State CPA Society News & Updates is a selection of recent announcements and initiatives by CPA associations in the United States and its territories.
MARYLAND
The Maryland Association of CPAs (MACPA) recently announced that two Maryland CPAs were selected for Maryland’s ‘Women to Watch -2025. The honorees are:
● Sarah Glynn, CPA, of GRF CPAs & Advisors, in the “Emerging Leader” category.
● Susan Colladay, CPA, also of GRF CPAs & Advisors, in the “Experienced Leader” category.
Here’s a closer look at the winners and honorees in each of the two “Women to Watch” categories:
Emerging Leader: Sarah Glynn, CPA
Sarah Glynn, CPA, is a senior manager in the Non-Profit Audit Department at GRF CPAs & Advisors. She is a passionate leader known for driving staff development, audit quality, and community service, and she actively advances diversity in the profession through inclusive leadership and mentorship. A dedicated advocate for others, Glynn is committed to building a stronger, more equitable future for accounting.
Other honorees in the Emerging Leader category are:
● Heather Posey, EA, Esq., associate attorney, Frost & Associates, LLC.
● Anca Stradley, CPA, MBA, tax principal, CliftonLarsonAllen.
● Sara Tendler, CPA, MS, team lead and director of operations at Graber & Associates.
● Jaime Thompson, CPA candidate, co-founder and CFO, Nicholynn Advisors, LLC.
● Kristin Unger, CPA, founder and CEO, Crimson Tide Tax.
● Emily Updegraff, CPA, CFCM, shareholder, Audit and Assurance Department chair and board member, KatzAbosch.
● Lauren Zeigler, CPA, MS, director, Rosen, Sapperstein & Friedlander, LLC.
Experienced Leader: Susan Colladay, CPA
A partner with GRF CPAs & Advisors, Susan Colladay is a visionary leader and advocate for women in accounting. Known for her technical excellence, empathy, and commitment to mentorship, Colladay champions diversity and inclusion across the profession. She also lends her expertise to mission-driven organizations, serving on the Board of Directors of the Mindful Memorial Foundation and the Audit Committee of the American Academy of Physician Assistants.
Also nominated in the Experienced Leader category is Tina Peacher, CPA, audit principal with Jones, Maresca & McElwaney, P.A. Inaugural Leadership Forum.
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LOUISIANA
The Society of Louisiana Certified Public Accountants (LCPA) recently recognized six members whose dedication, innovation, and leadership have elevated the CPA profession and enriched their communities. The award presentations were made at the non-profit professional association’s first-ever Ledgers & Legends Ball at the Ritz-Carlton New Orleans. Together, these six remarkable professionals represent the best of Louisiana CPAs—leaders who not only advance the profession but also make a difference in the lives of those around them.
Acadiana Chapter
Distinguished Public Service Award
Donielle Watkins, CPA
Donielle Watkins was honored for her extraordinary commitment to service, leadership, and innovation. She co-founded the D.R.E.A.M.S. Foundation of Acadiana, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting individuals with special needs and their families. Under her leadership, the foundation launched recreational activities, which then led to the D.R.E.A.M.S. Manufacturing Company, creating jobs for individuals with disabilities by producing meat pies now sold in grocery stores across Acadiana. Watkins also operates her own CPA firm in Lafayette.
Baton Rouge Chapter
Outstanding Discussion Leader Award
Diane Allison, CPA, CGMA, CGFO
Diane Allison was honored for her outstanding contributions as a discussion leader whose expertise and engaging presentations have left a lasting mark on the profession. Recently retired as Director of Local Government Services for the Louisiana Legislative Auditor, Allison now runs her own firm in Prairieville, continuing her lifelong commitment to sharing knowledge and strengthening the profession.
Outstanding CPA in Business & Industry Award
Mary Coco, CPA
With 26 years of service at the LSU AgCenter, including 13 as Assistant Director at the LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens, Mary Coco exemplifies the power of CPA expertise in driving organizational success. Balancing complex projects with day-to-day responsibilities, Coco has proven herself an indispensable leader and a model of excellence in the profession.
Women to Watch Emerging Leader Award
Nicole Reynolds, CPA
Nicole Reynolds, of Prairieville, was recognized for her mentorship, professionalism, and community impact. Reynolds provides meaningful opportunities for interns and colleagues, empowering them to grow while balancing her demanding career with raising three young daughters. Reynolds is Director of Audit and Assurance Services at LaPorte CPAs & Business Advisors.
