Tennessee Society of CPAs Names TSCPApex Award Recipients
The Tennessee Society of Certified Public Accountants (TSCPA) honored its top members in six different categories at its 92nd Annual Meeting and Convention held in Memphis, Tennessee, on June 13-15, 2023.
The TSCPApex Awards Program recognizes the many ways that individuals contribute significant time, energy and intellect to developing our profession and fostering its success. The awards celebrate those who are emerging leaders, innovators, educators, volunteers and others who have made a substantial impact in accounting.
Lifetime Achievement Award
This award is given in recognition of a TSCPA Life member who has exhibited leadership, made significant contributions to the profession and had an outstanding record of service to the society and the local community.
Ray Adams, CPA – 2023 TSCPApex Lifetime Achievement Award
Adams and Plucker CPAs – Greeneville, Tennessee
Claude Blankenship, CPA – 2023 TSCPApex Lifetime Achievement Award
Blankenship CPA Group – Brentwood, Tennessee
Will Pugh, CPA – 2023 TSCPApex Lifetime Achievement Award
Pugh CPAs – Knoxville, Tennessee
CPA of the Year Award
The CPA of the Year Award recognizes a CPA who has made outstanding contributions toward advancing the accounting profession.
John Thomas, CPA – 2023 TSCPApex CPA of the Year Award
John W. Thomas, CPA – Cordova, Tennessee
Impact Award
This award acknowledges a TSCPA member who has distinguished him or herself in philanthropic activities. The society seeks nominations for those individuals known to be actively involved in their communities, whether in humanitarian, civic, government, religious or professional activities.
Julie James, CPA, CISA – 2023 TSCPApex Impact Award
National Association of State Boards of Accountancy – Nolensville, Tennessee
Gina Pruitt, CPA/CITP, CRISC, CISA, CCSFP – 2023 TSCPApex Impact Award
Kraft CPAs PLLC – Hermitage, Tennessee
Special Recognition Award
These awards are given to individuals who have contributed to the success of a TSCPA project or initiative - contributions of an outstanding nature and where the project or initiative deserves special recognition. Given the nature of the project initiative, there could be multiple recipients of these special recognition awards. Committee members, chapter leaders as well as “friends” of the profession should be considered. Recipients do not have to be a CPA or TSCPA member.
Dr. Perry Moore, CPA, CIA, CRMA – 2023 TSCPApex Special Recognition Award
Lipscomb University – Brentwood, Tennessee
Dimeta Smith Knight, CPA – 2023 TSCPApex Special Recognition Award
Dimeta Smith, CPA LLC – Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Emerging Leader Award
This award is given to someone who has been working in the accounting profession 10 years or less. The individual should have made noteworthy professional accomplishments; combined personal and professional achievements that merit special recognition; actively participated in the advancement of the profession or TSCPA; and stands out in the areas of professional knowledge, skill, integrity and leadership.
Lohan Kotze, CPA – 2023 TSCPApex Emerging Leader Award
Rodefer Moss & Co, PLLC – Jonesborough, Tennessee
Keith O’Connor, CPA – 2023 TSCPApex Emerging Leader Award
Pugh CPAs – Knoxville, Tennessee
Women to Watch Award
This award highlights the accomplishments of women in the profession and demonstrates to emerging female leaders that success is not out of reach. The award is given in two categories, Experienced Leaders and Emerging Leaders.
Dr. Michelle Freeman, CPA – Women to Watch (Experienced Leader) Award
East Tennessee State University – Greeneville, Tennessee
Ellen Lipe, CPA, SFO, CMFO – Women to Watch (Emerging Leader) Award
Greeneville City Schools – Greeneville, Tennessee
Nominations for this year’s awards closed on Jan. 15, 2023, and recipients were selected by TSCPA’s Awards Committee. For more information on the TSCPApex Awards Program, see TSCPA’s website.