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Women to Watch Award Winners

September 16, 2026

We are pleased to announce the recipients of the 2026 Women to Watch Awards, recognizing outstanding women in the accounting profession. The awards are given in three categories: Emerging Leaders (professionals with 2–8 years of experience), Experienced Leaders (professionals with 9–14 years of experience) and Trailblazers (professionals with 15+ years of experience). 

About the Women to Watch Awards

The Women to Watch Awards were created by the AICPA to recognize outstanding women in the accounting profession and are given in two categories: Emerging and Experienced Leaders.

Criteria for nominations included:

  • Mentoring of other professionals
  • Leadership or involvement in workplace initiatives and improvements
  • Overall contributions to the profession and workplace
  • Public or community service
  • Involvement with their alma mater or other colleges and universities

2026 Winners

Emerging Leaders

Leonora Ivers, MSA

Senior Accountant
CRR and Bridgepoint Alliance

Leonora Ivers, MSA, is a senior accountant at CRR and Bridgepoint Alliance, where she leads engagements, supports process improvements and mentors new staff and interns. An active NECPAs Firm Ambassador, Leonora connects colleagues with networking, professional development and volunteer opportunities and participates in the Women’s Mentoring Circle and Accounting and Auditing Community. She is also passionate about giving back, organizing her firm’s participation in Walk MS, volunteering with Cradles to Crayons and speaking with accounting students at her alma mater, Salem State University. Through her leadership, mentorship and community involvement, Leonora is committed to creating opportunities for others and strengthening the accounting profession.

Mia McDonald, CPA

Accounting and Audit Supervisor
Meyers Brothers Kalicka, P.C.

Mia McDonald, CPA, is an accounting and audit supervisor at Meyers Brothers Kalicka, P.C., where she manages audit engagements across several industries and leads the firm’s Municipal Utility Audit Division. A dedicated mentor and emerging leader, Mia supports the development of young professionals through training, mentorship and accounting pipeline initiatives. She is also an active NECPAs Firm Ambassador and Mentor Match mentor and has presented to high school students about careers in accounting. Beyond the profession, Mia serves on the board of Girls on the Run of Western Massachusetts and is an accomplished marathon runner. Her commitment to leadership and service has earned her recognition as a BusinessWest 40 Under Forty honoree and a NECPAs SumNews Rising Star.

Experienced Leaders

Marrissa MacLeod, MSA, CPA

Audit Senior Manager
Baker Newman Noyes

Marrissa MacLeod, MSA, CPA, is an audit senior manager at Baker Newman Noyes, specializing in healthcare, hospitality and nonprofit organizations. An active member of the New Hampshire Society of CPAs for more than a decade, Marrissa is committed to strengthening the accounting pipeline and developing future professionals. She chairs her firm’s Training Committee, leads recruiting efforts across its New Hampshire and Maine offices and mentors emerging professionals. Marrissa also serves on the University of New Hampshire’s Master of Science in Accounting Advisory Board, where she helped develop a pathway that gives students a streamlined route into the profession. Her community involvement has also included leadership roles with the Girl Scouts of the Green and White Mountains, Manchester Young Professionals Network and Seacoast Beekeepers Association of New Hampshire.

Rebecca Nardi, CPA, CFF, CFE

Senior Manager
CBIZ Forensic Consulting Group, LLC

Rebecca Nardi, CPA, CFF, CFE, is a senior manager at CBIZ Forensic Consulting Group, LLC, where she specializes in forensic accounting, investigations and litigation support. An active leader in the profession, Rebecca serves on multiple MassCPAs Communities and has been a Firm Ambassador for approximately four years, championing member engagement, student pipeline initiatives and volunteer opportunities. She is also committed to developing future professionals through mentorship, training and Northeastern University’s Co-op program. Beyond the profession, Rebecca supports organizations focused on child welfare and environmental conservation, including the Massachusetts Adoption Resource Exchange, Cradles to Crayons and TreesMedford.