New Orleans Chapter
Distinguished Achievement in Accounting Education Award
Dr. Lillian Grose, CPA
Recognized for excellence in teaching, research, and mentorship, Dr. Lillian Grose serves as Assistant Professor and Accounting Program Coordinator at the University of Holy Cross. Beyond the classroom, she mentors students through internships, career guidance, and CPA exam preparation—shaping the next generation of accounting leaders with integrity and passion.
Northshore Chapter
Women to Watch Experienced Leader Award
Christina Chifici, CPA
Christina Chifici, of Mandeville, is the first woman to serve as Director-in-Charge of Audit and Assurance Services at LaPorte CPAs & Business Advisors. A trailblazer in her field, Chifici has mentored countless professionals, championed employee-centric policies, and fostered a culture of well-being and growth. Her leadership has strengthened both her firm and the profession.
UTAH
The Utah Association of CPAs (UACPA) recently announced their 2025 award winners for Shellebrate CPAs!. The recipients were announced on Thursday, September 18 at the Loveland Living Planet Aquarium.
The award recipients for 2025 are:
- Distinguished Service Award: William E. “Bill” Walpole, CPA. Walpole is a founding member and Director of Small Business Services at Teuscher Walpole.
- Outstanding CPA in Public Practice: Aaron B. Rentschler, CPA. Rentschler is a tax partner at Davis and Bott in Brigham City with over 15 years of experience.
- Outstanding CPA in Nonprofit & Government: Ariane M. Gibson, CPA. Gibson is the Deputy Director and Chief Financial Officer at the Utah Inland Port Authority.
- Outstanding Educator: Scott W. Pickett, CPA. After a 28-year career at PwC, Pickett began a second career teaching at the University of Utah.
- Outstanding Leadership Council Member: Michael F. Michelsen, CPA. Michelsen is an Audit Partner at Eide Bailly LLP and an Adjunct Instructor of Accounting at Utah Valley University. He is the chair of the Utah CPA Foundation and serves on several other UACPA committees.
- Rising Star: Mike Acord, CPA. Acord is a Director in KPMG’s Deal Advisory – Accounting Advisory Services practice and serves on several UACPA committees including his role as Co-chair of the Emerging Professionals.
- Women to Watch: Emerging Leaders:
- McKenna Sanders, CPA started in tax services, but discovered her passion for mentoring and is the recruitment manager at Tanner.
- Madison Hirase, CPA is a Tax Director at Incite Tax where she has helped grow the tax division and share her passion for the profession.
- Women to Watch: Experienced Leaders:
- Megan Bronson, CPA is an Advisory Partner at Squire and has been named a Top 100 QuickBooks® ProAdvisor for 10 consecutive years.
- Erika Whitmore, CPA is the Office Managing Partner of KPMG’s Salt Lake City office with over 24 years of experience.
- Lifetime Members:
- Kevin L. Johansen, CPA spent 36 years with KPMG, with 26 years as an audit partner.
- Paul K. Mendenhall, CPA is the president of the Heber Valley Heritage Foundation and a past president of the UACPA.
- Bryan C. Bolander, CPA is a former president of the UACPA.
- Kent Wayne Goates, CPA retired as the CFO for BambooHR in 2022 and has been a UACPA member since 1983.
- Mark E. Low, CPA is a retired managing partner from Jones Simkins LLC.
WASHINGTON
The Washington Society of Certified Public Accountants (WSCPA) has opened nominations for the 2025-2026 WSCPA Lifetime Achievement or Community Leadership Award. Nominations are due by December 31 and will be considered in the spring.
For more information or to fill out the nomination form, visit the Award page on the WSCPA website.
2024-2025 winners include:
Lifetime Achievement Award
Bill Wells Posthumous—For an exemplary career of leadership and commitment to students and the profession.
William “Bill” L. Wells taught accounting at the University of Washington (UW) from 1989 until his retirement in 2013. During Bill’s tenure, he received numerous awards, including the UW Undergraduate Professor of the Year in 2001 and 2004, the UW Distinguished Teaching Award in 2006, and the Ernst and Young Inclusive Excellence Award in 2010.
He served as the President of Beta Alpha Psi, 2000 to 2005, Beta Alpha Psi Northwest Regional Director from 2005 to 2008, and WSCPA Board of Directors, 2009 to 2012.
Prior to earning a master’s degree in professional accounting from UW, Bill graduated from the University of California at Berkeley, then served in the US Army for over 20 years, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel. During his military service, he served in the US, Europe, and Asia and also obtained a master’s degree in business administration from Syracuse University.
Community Leadership Award – Business of the year
Baker Tilly—For support and commitment to the WSCPA.
Nationally, Baker Tilly Advisory Group is a leading advisory, tax and assurance firm that brings an entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to progress that has helped to build the advisory CPA firm of the future, today.
