Illinois CPA Society Announces 2021 Outstanding Leadership Award Recipients
The Illinois CPA Society (ICPAS)—one of the largest state CPA societies in the nation—is proud to announce the recipients of its prestigious 2021 Outstanding Leadership Awards.
“It’s always an honor and privilege to recognize the remarkable achievements of these diverse and dynamic individuals and the invaluable contributions they make to the CPA profession,” says Todd Shapiro, ICPAS president and CEO. “We’re truly fortunate to have such inspiring members supporting our mission of enhancing the value of the CPA profession and paving the way for future generations of CPAs to find success and make positive change throughout the profession and their communities.”
ICPAS is proud to present the following honorees, who’ll also be formally recognized at the Leadership Recognition & Awards Dinner in Chicago this summer:
Women to Watch Awards
In partnership with the ICPAS Women’s Committee and Association of International Certified Professional Accountants, Women to Watch Awards are presented in two categories, Experienced Leader and Emerging Leader, to recognize women who have made significant contributions to the accounting profession, their organizations, and to the development of women as leaders.
Experienced Leader
- Rebecca Shortridge, Ph.D., CPA – Donald E. Kieso Chair of Accountancy, Northern Illinois University
- JoAnna Simek, CPA – Partner, BKD CPAs & Advisors
Emerging Leader

- Danielle I. Martin, CPA – Manager, Porte Brown LLC
- Amanda M. Rzepka, CPA, CGMA – Accounting Manager, Berlin Packaging
Distinguished Service Awards
ICPAS’ Distinguished Service Award is bestowed on members who display a commitment to excellence by taking on extra challenges and responsibilities in their 2020-2021 volunteer service.

- Megan P. Angle, CPA – Partner, Porte Brown LLC, Not-for-Profit Content Advisory Group
- Tony Boras, CPA – Crowe LLP, Governmental Report Review Committee
- Anthony M. Cervini, CPA, CFE – Sikich LLP, Governmental Report Review Committee
- Timothy C. Custis, CPA – Gorenz & Associates Ltd., Governmental Report Review Committee
- Samuel Delgado, CPA – Abbott Laboratories, MTWW Scholars Selection Committee
- Brent P. DeMay, CPA – Sikich LLP, Employee Benefits Committee
- Matthew A. Geerdes, CPA – Crowe LLP, Governmental Report Review Committee
- Stan Green, CPA – Larry J. Wolfe Ltd., Taxation Practice and Procedures Committee
- Kathy L. Horton, CPA, CMA, CGMA – Loyola University Chicago, Awards Committee
- Mark S. Klesman, CPA – Klesman & Company PC, Peer Review Report Acceptance Committee
- Luis V. Plascencia, CPA, MBA – Luis V. Plascencia, CPA, Taxation Practice and Procedures Committee and Cannabis Content Advisory Group
- Deborah K. Rood, CPA – CNA Insurance, Taxation Practice and Procedures Committee
- Taylor Schuck, CPA – Mueller CPA, Cannabis Content Advisory Group
- Michael J. Singer, CPA – Michael J. Singer and Company PC, Taxation Practice and Procedures Committee
- Nathan Summers, CPA – Miller, Cooper & Co., Ltd., Cannabis Content Advisory Group
- Randall S. Sylvan, CPA, MSA – Retired (CliftonLarsonAllen), Ethics Committee
- Andrew VanSingel, JD – Internal Revenue Service, Taxation Practice and Procedures Committee
- Larry J. Wolfe, CPA – Larry J. Wolfe Ltd., Taxation Practice and Procedures Committee
Please Note: This is a partial republishing of the Illinois CPA Society's 2021 Outstanding Leadership Awards.