7 CPAs honored at ENGAGE 2026

The AICPA honored seven CPAs at ENGAGE 2026 in Las Vegas, highlighting CPA efforts in a specific accounting specialty area, excellence in volunteer efforts, or significant contributions to the profession.

“The CPAs recognized at this year’s ENGAGE conference embody the professionalism, integrity, and commitment that define the CPA license,” Eva Simpson, CPA, CGMA, vice president–Member Value, Tax & Advisory Services, said in a news release. “They have distinguished themselves among their peers and serve as inspiring leaders in personal financial planning and technology advisory services. We take pride in recognizing their exceptional efforts each year.”

Mathieu Lupien was recognized as the first recipient of the Technology Advisory Volunteer of the Year, which is named in his memory. An AICPA volunteer who died in December 2025, Lupien brought great passion, expertise, and steady advocacy to the technology advisory space as a CITP credential holder, according to the release. The award will recognize a volunteer who embodies the collaborative spirit, innovative mindset, and deep commitment that Lupien exemplified.

Lupien’s more than 25 years of finance experience included serving as president and cofounder of Simfiny Solutions as well as holding senior finance roles in domestic and international companies.

The AICPA’s Standing Ovation program recognizes professional achievement in personal financial planning, business valuation and forensic accounting, and information management and technology assurance.

The following CPAs received the Personal Financial Planning Standing Ovation honor:

• Mitch Kennedy, CPA/PFS, senior wealth adviser at Mariner, Novi, Mich.
• Victoria Thayer, CPA/PFS, founder and CEO of Novii CPA, Madison, Wis.

The following CPAs received the Technology Advisory Standing Ovation honor:

• Jeffrey Cook, CPA/CITP, president, Legacy Financial Services, Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.
• Marnie Feffer, CPA/CITP, CISA, director–IT Governance, Risk & Compliance, Mizuho, Hewlett, N.Y.
• Jared James, CPA/CITP, CISSP, CISA, cybersecurity principal, Baker Tilly, Seattle
• Jenny Trotta, CPA/CITP, CISA, principal, Plante Moran, Southfield, Mich.

— To comment on this article or to suggest an idea for another article, contact Kevin Brewer at Kevin.Brewer@aicpa-cima.com.