Trailblazers

Karen Bartlett, CPA

Partner
O'Brien Shortle Reynolds & Sabotka, PC

Karen Bartlett, CPA, is a partner at O'Brien Shortle Reynolds & Sabotka, PC, where she is committed to enhancing the experience of both staff and clients while helping move the profession forward. A dedicated leader in the CPA community, Karen served on the Vermont Society of CPAs Board of Directors and the steering committee for its merger with the New England Society of CPAs and continues her service on the NECPAs Board. Beyond the profession, she has contributed her time and financial expertise to numerous community organizations, including NeighborWorks of Western Vermont, Rutland Community Cupboard and Rutland City Rotary. In 2026, Karen was recognized by Forbes as one of America’s Top CPAs, Best-in-State for Vermont.

Allison Bishop, CPA

Founder & Principal
Allison Bishop CPA Financial Coaching

Allison Bishop, CPA, is the founder and principal of Allison Bishop CPA Financial Coaching, where she helps individuals navigate financial decisions and life transitions with greater knowledge and confidence. An active member of the Maine CPA community, Allison regularly shares her expertise through CPE programs, panels and educational events focused on topics including divorce, financial literacy and financial abuse. She is also a dedicated community leader, serving as treasurer of her local library, a Finance Committee member for ProsperityME and a board member for TogetHER Invested. Through her professional and volunteer work, Allison is passionate about empowering women, strengthening financial literacy and creating meaningful connections across Maine’s business community.

Katrina Kowalski, CPA

Partner
OnPoint Tax & Consulting

Katrina Kowalski, CPA, is a partner at OnPoint Tax & Consulting, where she helps lead the firm’s marketing and networking efforts while championing a technology-forward approach to serving clients. An active member of NECPAs, Katrina participates in the Entrepreneurial Firm Network, small firm roundtables and the MAP Conference and created a Qount user group to foster collaboration among fellow professionals. Beyond her firm, Katrina has served on the board of Seacoast Soul Models and as a chapter leader for the Women’s Business League in Portsmouth. She also gives back to the profession by connecting with the next generation, including speaking with accounting students at her alma mater, Bentley University.
 

Previous Women to Watch Awards Winners

2025

Emerging Leaders

  • Logan Luongo, Marketing Manager, Plante Moran
  • Katelyn Minichiello, CPA, Experienced Manager, Audit & Assurance Services, Grant Thornton LLP
  • Kaite Valliere, Audit Manager, AAFCPAs

Experienced Leader

  • Kathryn McNaughton, CPA, Assurance Director, PwC LLP

Trailblazers

  • Mitzi Keating, CPE, CFE, Citrin Cooperman Advisors LLC and Citrin Cooperman & Company
  • Kelly Ann Miranda, CPA, MPAc, Partner, E.J. Callahan & Associates, LLC

2024

Emerging Leaders

  • Alisha Crowley, CPA, MPAc, Principal, CPA
  • Sophia Elton, CPA, Senior Audit Associate, KPMG LLP
  • Lauren Foley, MSA, Senior Associate, Meyers Brothers Kalicka, P.C.
  • Kacie McManus, CPA, Associate Principal, Forensic Services, Charles River Associates

Experienced Leaders

  • Tracy Noga, PhD, CPA, Professor and Accounting Department Chair, Bentley University
  • Carol Ruiz, CPA, Partner, PwC LLP
  • Jamie Tong-Chow, CPA, Audit Shareholder, tonneson + co (now Plante Moran)

2023

Emerging Leaders

  • Sandra Balogun, CPA, Audit and Assurance Senior, Deloitte LLP
  • Jessica Greene, CPA, MSA, Governmental Manager, Powers & Sullivan, LLC
  • Amanda Pelcher, CPA, Owner and Financial Consultant, Three-Kay Consulting, LLC
  • Carolyn Warger, CPA, Partner, Accounting Principles Group, Grant Thornton LLP

Experienced Leaders

  • Jessica Clancy, CPA, Managing Director, tonneson + co
  • Courtney McFarland, CPA, MSA, 340B ACE, Partner, AAFCPAs
  • Kathy Parker, CPA, Principal, BerryDunnEmerging Leaders

2022

Emerging Leaders

  • Kayla Ducharme, CPA, Audit Manager, Audit Asset Management Practice, KPMG LLP
  • Marni Kaufman, CPA, CFE, ABV, Senior Manager, Floyd Advisory LLC
  • Madison Litwin, CPA, MBA, MST, Senior Manager, Private Client Services Group, KLR
  • Ashley Meehan, CPA, MSA, Assurance Manager, CohnReznick LLP

Experienced Leaders

  • Janine Danielson, CPA, Partner, Managing Director of Outsourced Management Accounting, LGA, LLP
  • Nicole Florian-Theriaque, CPA, MSA, Audit Senior Manager, Wolf & Company, P.C.

