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MEET THE 2008-2009 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The American Woman's Society of CPAs is pleased to announce the election of the following officers and directors for the upcoming 2008-2009 term.  These ladies were installed during a memorable ceremony on June 26, 2008 in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, hosted by the South Florida Affiliate.

The evening began with a welcome and opening remarks from Laura Weiner, a member of the AWSCPA South Florida Affiliate’s leadership team.  Laura introduced Mary Riley, AWSCPA President 2006-2007, who provided some history of the Society and talked about the 75th Anniversary Celebration.

Jennifer Laudermilch provided a year in review, detailing the accomplishments of the Society during the 2007-2008 year and highlighting new initiatives.  Jennifer had the pleasure of introducing Dr. Ann McGee, a long-time friend of AWSCPA President-Elect, Mary Cheaney.  Dr. McGee was inspirational and using the art of story-telling, left the audience energized and excited for what lies ahead.  Dr. McGee had the pleasure of installing the 2008-2009 Board of Directors and making formal introductions to the audience.

AWSCPA 2008-2009 Board of Directors is installed by Dr. McGee.

President – Mary Cheaney, Mary F. Cheaney, P.A., CPA

Mary Cheaney is with her own accounting practice in North Miami Beach, Florida since 1990.  She has been practicing in public accounting since 1981, after working four years with the Internal Revenue Service in Jacksonville, Florida.

Awarded a $20,000 IRS scholarship, Mary graduated from Belmont Abbey College in North Carolina in 1977 with a Bachelors of Arts degree in Accounting.  Listing the IRS and two national CPA firms as former employers, she has had extensive training in several areas of taxation and accounting.   As a result, she has developed a specialty in the areas of tax planning for the real estate professional and small business owner, retirement planning for investors, and wealth preservation through estate and gift planning.

Mary has taught many classes on a wide range of topics through various public forums and professional organizations.  She has been published in the Tax Advisor, featured in local newspapers and has hosted radio talk shows on a variety of topics including estate planning, IRS procedures, staring a new business and unlimited tax reform legislation.  Mary is also a certified presenter for the Educational Foundation for Women in Accounting’s Leadership Training Series.

Mary is actively involved in several professional organizations.  She is a member and Past-President of the American Woman’s Society of CPAs of South Florida.  She was a charter board member of both the CPA Club of Fort Lauderdale and the Commercial Real Estate Women of Broward County.  In addition, she is a member of the Florida Institute of CPAs, the American Institute of CPAs, and the National Association of Women Business Owners.

Her community support encompasses several worthy causes, focusing primarily on women’s issues.  She has served as President of the Board of Trustees for the Educational  Foundation for Women in Accounting.  In addition, she is a Past-Chairman of the Board of Directors for Women In Distress of Broward County, the only certified domestic violence treatment center in Broward County, a volunteer for the Financial Appropriations Committee of the United Way, and a volunteer for Positive Images of Broward, a welfare-to-work agency supporting a woman’s ability to change her destiny.

President-Elect – Stefanie Yurus, Childrens Hospital & Research Center Foundation

Stefanie Yurus is a Bay Area native.  She graduated from U.C. Berkeley with a B.S. in Business Administration and from Golden Gate University with a MBA in Finance.  She has over 15 years of work experience working in various fields in the bay area.  She obtained her CPA while at KPMG in San Francisco. 

Her most recent work experience is with the Children’s Hospital & Research Center Foundation.  She was previously as accounting manager for the Asian Art Museum of San Francisco where she worked primarily on the accounting for the renovation of the old San Francisco Public Library and the related capital campaign.  She is on the national board of the American Woman’s Society of CPAs and also on the Board of the Educational Foundation for Women in Accounting which is a nationwide organization that raises funds for accounting scholarships.

Past President – Jennifer Laudermilch, PricewaterhouseCoopers

Jennifer Laudermilch is a Senior Manager at PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC) in the Miami, Florida office and leads the PwC internal control practice (Systems and Process Assurance or "SPA") for the Florida market.  Prior to her relocation to Miami in January 2008, Jennifer was the SPA site leader for the PwC Birmingham office.  She also spent three years in the PwC National office developing the Firm's approach to 404. As a result, she is frequently asked to speak on the topic of internal control to local organizations. Jennifer graduated from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting, and from the University of Georgia with a Master’s of Accountancy.  

Jennifer has been a national board member for several years, serving most recently as President.  On a local level, Jennifer served as the president of the AWSCPA Georgia affiliate, and served on the board of the Georgia affiliate as President Elect, Treasurer and Member at Large.

