Michelle Thompson Honored as one of AICPA’s 2019 Most Powerful Women in Accounting
June 20, 2019
Cherry Bekaert LLP (“the Firm”), a growth-oriented and nationally recognized CPA and consulting firm, congratulates Firm Managing Partner and Chief Executive Officer Michelle L. Thompson, CPA, for receiving the 2019 Most Powerful Women in Accounting Award.
Created by the CPA Practice Advisor, the Most Powerful Women in Accounting Awards annually recognize 25 female leaders in the accounting industry and their contributions to the profession. The American Institute of CPAs (“AICPA”) co-sponsors the awards to promote the success of women leaders as part of its broader mission of sustaining the accounting profession. A group of independent judges selected this year’s award recipients, which included executives from Top 100 CPA firms and Fortune 500 companies, small and midsize firm partners, state society leaders and consultants. The winners were announced at the AICPA ENGAGE conference in Las Vegas on Wednesday, June 12.
Judges selected Thompson for the award based on the criteria of creating a culture of innovation and excellence within the Firm, reaching a level of management and ownership within Cherry Bekaert, with demonstrable impact on its success, and mentoring professionals following in her footsteps. Howard J. Kies, CPA, Cherry Bekaert’s previous Firm Managing Partner and CEO, presented Thompson her award this week at the Firm’s annual Partners Meeting.
Joining Cherry Bekaert in 1998, Thompson succeeded Kies as Firm Managing Partner and CEO in May 2018. As Firm Managing Partner, she drives the Firm’s overall strategic planning and direction while overseeing its operations and financial performance. Thompson also focuses on leveraging technology and innovation to shape the Firm’s future vision and execute its mission of making a difference for its people and its clients. She also serves as Chairman of the Firm’s Executive Board.