Gratitude

Wow! What at a year this has been - I have so much to be grateful for! In July, 2023 I became managing Partner at GWCPA and I hit the ground running. We changed over 34+ things at GWCPA including our name, location, website, brand, how we work and values - just to name a few. ?? I want to start by expressing my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has been a part of GWCPA incredible journey. ?? A special thanks to Barrett Young, CPA and We are PF for helping bring our new image and brand to life, and to Kelly Edelen for her instrumental role in making our new location a reality. Your hard work has helped my vision of what GWCPA should look like come to fruition and laid a strong foundation for where we need to go in the future. ???I am equally grateful to my GWCPA team for their unwavering patience and support, which has allowed me to continue to focus on mentoring and supporting the future of our profession. Together, we’ve created an environment where growth and leadership thrive, and for that, I am truly thankful. ??

As I reflect on the opportunity to serve our profession and mentor amazing people along the way, I’m reminded that every journey begins with a single step—and sometimes that step can be a baby step or a giant leap. I have always believed that supporting one person at a time can make a huge impact on our profession. ?? To my mentees: Comora Brock Samantha Cronk Amber Gallaty Payton Edelen Sarah E. Glasgow, MSAF, RTRP, CPA Mercedes Hendricks, CPA Christa Hood, CPA Julianna B. Scott Lee Denise Lumpkins, CPA Melissa A. Tarkett, CPA, MST Lataya Murphy, MSA, CFE, PMP, CSSBB Randi Reed Jeffrey Semon I believe in each of you and the profound impact you will have on the accounting profession and beyond. ?? We all need someone who believes in us, and I’m proud to be that person for you. Influencing one person can create change that impacts generations, and I know together, we will continue to elevate our profession and the world. ??

My amazing journey has lead to recognition this year and I am grateful to have been recognized as Maryland Association of CPAs (MACPA) Experienced Leader in September 2023, AICPA CPA Practice Advisor's - 2024 The 25 Most Powerful Women in Accounting, and most recently, being named one of Ignition 2024 Top 50 Women in Accounting. ??? Thank you to those who thought my contributions were worthy of this esteem recognition. I am deeply humbled and honored by each of these recognitions.

I conclude with gratitude towards those who have mentored me along my career. It may have not been a "formal" mentoring relationship, but your actions and the incredible human beings that you are have inspired me! Thank you David Bowling (My amazing husband and biggest supporter!) Tom Hood, CPA,CGMA,CITP Jackie Brown Kimberly N. Ellison-Taylor Rebekah (Brown) Olson, CPA Anoop N. Mehta, CPA, CGMA Lisa Cines, CPA, CGMA Lexy Kessler Avonette Blanding, CPA Jeff Wilson II, CPA/PFS, CFE, CGMA, CDFA? Amy Vetter, MBA, CPA, CITP, CGMA, CSP, RYT Jody Padar Michael Manspeaker, CPA, CGMA Jeff Cook Christine D. Aspell Karen Syrylo