CHICAGO, June 8, 2022 – The Illinois CPA Society (ICPAS) is proud to present Kenneth (Kenny) Mason, CPA, MBA, with its prestigious 2022 Young Professionals Leadership Award, which recognizes a young professional under age 35 who has demonstrated outstanding leadership skills in their career, in public or community service, and through involvement in professional organizations.

Mason received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of St. Francis in Joliet, Ill., where he also earned acceptance into the ICPAS and CPA Endowment Fund of Illinois’ inaugural Mary T. Washington Wylie Internship Preparation Program in 2013, a program established to launch African American and other racial/ethnic minority college students into the accounting profession with access to training, resources, and mentors. Today, Mason serves on the program’s Selection Task Force and mentors program scholars in hopes of helping them achieve the same success he has experienced as a Black individual in the accounting and finance profession.

Mason is now the CEO of Equibis, an accounting and business advisory services firm he founded to serve small businesses in the Chicagoland area. Prior to founding Equibis, Mason’s career in accounting and finance saw him rise through positions with Baker Tilly Virchow Krause LLP, Legacy Professionals LLP, First Community Financial Bank, and the University of St. Francis. He also served as the chairperson of the ICPAS’ Young Leaders Advisory Council.

“It has been a privilege to watch Kenny’s career progression and see the achievements he has made so early in his career,” says Todd Shapiro, ICPAS president and CEO. “We’re truly fortunate to have inspiring young professionals like him supporting our mission of enhancing the value of the CPA profession and helping to pave the way for future CPAs to succeed and bring positive change to the profession.”

Mason will be formally recognized at the ICPAS Leadership Recognition and Awards Dinner on June 9, 2022, in Chicago.