Lifetime Achievement Award

  • Merrill Puopolo, CPA, CGMA, CGMA, Managing Director, CBIZ & MHM

2021

Emerging Leaders

  • Hillary Caplan, CPA, Assurance Manager, CohnReznick
  • Shanikwa Davis, CPA, MST, MSA, Senior Tax Advisor and Principal, S. Davis Tax Consultants, Inc.
  • Meredith Fuller, Senior Manager, Baker Newman Noyes
  • Krista Huebner, CPA, MSA, Senior Manager, EY

Experienced Leaders

  • Erin Coco, CPA, Audit Shareholder, tonneson + co
  • Donna Roundy, CPA, Senior Manager, Meyers Brothers Kalicka, P.C.
  • Leanne Scott, JD, LL.M. Senior Manager, Baker Newman Noyes

2020

Emerging Leaders

  • Cheryl Cadle, CPA, MBA, Senior Manager, CBIZ & MHM
  • Chelsea Cox, MSA, Senior Associate, Meyers Brothers Kalicka, P.C.
  • April Gjoka, CPA, CCMP, Experienced Manager, Grant Thornton LLP
  • Caroline Waweru, CPA, MBA, MSA, Senior Tax Manager, Stone & Company, LLC

Experienced Leaders

  • Tarra Curran, CPA, MST, Managing Director, CBIZ & MHM
  • Kristi Reale, CPA, CVA, Partner, Meyers Brothers Kalicka, P.C.
  • Katie Soule, CPA, CFP, Wealth Management Advisor, Merrill Lynch

2019

Emerging Leaders

  • Rebecca Connolly, CPA, Manager, Burkhart, Pizzanelli, PC
  • Danielle Donovan, CPA, MSA, Supervisor, Walter & Shuffain, P.C.
  • Kristen Longobardi, CPA, Audit & Assurance Manager, Deloitte & Touche LLP

Experienced Leaders

  • Mon Chau, CPA, Partner, investment management practice, Deloitte & Touche LLP
  • Laura McNeil, CPA, Tax Partner, PwC
  • Laura O'Brien, CPA, MST, Principal, ALL CPAs
  • Amy Phelan, CPA, Shareholder, tonneson & co

2018

Emerging Leaders

  • Angela H. Barcelos, CPA, Partner, Corporate Finance Group, Inc (CFGI)
  • Maura S. Hodge, CPA, Audit Partner, KPMG LLP
  • Tracy A. LeMaire, CPA, MBA, Manager, AAFCPAs

Experienced Leaders

  • Jessica T. Ackerman, CPA, Audit & Assurance Managing Director, Deloitte & Touche LLP
  • Cheryl M. Burke, MBA, Partner and Chief Operating Officer, DGC (DiCicco, Gulman & Company)
  • Janice O'Reilly, CPA, CGMA, Partner, AAFCPAs
  • Jane Steinmetz, Boston Office Managing Principal, EY

2017

Professional Associate Leader

  • Casey J. Blake, Marketing Manager, Edelstein & Company LLP

Emerging Leaders

  • Sandra E. Costa, CPA, Assurance Senior Manager, PwC
  • Laura L. Felice, CPA, CGMA, SVP Finance, Controller, BJ’s Wholesale Club, Inc.
  • Sarah E. Shaw, CPA, Tax Senior Manager, RSM

Experienced Leaders

  • Jennifer L. Gaudet, CPA, Partner, PwC
  • Julie M. Quink, CPA, CFE, Managing Principal, Burkhart, Pizzanelli, P.C.
  • Jennifer C. Williams, CPA, MBA, Partner, Director of Operations, McLaren & Associates CPAs, PC