Locally, Baker Tilly leads the industry in advising high-net-worth individuals, family enterprises, and their direct investment real estate. With client relationships built on deep trust, technical excellence, and a strong understanding of family dynamics and legacy, Baker Tilly intentionally develops team members through structured career progression, blending technical skill with people-focused growth. By investing in their people and cultivating a culture of belonging, Baker Tilly delivers impactful service that evolves with their clients’ goals.
For their unwavering support, innovative leadership, and community involvement, Baker Tilly Seattle is a deserving recipient of the Business of the Year award.
Volunteer Leader Award
Martha K. Ramirez, CPA
Martha Ramirez, CPA, began her career at Clark Nuber, PS, in Bellevue, Washington, working in tax. She held tax and accounting roles at other CPA firms before returning to Clark Nuber, where now as a technology strategist, she helps teams work smarter through digital transformation.
A WSCPA member since 2015 and a recipient of a Washington CPA Foundation Scholarship in 2016, Martha has passionately engaged in student outreach, inspiring future CPAs across Washington State and in her hometown of Yakima. A graduate of Central Washington University, Martha has served as Foundation Board President, a member of the Welcoming, Engagement & Inclusion Council, the Coffee & Conversations Resource Group, and the Associate Scholarship Outreach Task Force.
Nick Fuller, CPA, CFP®
Nick Fuller, CPA, CFP®, is a financial planner at Quantum Financial Planning, where he helps business owners and professionals organize and optimize their financial lives. After graduating from Whitworth University, Nick began his career at Moss Adams before transitioning to financial planning and continues to be a passionate proponent of the CPA career path.
A CPA since 2019, Nick is chair of the Spokane Chapter Board Events Committee. With a strong focus on fostering the next generation of CPAs, Nick champions student-oriented events and initiatives that create a clear pathway into the profession.
New Professional Award
Carrie Ommen, CPA—For passion, commitment, and service to the WSCPA.
Carrie Ommen, CPA, is an outsourced controller for Your Part-Time Controller, LLC, and an enthusiastic leader in the WSCPA Tacoma Area Chapter. A dedicated and innovative member of the chapter board, Carrie has a flair and vision for creating meaningful experiences for the chapter.
A graduate of Saint Paul, Minnesota’s Hamline University with a bachelor’s degree in accounting in 2017, she obtained her initial CPA licensure in Minnesota in 2019 and then was licensed in Washington in 2022.
Special Award
Amy Walen—For understanding and support in addressing the challenges faced by the CPA profession and those it serves..
Amy Walen is State Representative for Washington’s 48th Legislative District. Prior to joining the Legislature in 2019, Amy served on the Kirkland City Council from 2009-2014, until she was selected by her colleagues to serve as Mayor of Kirkland from 2014-2019.
Amy and her husband Jim own and operate a successful local auto business. She has a consistent record of successfully leading complex organizations through change, including serving as chief financial officer for companies with annual revenues exceeding $150 million for nearly 20 years.
Rising Star Award
Heather Fitzgerald—For passion, commitment, and service to the WSCPA.
Heather Fitzgerald is a tax associate at The Railsback Group, PC, where she enjoys helping individuals and businesses make confident financial decisions.
A summa cum laude graduate of Washington State University Vancouver, she completed a double major in accounting and finance and was recognized as the Carson College of Business Student of Excellence. Now pursuing her CPA license, Heather is committed to building a career grounded in service, relationships, and long-term impact.
Heather has demonstrated a commitment to the growth of the profession by organizing firm events, career fairs, and professional development opportunities, while serving as WSU Vancouver’s Beta Alpha Psi President.
President’s Award
Marcia Holland-Risch Posthumous—For inspiring us to be servant leaders. Marcia, former Executive Director of the WSCPA, passed away in November 2024.
Marcia was a remarkable leader whose legacy continues to resonate within her professional community. As Executive Director of the WSCPA from 1996 to 2005, Marcia brought exceptional experience and strategic vision to the organization. Her expertise in advocacy was pivotal in aligning Washington State under the Uniform Accountancy Act (UAA) to achieve mobility for the CPA license.
A Certified Association Executive, she served as the executive director of several other professional organizations, leaving a remarkable footprint in each role. Her legacy continues through the many lives she touched, inspiring those who were privileged to know her. Pictured: Marcia with her husband, Roger.
OHIO
The Ohio Society of CPAs (OSCPA) has opened registration for The Accounting Show, which will take place on October 22-23 or November 12-13. The event is virtual and features more than 40 sessions across 9 core competencies. Member pricing is $533 with non-member pricing of $654.
For more information or to sign up for the October session or the November session, visit the registration page.
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