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 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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2026 CPAFMA HR Series
The accounting profession is experiencing rapid change, creating new challenges—and opportunities—for firms seeking to attract, develop, and retain top talent. The 2026 CPAFMA HR Series is designed to help firm leaders, HR professionals, and operations teams navigate today's evolving workforce landscape with confidence. Across three engaging webinars, participants will explore the key trends shaping the profession, learn how to ...
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Learning & Development Panel
As firms navigate evolving workforce expectations and increasing talent challenges, investing in employee development has never been more important. Join a panel of industry leaders as they discuss practical strategies for building future-ready teams through upskilling, career pathing, and employee engagement initiatives. Featuring insights from Tamera Loerzel (ConvergenceCoaching), Kerkering, Barberio & Company, and Summit West CPA Group, ...
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