2016

Emerging Leaders

  • Jeanie I. Gorlovsky-Schepp, CPA, Manager, AAFCPAs
  • Laura J. Gregoriadis, CPA, Principal, DiCicco, Gulman & Company
  • Jessica Platt, CPA, MST, Principal In Charge - New Bedford, CliftonLarsonAllen, LLP

Experienced Leaders

  • Pamela Kelleher, CPA, Partner, Ernst & Young LLP
  • Zara Muradali, CPA, MST, Life Science Partner, Business Tax Services, KPMG LLP
  • Linda M. Smith, CPA, Managing Partner, Smith, Sullivan and Brown, PC

2015

Emerging Leaders

  • Melyssa Brown, CPA, MBA, Senior Manager, Meyers Brothers Kalicka, P.C.
  • Lynne Coviello, Partner, Advisory Services, EY
  • Kara Stevens, CPA, MBA, Director, Accounting Programs & Assistant Professor of Accounting, Bay Path University

Experienced Leaders

  • Theresa Brockelman,CPA, Audit Partner, Deloitte
  • Catherine Latham, CPA, MBA, Shareholder, CBIZ Tofias
  • Margery Piercey, CPA, CGMA, Member of the Firm, Wolf & Company, P.C.

2014

Emerging Leaders 

  • Beza Asrat, CPA, supervisor, Abrams Little-Gill Loberfeld PC
  • Katie J. Belanger, CPA, audit manager, Alexander Aronson Finning CPAs
  • Yolanda Rego, BS, BA, tax supervisor, Gonzalez & Associates, PC

Experienced Leaders

  • Mellinda Abbott, CPA, MBA, managing partner, Abbott & Company LLC
  • Shay M. Blanchette-Proulx, CPA, lecturer, Babson College
  • Kristin D'Ambrosio, CPA, assurance partner, financial services practice, PwC

2013

Emerging Leaders

  • Karen Briggs McElroy, CPA, senior manager, Deloitte & Touche LLP
  • Kristie Cotter, CPA, manager, Samet and Company PC
  • Kathy Parker, CPA, partner, Rodman & Rodman, PC

Experienced Leaders

  • Renee Davis, CPA, partner, Powers & Sullivan, LLC
  • Kristin Kelley, CPA, MST, director, Abrams Little-Gill Loberfeld PC
  • Carla McCall, CPA, CGMA, co-president, Alexander Aronson Finning CPAs

2012

Emerging Leaders

  • Annie Boudreau, CPA, Grant Thronton LLP
  • Colleen Dowd, CPA, PwC
  • Angela Parziale, CPA, MST, Walter & Shuffain

Experienced Leaders

  • Nancy Aubrey, CPA, McGladrey LLP
  • Susan Klink, CPA, Deloitte
  • Michelle Spriggs, CPA, MBA, CBIZ Tofias and Mayer Hoffman McCann P.C.

2011

Emerging Leaders

  • Roberta Chirco, CPA, CCR
  • LeeAnn Manning, CPA, Grant Thornton

Experienced Leaders

  • Laura Barooshian, CPA, DiCicco, Gulman & Company
  • Marla Beck, CPA, CCR
  • Kristin Francisco, CPA, PwC

2010

Emerging Leaders

  • Jackie Kelley, CPA, CCR LLP
  • Marissa O'Connor, CPA, Grant Thornton LLP
  • Erin Regan, CPA, Deloitte

Experienced Leaders

  • Lillian Gonzalez, CPA, MST, CSEP, CSRP, Gonzalez & Associates PC
  • Kristina Houghton, CPA, Meyers Brothers Kalicka PC
  • Kim Reinert, CPA, Ernst & Young LLP

2009

Emerging Leaders

  • Rachael Bradley, CPA, PwC
  • Hillary Burr, CPA, Wolf & Company PC
  • Kristin Costa, CPA, Braver PC

Experienced Leaders

  • Krissy Davis, CPA, Deloitte
  • Susan Esper, CPA, Deloitte