Recognizing contributions to the MNCPA, profession
| October/November 2023 Footnote
So much of what makes the MNCPA what it is comes down to the enthusiastic and active engagement of its members. The last year marked several key activities and events, some of which brought national attention like the organization's continued work on broadening the pathways to CPA licensure. The MNCPA Annual Meeting on Aug. 15 offered the opportunity to celebrate some of the contributions made by members, along with the initiatives they participated in. So many members devoted their expertise and time to various initiatives ranging from conference planning, peer review, student outreach, media relations and more.
MNCPA Board Chair Bob Cedergren introduced individuals who stood out due to the time commitments they made and the exceptional quality of their contributions.
The following is a brief look into the efforts behind six of the award recipients:
Outstanding Contributor Award winners
Julie Richardson,
Molly Schaffer and
Val Giefer-Fossa were instrumental in reviving the Audits of Lawful Gambling Conference, agreeing to create a task force to bring back the conference, along with developing materials and speaking at the conference itself. Because of their work, more than 120 attendees benefited from this return conference.
Joy Shealer Orson has gone above and beyond regarding MNCPA pipeline issues, especially through increasing awareness among minority groups. Not only has Joy been an active participant on the MNCPA scholars program committee, she stepped in as a temporary mentor when needed, as well as developing case studies, curriculum and presentations for students on accounting basics. Joy also coordinated a scholars visit to EY and brought in a number of colleagues to visit with the scholars and sit on a panel.
Their efforts won them the MNCPA Outstanding Contributor Award, which recognizes members who volunteered within a one-year period toward MNCPA programs that contribute to the success of members and support the accounting profession.
Friend of the Profession Award winner
Eve Borenstein has spoken for the MNCPA on the topics of Form 990 and exempt organization taxation every year since 1994. Eve has shared her legal knowledge through live seminars, conference sessions, webinars and written articles. She consulted with the IRS on the most recent redesign of Form 990 and advised the MNCPA on tax and governance matters related to its 501(c)(3) Education Fund and the MNCPA Foundation.
Her dedication and willingness to share her knowledge earned her the MNCPA’s Friend of the Profession award, recognizing non-CPAs who provide exceptional support to the MNCPA, enabling CPAs to succeed professionally.
Legacy Award winners
Recognizes long-standing MNCPA members (minimum 20 years of membership) who have made significant contributions to the accounting profession through volunteer activities at the MNCPA.
- Barbara A. Beltrand, CPA, MLS, MBA
- Tom Boehme, CPA, MBA
- Carolee A. Lindsey, CPA
- Thomas P. Margarit, CPA, MBA, CGMA
- Douglas J. Nesbit, CPA, MBA
- Robert A. Sannerud, CPA, MBA, CGMA
