Accounting Professionals Honored at Michigan Association of Certified Public Accountant's Awards Dinner

TROY, MI—October 20, 2009— The Board of Directors of the Michigan Association of Certified Public Accountants (MACPA) and its President and CEO Peggy A. Dzierzawski, recently announced the 2009 award recipients at the MACPA’s annual Awards Dinner.  The evening was a celebration of those who have made an impact in their industry and in the community.

“We are really in awe of the many contributions of our members to the accounting profession and to their communities in the past year,” said Dzierzawski. “At the Michigan Association of CPA’s, we truly believe in achieving professional greatness and these award recipients demonstrate just that.”

In addition to recognizing those in outgoing positions with the MACPA, the following are the 2009 MACPA Award Recipients:

• Gail Sparks Pitts (West Bloomfield): Distinguished Service Award for her commitment and devotion to students, recruiting them for opportunities in accounting, her understanding the need to build for the future for the MACPA and profession and her assistance in launching one of the largest tax conferences in the country.
• Thomas H. Beard (Clinton Township):  Outgoing MACPA Chair Award for his outstanding service as chair of the MACPA.  Seeing the “big picture,” he served the members of the board and organization well, making a difference in the future of the profession.
• Sean P. Keenan (Bloomfield): Outgoing MACPA Board Officer Award for his outstanding leadership, bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience to the organization as a board member and past chair.  It is because of Keenan that the MACPA made an alliance with the Komen Race for the Cure.  His vision has contributed to MACPA’s success and future.
• High School Leaders Conference Planning Task Force:  Outstanding Task Force Award
• Godfrey Hammel, Danneels & Company, P.C (St. Clair Shores).: Employer Appreciation Award
• Gregory Nowak (Rochester) and Ian Dingwall: Special Recognition Award
• Detroit Red Wings: Alliance Award
• Ronald E. Taylor (Linden, NJ): Diversity Award
• Gaylord N. Smith, Albion College (Jackson):  Accounting Teaching Excellence Award
• Dr. Brian P. Green, University of Michigan-Dearborn (Warren): Distinguished Achievement in Accounting Education Award
• Rick DiBartolomeo (Troy): Public Service Award
• Joe Tomczyk (St. John): Thomas Hoatlin Award
• Larry L. Hooker (Detroit), Joyce A. Karr (Shelbyville), Paul J. MacDonald (Commerce Township), Dr. Michael Paletta (Northville), Ramona Henderson Pearson (Detroit): Chair’s Service Award
• Ernest A. Almonte (Providence, RI): Outstanding Visionary Award
• State Senator Mark Jansen (28^th Senate District):  Legislative Impact Award

The Michigan Association of Certified Public Accountants is a diversified, professional, member-driven organization serving more than 17,000 CPAs and affiliated professionals throughout Michigan. Visit MACPA’s web site at www.michcpa.org.

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