Barrett Simonis, CPA, of Knoxville, was recently presented with the Tennessee Society of Certified Public Accountants’ (TSCPA) 2026 TSCPApex CPA of the Year Award.
The TSCPApex Awards Program recognizes the many ways that individuals contribute significant time, energy and intellect to developing the accounting profession and fostering its success. The CPA of the Year Award recognizes a CPA who has made outstanding contributions toward advancing the accounting profession over the last year.
Simonis’ dedication to the advancement of accounting has made him a nationally recognized leader in the profession and the business world. After graduating from the University of Tennessee in 2001, he joined Pugh CPAs in the audit, accounting and advisory services practice area. He has been an officer of the firm since 2009 and has served on the firm’s executive committee of the board of directors since 2013. He currently serves as President of Pugh CPAs where he leads with integrity, strategic insight, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. His colleagues know him as a leader who inspires others, invests in developing young professionals, and embodies the principles that define the CPA profession: trust, competence, ethics, and service.
Simonis has been an active and influential member of TSCPA for many years. His service includes leadership on the Knoxville chapter board, the statewide Board of Directors, and as the 2020-2021 Chair, where he guided the organization with vision and professionalism through the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. His commitment to advancing the CPA profession extends beyond the state level through his dedicated service on the AICPA Council, where he represents Tennessee with distinction and contributes meaningfully to national discussions shaping the future of the profession. He also serves his local business communities through various charitable organizations.
About TSCPA: Founded in 1904, the Tennessee Society of Certified Public Accountants (TSCPA) is the professional association of CPAs in Tennessee, with nearly 10,000 members statewide. Its mission is to drive the success of its members and the communities they serve. TSCPA is headquartered in Brentwood, Tenn.
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