(ST. LOUIS, August 16, 2018) Katie Zahner, a principal in the audit services practice at Brown Smith Wallace, was one of only 41 CPAs honored by the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) as a member of their Leadership Academy’s 10th graduating class. “The AICPA has created a phenomenal opportunity for young professionals to hone the critical leadership skills we’ll need in an ever-evolving profession. I’m honored to be one of the leadership academy participants,” says Zahner.
Zahner was selected to participate in this year’s academy because she possesses exceptional leadership skills and strong professional experience. She is passionate about supporting the missions of her clients and providing them with valuable insights and industry best practices. “At Brown Smith Wallace, we are guided by our passion for supporting and impacting the growth and success of our clients, colleagues and communities,” says Tony Caleca, Managing Partner. “Katie lives this mission day in and day out as she engages with clients, co-workers and community organizations.”
Zahner supports many organizations in the community. She serves in leadership roles for Aim High STL, the Mental Health America of Eastern Missouri and the National Children’s Cancer Society boards. In addition, she serves as a member of the national Fight CRC board of directors.
Zahner earned a Bachelor of Science in accounting and a Master of Business Administration from Mississippi State University. She is a Certified Public Accountant, a member of the AICPA and MOCPA, and she has earned the AICPA not-for-profit certificate.
The AICPA Leadership Academy was designed to strengthen and expand the leadership skills of promising young professionals while they network with a peer group of talented and motivated CPAs.
The 2018 Leadership Academy attendees were recommended by their employers, state CPA societies or both. Candidates submitted resumes and a statement explaining how participating in the Leadership Academy would impact them personally and professionally. They also wrote an essay on the following topic: The future will bring significant changes to the accounting profession. What do leaders have to get right to successfully lead?
Only 310 CPAs have participated in the AICPA Leadership Academy since 2008, many of whom have gone on to take on leadership positions in their firms, businesses and volunteer organizations.
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About Brown Smith Wallace
Brown Smith Wallace—an independent member firm of Moore Stephens North America—is a nationally recognized, top 100, full-service CPA and business advisory firm in Missouri with more than 300 employees. The firm is the topranked St. Louis firm in the 2019 Vault Accounting Firm rankings and is recognized as a top workplace for women by the Accounting MOVE Project. For more information, visit brownsmithwallace.com or call 314.983.1200.