The Society’s annual awards celebrate those making a positive impact on the accounting and finance profession. 

CHICAGO, April 21, 2026 – The Illinois CPA Society (ICPAS)—one of the largest state societies serving the certified public accountant (CPA) community—is pleased to announce the honorees of its annual awards program, which celebrates distinguished leaders within the accounting and finance profession.

“It’s an honor to recognize and celebrate those who’ve gone above and beyond in service to both our organization and the accounting and finance profession,” says ICPAS President and CEO Geoffrey Brown, CAE. “These outstanding individuals personify our mission of ‘enhancing the value of the CPA profession’ and deserve our recognition for their transformative achievements, dedicated volunteer service, and pursuit of excellence. Congratulations to all the award recipients.”

ICPAS will formally recognize the following honorees at the Leader Recognition & Awards Dinner in Chicago on June 18, 2026:

Lifetime Achievement Award

The Lifetime Achievement Award is the highest honor bestowed on a member who has demonstrated distinguished service to ICPAS and the accounting profession.

• Scott D. Steffens, CPA | Partner, Grant Thornton LLP (Retired)

Lester H. McKeever Jr. Advancing Diversity Awards

The Lester H. McKeever Jr. Advancing Diversity Award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated a commitment to advancing diversity in the accounting profession. 

Experienced Leader

• Monica N. Harrison, CPA | Vice President, Controller, Tinuiti Inc.

Emerging Leader

• Ivory Pineda, CPA | Assurance Manager, Baker Tilly US LLP

Women to Watch Awards

The Women to Watch Award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the accounting profession, their organizations, and the development of women as leaders.

Experienced Leaders

• Jennifer M. Culotta, CPA | Partner, Plante Moran PLLC
• Randi Miller, CPA | Tax Principal, BDO USA PC

Emerging Leaders

• Nicole J. Maimon, CPA | Senior Tax Consultant, Deloitte Tax LLP
• Ashley Trabaris, CPA | State and Local Tax Senior Manager, Porte Brown LLC

Outstanding Educator Awards

The Outstanding Educator Award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the education of accounting students through leadership, teaching excellence, and active involvement in the accounting profession.

• Meghann A. Cefaratti, Ph.D., CIA, CRMA | Deloitte Foundation Professor of Accountancy; Director of Certifications and Licensure; Director of Internal Audit Education Partnership, Northern Illinois University
• David W. Horton, CPA | Associate Professor, McGraw School of Business, Olivet Nazarene University
• Maureen McBeth, Ed.D., CPA | Professor, College of DuPage
  

Joshua D. Lance Young Professional Leadership Award

The Joshua D. Lance Young Professional Leadership Award recognizes a young professional who has demonstrated outstanding leadership in their career, in public or community service, and through involvement in professional organizations.

• Michael E. Currie, CPA | Audit Senior Manager, Miller Cooper & Co. Ltd.
  

Beacon Awards

The Beacon Award recognizes accounting firms and organizations that have demonstrated outstanding commitment to supporting employee professional growth, fostering a positive and inclusive workplace culture, encouraging social responsibility, and driving innovation in the accounting or finance profession.

• Mowery & Schoenfeld LLC
• Tri-Merit LLC
• Ulta Beauty
  

Distinguished Service Awards

The Distinguished Service Award recognizes individuals who demonstrate a commitment to excellence by taking on additional challenges and responsibilities through their volunteer service with ICPAS.

• Elizabeth K. Herbst, CPA – Citrin Cooperman Advisors LLC | Taxation Flow Through Entities Committee
• Brian J. Kearns, CPA, CFP – Haddam Road Advisors | Insight Columnist and Media Expert
• Riley Martin, CPA – Lauterbach & Amen LLP | High School Outreach Program
• Daniel J. Nugent, JD, CPA – University of Wisconsin-Platteville | Government Executive Committee
• Danielle Roberts, CPA – Eccezion | High School Outreach Program
• Richard C. Tarapchak, CPA – Verano Holdings Corp. | Accounting Principles Committee and Content Advisory Groups
• Charles W. Teel Jr., CPA – Teel & Company | Insight Contributor
• Andrea Wright, CPA – Johnson Lambert LLP | Ethics Committee and Public Accountants’ Registration and Licensure Committee

CPA Exam Excel Awards

The CPA Exam Excel Award recognizes individuals who achieved the highest total average scores on the CPA exam among those earning their Illinois CPA certificate in 2025.

Gold Medal

• Eleanor T. DeNunzio, CPA – University of Kansas | Ernst & Young LLP
  

Silver Medal

• Matthew J. Berg, CPA – University of Wisconsin-Madison | Legacy Professionals LLP

Bronze Medal

• Drew T. Staniak, CPA – University of Notre Dame | Deloitte LLP

The list of award winners and their photographs can be viewed here.