Secretary/Treasurer - Amy Knowles-Jones, Panasonic Automotive Systems of America

Amy Knowles-Jones recently joined Panasonic as the Internal Control Manager in their automotive systems division with responsibility for Sarbanes-Oxley 404 compliance and the overall financial control environment. She previously served as Internal Audit Manager at Oxford Industries, Inc. (OXM), a global apparel manufacturer in Atlanta, Georgia and prior to joining Oxford, was a senior risk management consultant in the Atlanta office of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. Amy graduated from Valdosta State University with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting. She is a CPA, certified in Massachusetts and a Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) in Georgia.

Amy served as President of the Georgia AWSCPA affiliate for several years and continues to serve on the advisory board as well as chairing the scholarship committee. She has also been a member of the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) since 1998.

Vice President Member Services – Wendy Lewis, Jim R. Smith & Company

Former Presidents of the AWSCPA’s South Florida Affiliate.

Wendy Lewis is the Controller for Jim R. Smith & Company in Houston, Texas.  Jim Smith is the largest individual owner of shopping centers in the Houston metropolitan area.  The company owns and manages over 2,000,000 square feet of lease space.  Wendy’s duties encompass human resource and payroll functions, as well as all areas of finance including day-to-day operations, financial reporting and lender relations, tenant contact, and preparation of all tax returns for the business entities, employees and family members.  Because of the Smith’s vast business and philanthropic interests, Wendy also spends a large amount of time researching a variety of topics.

Wendy received a BBA in accounting from the University of Texas San Antonio.  She is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), Texas State Board of Certified Public Accountants (TSCPA) - Houston Chapter, and the American Woman’s Society of Certified Public Accountants - Houston Affiliate.

     

Charitable and civic activities have always been important to Wendy.  She served on her homeowner’s association board as their treasurer for twelve years.  She is an active member of St. Thomas Presbyterian Church.  She was the adult choir president for numerous years, and served as a Ruling Elder for a three year term.  Wendy has participated on several church committees, and been active with various mission projects in Houston, as well as at previous churches in Huntsville and San Antonio. She has served on the board of the Houston Affiliate in different capacities, and as president for the 1996-1997 year.

Vice President Publications – Usha Murthy, Los Angeles Regional Foodbank

Usha Murthy, in her position as Chief Financial Officer at the Los Angeles Regional FoodBank, oversees all of the Foodbank’s fiscal interests. Ms. Murthy supervises a staff of 12 that includes the Inventory Control Department and the Accounting Department. She has 16 years of experience working as a CFO, Controller, and a financial analyst for various non-profits and government agencies, including the Resolution Trust Corporation, Heart of America United Way, and the Jewish Community Foundation. 

Ms. Murthy received her BS degree in Accounting in India.  She later earned her Masters of Business Administration with dual emphasis in both Corporate Finance and Banking from the University of New Orleans, Louisiana.  She holds a CPA certification and has been affiliated with memberships at the Missouri State Board of Accountancy, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, and the California Society of CPAs.  She is also the President of the Los Angeles Affiliate of the American Woman's Society of CPAs.

Vice President Marketing – Lynda N. Nigh, Lynda N. Nigh, CPA

Practicing in public accounting since 1994, Lynda Nigh owns a tax practice in Tucson, Arizona.  She previously worked as a Tax Supervisor for Beach Fleischman & Co. focusing on individual and trust tax returns and with Jon R. Young & Co.  Prior to commencing work in the accounting field, Lynda spent 15 years employed in the legal community and was certified by the National Association of Legal Assistants as a civil litigation specialist.

Lynda graduated magna cum laude from Northern Arizona University - Yuma with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and is a Certified Public Accountant licensed in Arizona (1998).  Lynda is a member of the Arizona Society of Certified Public Accountants (ASCPA since 1995) and a member of the American Woman’s Society of CPAs (AWSCPA since July of 2000).

Actively engaged in the Tucson Arizona affiliate of the AWSCPA, she currently serves as Membership Director and is also a past president.

Vice President JNC – Ivy Defino, Ivy Lynn Defino, CPA, PA

Ivy Defino is the President of her own public accounting firm in Davie, Florida.  Prior to establishing her own firm, she was a manager at CBIZ McClain Accounting, Tax & Advisory, Inc. in their Miami office.  Her areas of expertise are tax, compilation work and accounting services for closely-held entities. 

Ivy earned her bachelor’s in Business Administration from Florida Atlantic University in 1985, and earned her Master’s Degree in Accounting from Nova University five years later.  She has been a member of AWSCPA since 1998 and is a past president of the South Florida Affiliate of AWSCPA.  Ivy also holds memberships with both the American and Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

National Director East - Kristi Biondo, Marathon Asset Management

Kristi Biondo is a Director at Marathon Asset Management, a global alternative investment and asset management company with $11.7 billion in capital under management and has over 12 years experience in the financial services industry.  Kristi previously worked as a Senior Manager in PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP's alternative investment management industry providing audit and business advisory services to a wide range of both broker-dealers and investment companies, including private equity funds, hedge funds, and commodity pools. Prior to joining PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, Kristi spent over six years in Deloitte & Touche LLP's banking and securities group including a two year tour in the London office.

