Great teachers do more than educate. They inspire students to discover what's possible. Dori Danko does exactly that through innovative teaching, meaningful mentorship and an unwavering commitment to student success. By combining project-based learning with real-world experiences, she makes complex accounting concepts approachable while building the confidence and critical-thinking skills students need to succeed. Beyond the classroom, Dori guides students through internships, career preparation and the path to CPA licensure, helping transform education into meaningful careers. She also strengthens accounting education through curriculum innovation, leadership within the profession and contributions to the development of the CPA Exam, extending her impact far beyond the students she teaches.
On campus, Jim Brisson encourages fellow students to explore the possibilities of a CPA career. As an active leader in Michigan Technological University's KSI Accounting Club, he helps connect fellow students with CPAs through guest speakers and career conversations that bring the profession to life. Through his involvement in the Applied Portfolio Management program and the MICPA Campus Influencer Program, Jim builds lasting connections between students, business professionals and the accounting community. By encouraging his peers to explore the profession, Jim is already making a lasting impact while paving the way toward becoming a Michigan CPA.
Rehmann has created a workplace where people are empowered to grow, belong and thrive. Guided by its "Putting People First" philosophy, the firm has created a culture that supports employees both professionally and personally. Its five-pillar well-being strategy promotes mental, physical, financial, social and career wellness through personalized resources, education and year-round programming, while initiatives like the Women's Initiative Network, CPA licensure support, leadership development and flexible work opportunities help employees build meaningful, lasting careers. By investing in the whole person, Rehmann has created a workplace where people are equipped to succeed, lead and make a lasting impact.
From helping guide the City of Flint through financial recovery to leading the long-term financial strategy for the Detroit Public Library, Antonio Brown has used financial leadership to bring clarity, stability and strategic direction to organizations navigating complex challenges. He has demonstrated how thoughtful stewardship can strengthen institutions and the communities they serve. Beyond his executive leadership, Antonio advises entrepreneurs and nonprofit organizations as they build sustainable financial foundations through strategic advising, education and mentorship. By translating complex financial challenges into practical decisions, he empowers organizations to plan confidently, grow responsibly and create lasting impact.
For more than two decades, NABA, Inc. – Detroit Professional Chapter's Accounting Career Awareness Program (ACAP) has helped students see new possibilities through accounting. By providing a no-cost, immersive experience for underrepresented high school students, ACAP combines mentorship, professional networking, hands-on learning and exposure to diverse accounting leaders who reflect the communities they serve. The program challenges outdated stereotypes by showing accounting as a dynamic pathway to leadership, entrepreneurship and meaningful careers. By expanding access and inspiring future CPAs, ACAP continues to help students discover opportunities they never knew were possible.
One mentor can change the course of a career. Rebecca Stoutenger has made it her mission to do the same for future CPAs. Inspired by the mentor who encouraged her to "pay it forward," she has made mentorship a defining part of her career.
Rebecca reaches students through one-on-one guidance, scholarship leadership, classroom outreach and presentations across Michigan. She introduces them to career paths they may never have considered and builds confidence in their abilities.
Most importantly, she helps students see a future for themselves in accounting.
By sharing her own experiences and challenging outdated perceptions of the profession, Rebecca helps build a stronger, more inclusive pipeline of future accounting leaders.
As accounting continues to evolve, Kristi Krafft-Bellsky is leading one of the profession's most significant transformations: the responsible adoption of technology. As Director of Quality Control and leader of Yeo & Yeo's Technology and Innovation Team, she has led firmwide initiatives that modernized audit workflows, developed a strategic roadmap for the firm’s use of artificial intelligence, and introduced tools that reduce administrative burden while strengthening quality, consistency and compliance. Just as importantly, Kristi equips fellow accounting professionals to navigate change through practical education, industry collaboration, and mentorship, sharing strategies that help firms embrace innovation with confidence. Her work demonstrates how technology and professional excellence can advance together, building a stronger, more adaptable future for the profession.
Some leaders wait for opportunities to make a difference. Kyle Richardson creates them. Whether launching new forums that give emerging leaders a stronger voice, creating opportunities for colleagues to collaborate across teams, or leading firmwide service initiatives that reconnect employees while making a positive impact in their communities, Kyle consistently brings people together around shared goals. His thoughtful approach extends to client service, where he helps individuals, families and business owners navigate complex planning decisions with clarity and confidence. By pairing strategic thinking with a genuine commitment to helping others succeed, Kyle is already demonstrating the leadership, initiative and collaborative spirit of the profession's next generation of leaders.
For Accutrak Consulting and Accounting Services PLLC, personalized service and innovation go hand in hand. Built on long-term relationships and an unwavering commitment to clients, the firm serves as a trusted advisor through every stage of a business's journey, providing guidance that extends well beyond tax and accounting. From embracing technology and thoughtfully integrating artificial intelligence to creating flexible service models that grow alongside clients, Accutrak continually evolves to meet changing needs without losing its personal touch. That same commitment extends into the community through nonprofit education, financial empowerment initiatives and efforts to strengthen the future accounting workforce. Relationships remain at the center of every decision, allowing Accutrak to demonstrate that a small firm can make an extraordinary impact.
For more than a decade, Sarah Phillips has dedicated her time and talents to strengthening the MICPA and the CPA profession through volunteer leadership. A dedicated MICPA member since her college years, Sarah has served on the Membership Committee since 2015, including two terms as vice chair and is currently serving her second term as chair. She generously shares her career journey to demonstrate the versatility of the CPA credential, encouraging students, colleagues in technology and industry, and fellow professionals to become engaged with the MICPA and maintain their CPA licensure. Her years of dedicated service and passionate advocacy have helped foster a stronger, more connected CPA community across Michigan.
Leadership doesn't begin with a title. Allison Allman is already shaping the future of her firm, the accounting profession and her community. At Kruggel Lawton CPAs, she has led initiatives that strengthen employee development, improve firm operations and foster a culture where people can thrive, while guiding clients through complex accounting standards with clarity and consistency. Beyond the firm, Allison invests in the next generation through mentorship, financial literacy education and career guidance, helping students and young professionals build confidence and discover opportunities in accounting. Her thoughtful leadership, meaningful service and commitment to developing others are already creating lasting impact well before reaching the highest levels of leadership.
The strongest organizations are built by investing in people, and Katie Ferris has spent her career proving it. Throughout more than two decades at BDO USA, she has guided the growth of one of the firm's largest tax practices while opening opportunities for colleagues to develop, lead and succeed. She has championed innovative leadership initiatives, mentored more than 100 professionals, and fostered a culture where collaboration, continuous learning and community engagement are integral to success. Beyond the firm, Katie extends that same commitment through leadership with business and nonprofit organizations, helping strengthen the communities they serve. By developing people as intentionally as she develops business, Katie is creating a lasting legacy for her profession and those who follow her.