The Emerging Leader must also be a strong advocate of CPAFMA’s mission to lead CPA firm practice management by empowering all CPA firms to thrive by expanding knowledge, sharing experiences, achieving through collaboration, influencing leadership and envisioning possibilities.
Nominees must meet the following criteria for consideration for the CPAFMA Emerging Leader of the Year Award:
- Currently working for a CPAFMA member firm in good standing.
- Meets the definition of an emerging leader: an individual with up to five years of leadership experience in a CPA firm management role.
- Demonstrates strong leadership and teamwork skills and has made a major impact with his/her firm’s success.
- Demonstrates a strong sense of integrity.
- Demonstrates interaction with the firm’s partners and staff.
- Demonstrates a commitment to CPAFMA’s mission.
Previous Recipients of the ELAward
2025
Arcie Rojas, MBA
Grimbleby Coleman CPA's, Inc.
2024
Kathy Cochran
Mauldin & Jenkins LLC
2022
Carly Valentine
Nietzke & Faupel, PC
2019
Lisa Cloyd, PAFM
Crosslin PLLC
Nashville, Tennessee
2018
Kristin Holthus, CPA, CGMA, PAFM
Anton Collins Mitchell LLP
Denver, Colorado
2017
Julie Giacobbe
MWA CPAs + Business Advisors
Plano, Texas
Upcoming Events
2025 Firm Management Series
Join CPAFMA for a dynamic 4-part webinar series focused on key aspects of firm management tailored for CPA firm leaders and managers. Each session explores essential skills and strategies to help you lead more effectively, drive accountability, and foster a productive team environment.
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CPAFMA Connections 2026
Join us for CPAFMA Connections 2026 stand-alone conference, June 23-26 in Salt Lake City. Registration opens late Fall. For now, save the date! Call for Speakers is OPEN!Submit here. CPAFMA is now accepting speaker presentation proposals for the 2026 Connections Conference—our national stand-alone conference bringing together firm management professionals from across the country for education, inspiration, and connection. The ...
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2025 Technology Series
The accounting profession is quickly transforming due to technological innovation. However, this shift requires both accountants and firm managers to acquire new skill sets. The 2025 Technology Series will include three educational sessions presented by Roman Kepczyk, CPA.CITP, CGMA, PAFM, and the June Webinar presented by John Higgins, CPA.CITP. The series will explore topics essential to optimizing your firm's productivity and efficiency.
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