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
CPAFMA 2026 Tech Series
Technology is reshaping the accounting profession at an unprecedented pace. From artificial intelligence driving new efficiencies and revenue opportunities, to increasingly sophisticated cyber threats targeting financial data, today’s CPA firms must be proactive, strategic, and resilient to stay competitive. This three-part webinar series equips firm leaders with a comprehensive roadmap to navigate the evolving technology landscape.
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CPAFMA Connections 2026
Join us for CPAFMA Connections 2026 stand-alone conference, June 23-26 in Salt Lake City. Registration is now open! Find more information here. 2026 Connections Conference—our national stand-alone conference bringing together firm management professionals from across the country for education, inspiration, and connection. The conference is held June 23-26, 2026, in Salt Lake City, Utah. The conference includes sessions that range ...
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AI In The Accounting Profession
AI is transforming the accounting profession, but successful enablement requires the right strategy, onboarding, and engagement. This session will provide a practical roadmap for implementing AI to drive firm-wide adoption and maximize value creation. Attendees will gain insights into real-world AI success stories and actionable best practices for seamless AI integration across all parts of the firm.
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