Emerging Leader of the Year

Education and Knowledge

This Award honors an individual who demonstrates a dedication to the CPA firm management profession through strong leadership, teamwork, and integrity, while continually developing their knowledge and experience, necessary in this ever-changing business.

Firm Manager of the Year

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:

Previous Recipients of the ELAward

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

CPAFMA Connections 2026
June 23 - 26, 2026

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: CPA Firm Management Association 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, ...

More Information  
2025 Technology Series
April 24 - December 16, 2025

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.

More Information  
2025 HR Series
June 24 - September 9, 2025

2025 HR Series

Join us for a three-part CPAFMA HR Webinar Series, featuring presenters Sandra Wiley (Boomer Consulting), Tamera Loerzel (ConvergenceCoaching), and Amy Boston (threology). Each high-impact, one-hour session will dive into essential HR topics like hiring strategies, recruitment best practices, and emerging 2025 workforce trends—all designed to help your firm stay ahead in today’s competitive talent landscape.

More Information  
View All Upcoming Events