The Tennessee Society of Certified Public Accountants (TSCPA) honored its top members in six different categories at its 95th Annual Meeting and Convention held in Isle of Palms, South Carolina, on June 9-12, 2026.
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 awards celebrate those who are emerging leaders, innovators, educators, volunteers and others who have made a substantial impact in accounting.
CPA of the Year Award
The CPA of the Year Award recognizes a CPA who has made outstanding contributions toward advancing the accounting profession over the last year
Barrett Simonis, CPA – 2026 TSCPApex CPA of the Year Award WATCH VIDEO>
Pugh CPAs – Knoxville, Tennessee
Lifetime Achievement Award
The Lifetime Achievement Award is given in recognition of a TSCPA 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.
John Griesbeck, CPA – 2026 TSCPApex Lifetime Achievement Award WATCH VIDEO>
Reynolds, Bone and Griesbeck, PLC – Germantown, Tennessee
Art Sparks, CPA – 2026 TSCPApex Lifetime Achievement Award WATCH VIDEO>
ATA – Union City, Tennessee
Impact Award
The Impact Award acknowledges a TSCPA member who has distinguished him or herself in philanthropic activities.
Jason Lay, CPA – 2026 TSCPApex Impact Award
McNabb Center – Knoxville, Tennessee
Brian Tate, CPA – 2026 TSCPApex Impact Award
LBMC – Brentwood, Tennessee
Women to Watch Award
The Women to Watch Award highlights the accomplishments of women in the profession. The award is given in two categories, Experienced Leaders and Emerging Leaders.
Amelia Hart, CPA – 2026 TSCPApex Women to Watch (Experienced Leader) Award
University of Tennessee, Knoxville – Knoxville, Tennessee
Daria Cooper, CPA – 2026 TSCPApex Women to Watch (Emerging Leader) Award
Pugh CPAs – Knoxville, Tennessee
Emerging Leader Award
The Emerging Leader Award is given to someone who has been working in the accounting profession 10 years or less. The award is presented to an individual who has made noteworthy professional accomplishments and stood out in the areas of professional knowledge, skill, integrity and leadership.
Dhonielle Toussaint, CPA – 2026 TSCPApex Emerging Leader Award
Henderson and Gardner, PLLC – Chattanooga, Tennessee
Special Recognition Award
Special Recognition Awards are given to individuals who have contributed to the success of a TSCPA project or initiative.
Trea McMillian, CPA – 2026 TSCPApex Special Recognition Award
Tennessee State University – Nashville, Tennessee
Nominations for this year’s awards closed on Jan. 15, 2026, and recipients were selected by TSCPA’s Awards Committee. For more information on the TSCPApex Awards Program, visit http://www.tscpa.com/awards.
Pictured from left to right are Trea McMillian, Dhonielle Toussaint, Jason Lay