical expertise, and willingness to share his knowledge have strengthened our profession and elevated the value of the ABV credential.”
2026 Forensic & Litigation Services Volunteer of the Year: Carey Miller
Carey Miller, CPA/CFF, managing director with J.S. Held, was honored as the 2026 Forensic & Litigation Services Volunteer of the Year.
During her service on the Forensic and Litigation Services Committee, Miller chaired the Education Task Force, helping shape high-quality educational programming and identify expert speakers for the forensic accounting community. She consistently sought new opportunities to contribute to the advancement of the profession and played a leadership role in several significant initiatives.
Among her contributions, Miller helped develop the AICPA’s “Responding to Requests for a ‘Forensic Audit’” resource and played a key role in launching the annual Becoming a Forensic Accountant micro-community, which connects emerging professionals with experienced practitioners for mentorship and career development. She also contributed extensively to the development of the Welcome to a Career in Forensic Accounting initiative, broadening access to educational resources and career pathways within the profession.
Beyond her committee service, Miller represented the AICPA on FinCEN’s Bank Secrecy Act Advisory Group and continues her volunteer involvement through service on the FinREC Committee. Notably, she is also a past recipient of the AICPA FVS Standing Ovation Award.
“Carey exemplifies the spirit of service that drives our profession forward,” Christine N. Cutti-Fox, director of forensic and technology advisory services for the AICPA, said in a statement. “Her passion for developing future forensic accountants, expanding educational resources, and supporting her peers has created a meaningful and lasting impact.”
2026 Standing Ovation Awards
The AICPA also recognized the following individuals with the 2026 FVS Standing Ovation Award. This award honors emerging professionals who have demonstrated exemplary professional achievement and leadership in the areas of forensic accounting, business valuation, and related advisory services.
- Matthew Gross, CPA/ABV, Aldrich CPAs + Advisors, LLP, Lake Oswego, OR
- Mac Lillard, CPA/ABV/CITP, GRF CPAs & Advisors, Mount Pleasant, SC
- Donna Melillo, CPA/CFF, Carr, Riggs & Ingram, Miramar Beach, FL
- Samuel Racine, ABV, AlixPartners, Lake Forest, IL
- Matthew Shifflett, MBP, Vienna, VA
- Ian Shol, CPA/CFF, AlixPartners, Sugar Land, TX
The Standing Ovation Award recognizes professionals who have distinguished themselves through technical excellence, leadership, community involvement, and a commitment to advancing the forensic and valuation profession.
Photo credit: American Institute of CPAs
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