She graduated with honors from the University of Buffalo with a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting and finance.  She is a Certified Public Accountant licensed in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Washington D.C. She is also a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), the New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants (NYSSCPA) and the American Woman’s Society of CPAs (AWSCPA).

She currently serves as a member of the board of directors for the American Woman’s Society of CPAs.  She is the current President and a past Vice President and Director of Membership of the NYC affiliate of the AWSCPA.

National Director West – Kelly K. Welter, KKW & Associates, Inc.

Kelly Welter owns her own accounting practice, KKW & Associates, Inc. in Las Vegas, Nevada. The firm specializes in individual and business taxation as well as business consulting.  Kelly has worked in public practice since graduating from Oregon State University and Agder Business College in Kristiansand, Norway in 1994. She worked at two local firms in Oregon before moving to Las Vegas in 2002. She then worked as the tax manager at a local firm until going out on her own in 2005.

Kelly’s extensive work with small businesses over the years laid the foundation for her work with businesses in a variety of industries. It is very common for her to work with clients from the startup stage. She will assist them with business formation, setting up the accounting and payroll, and provide financial, general business, and tax consultation through all the stages of their development.

Kelly is a member of the American Women Society of Certified Public Accountants, the Nevada Society of Certified Public Accountants, and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. She is also on the National Board of Moms In Business Network and has served as the Southern Nevada Leader for the local circle. Kelly served as the Treasurer for Boys Hope Girl Hope – Nevada.

National Director Student Affiliates – Alex Miller, Alexandra L. Miller, CPA, PC

Alex Miller is the owner of her own accounting firm in Tucson, Arizona - Alexandra L. Miller, CPA, PC. Her tax and accounting practice specializes in individuals, estates, trusts, small businesses and the construction industry. Alex graduated from the University of Arizona with degrees in accounting and management.

Alex has served AWSCPA at the national level in many positions, including past president in 2003-2004.  A member of AWSCPA since 1991, she is a past president of the Tucson affiliate. Alex is a member of the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA), the Arizona Society of CPAs (ASCPA), the American Society of Women Accountants (ASWA), the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC), and the International Advisory Forum of Beta Alpha Psi. She has also served a term on the AICPA Work/Life Women’s Initiatives Executive Committee.

Mary Cheaney and Jennifer Laudermilch pass pins in a traditional ceremony.

Following tradition, a passing of the pin took place with the President’s Pin being given to Mary Cheaney for the upcoming year and a Past President’s Pin being presented to Jennifer Laudermilch representing the Society’s appreciation for her years of service as a dedicated leader.

The National Board met while in Ft. Lauderdale on June 26-27 for outgoing and incoming board meetings and an installation ceremony.

In August, the Board of Directors met and appointed Rebecca Hurt, Crowe Horwath to the position of National Director Large Firms.  Rebecca accepted the appointment and is currently working with a group of members representing large firms throughout the country on development of initiatives specifically designed to assist women CPAs in the country’s “top 100”.

National Director Large Firms – Rebecca Hurt, Crowe Horwath LLC

Rebecca Hurt has nearly ten years experience in the area of tax compliance and tax consulting with an emphasis on middle to large size businesses.  Her industry focus has been manufacturing, service, agricultural, and real estate companies.  She has extensive experience working with private equity group clients, both in performing due diligence and in serving portfolio companies post-transaction.  Rebecca’s technical focus has been in the areas of FAS109, partnership and LLC taxation, consolidated corporate returns and REITs.  Rebecca has provided consultation regarding various tax issues including:  mergers and acquisitions, S corporation and partnership planning, tax-free exchanges, timber taxation, purchase accounting, and various tax accounting issues.  Additionally, she has experience in the area of tax controversy having participated in the IRS Pre-Filing Agreement program and managed various federal and state audits.

She leads the Women’s People Resource Network at Crowe – an initiative dedicated to the attraction, retention, and development of the firm’s women comprised of over 600 individuals from each of Crowe’s 25 locations.  She currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Girls Scouts of Tanasi Council and has been a committee member for the Race for Education and Les Juene Passes.

Prior to joining Crowe Horwath, Rebecca worked with a national accounting firm and for a publicly-traded manufacturer.

Rebecca is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the Tennessee Society of CPAs and the Tax Executives Institute.  Her work has been published in the AICPA’s tax journal, The Tax Advisor.