WSCPA Award Winners

Lifetime Achievement Award

Recognizes a current or former WSCPA member for a career of leadership and dedicated service to the accounting profession and as an exemplary role model for other CPAs.

2025 Recipient: Bill Wells Posthumous—For an exemplary career of leadership and commitment to students and the profession.

He served as the President of Beta Alpha Psi, 2000 to 2005, Beta Alpha Psi Northwest Regional Director from 2005 to 2008, and WSCPA Board of Directors, 2009 to 2012. 

Prior to earning a master’s degree in professional accounting from UW, Bill graduated from the University of California at Berkeley, then served in the US Army for over 20 years, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel. During his military service, he served in the US, Europe, and Asia and also obtained a master’s degree in business administration from Syracuse University. 

“Many CPAs share that an educator influenced their decision to pursue accounting. It’s easy to forget how important educators are at shaping the future career paths of students. Bill Wells taught for over 20 years, advocating for the CPA profession on campus helping to create many active CPAs in Washington and as a volunteer for the WSCPA on the Board of Directors, and with scholarships, both in providing and reviewing applications,” said Kimberly Scott, WSCPA President & CEO. 

“Bill Wells was a catalyst to shaping my professional career. By week two of listening to Bill’s Introduction to Financial Accounting class lectures, I was hooked,” explained Kirsten Duke, CPA, WSCPA Past Chair. “He had sparked a love of accounting in me. Because of this class, I had finally found a career I was excited about pursuing. He encouraged me to get involved in Beta Alpha Psi, pursue a career in public accounting, and to become a CPA. Without Bill advising me, who knows what my career would have looked like. He similarly impacted thousands of students over the years.” 

Community Leadership Award

Recognizes a WSCPA member whose respected leadership in community organizations has enhanced the image or public perception of CPAs.

Business of the year

Recognizes a company or firm that provides noteworthy support and dedication to the WSCPA and its members.

2025 Recipient: Baker Tilly—For support and commitment to the WSCPA.

Locally, Baker Tilly leads the industry in advising high-net-worth individuals, family enterprises, and their direct investment real estate. With client relationships built on deep trust, technical excellence, and a strong understanding of family dynamics and legacy, Baker Tilly intentionally develops team members through structured career progression, blending technical skill with people-focused growth. By investing in their people and cultivating a culture of belonging, Baker Tilly delivers impactful service that evolves with their clients’ goals. 

“Baker Tilly’s Seattle office represents the best of our profession—combining exceptional practice with extraordinary service,” said Kimberly Scott, WSCPA President & CEO. “Their leadership in the WSCPA’s efforts to champion the profession, student mentorship, advocacy, and dedication to individual development, paired with their generous support through memberships, scholarships, and volunteer time, makes them a deserving recipient of the 2024-2025 Business of the Year. They don’t just participate in our profession; they actively shape its future.” 

For their unwavering support, innovative leadership, and community involvement, Baker Tilly Seattle is a deserving recipient of the Business of the Year award.

Volunteer Leader Award

Recognizes an active WSCPA member for outstanding service and dedication and/or innovative and inspirational WSCPA leadership.

2025 Recipients —For active leadership and dedication service to the WSCPA
Martha K. Ramirez, CPA
Nick Fuller, CPA, CFP®

“Martha Ramirez embodies the spirit of service, advocacy, and leadership that strengthens the CPA profession,” said Monette Anderson, WSCPA Vice President of Membership and Education. “Her unwavering dedication to supporting students and strengthening the CPA pipeline makes her a most deserving recipient of the Outstanding Volunteer Leader award.” 

A WSCPA member since 2015 and a recipient of a Washington CPA Foundation Scholarship in 2016, Martha has passionately engaged in student outreach, inspiring future CPAs across Washington State and in her hometown of Yakima. A graduate of Central Washington University, Martha has served as Foundation Board President, a member of the Welcoming, Engagement & Inclusion Council, the Coffee & Conversations Resource Group, and the Associate Scholarship Outreach Task Force.

“Martha’s tireless efforts to champion diversity, equity, and inclusion, along with her advocacy for the profession, have made her a true powerhouse within the WSCPA community,” said Anderson. 
 

“Nick has taken a unique approach of melding his CPA background with financial advising, placing CPAs and their technical capacity at the forefront of personal f inancial decision making,” said Andrew Brajcich, JD, LLM, CPA, WSCPA Past Chair. “He is an advocate for the profession and has been outspoken about exploring alternative pathways to licensure. His professional endeavors align with re-branding the CPA as not just a backroom number cruncher.” 

A CPA since 2019, Nick is chair of the Spokane Chapter Board Events Committee. With a strong focus on fostering the next generation of CPAs, Nick champions student-oriented events and initiatives that create a clear pathway into the profession. 

Outside the office, Nick enjoys traveling with his wife and family, playing pickleball, reading, and cheering on the Los Angeles Chargers. 

New Professional Award

Recognizes an active WSCPA member who has been a CPA for fewer than ten years for outstanding WSCPA leadership.

2024 Recipient: Carrie Ommen, CPA—For passion, commitment, and service to the WSCPA.

“Carrie fosters connections, networking, and professional growth among chapter members,” explained Daniel Nguyen-Fleming, WSCPA Director of Membership. “She has a natural ability to draw people in, helping to cultivate a vibrant community that thrives on collaboration. Carrie has become a driving force behind the chapter’s dynamic, supportive environment.” 

A graduate of Saint Paul, Minnesota’s Hamline University with a bachelor’s degree in accounting in 2017, she obtained her initial CPA licensure in Minnesota in 2019 and then was licensed in Washington in 2022. 

Carrie enjoys yoga, hiking, traveling (including an annual birthday trip to somewhere new), eating at new restaurants, cooking new recipes, and taking leisurely meanders around farmers markets. 

Special Award

Recognizes an individual who is not a CPA but has supported or promoted the activities of CPAs and the WSCPA.

2024 Recipient: Amy Walen—For understanding and support in addressing the challenges faced by the CPA profession and those it serves..

“Representative Walen has been a friend to the CPA profession during her time in the legislature,” said Mike Nelson, WSCPA Manager of Government Affairs. “During COVID she spearheaded support to keep the CPA profession going through the lockdowns. She has been a tireless advocate and ally in getting tax policy to work better for taxpayers. As chair of the House Consumer Protection and Business Committee, she has helped lead through updates to CPA licensure, and while on the Finance Committee, she brought in CPAs to review new tax proposals that could have administrative challenges. She remains open to collaboration, and we look forward to continuing that relationship in the years to come.”

Amy and her husband Jim own and operate a successful local auto business. She has a consistent record of successfully leading complex organizations through change, including serving as chief financial officer for companies with annual revenues exceeding $150 million for nearly 20 years. 

Rising Star Award

Recognizes a WSCPA member who is in the process of obtaining a CPA License, for active WSCPA leadership, dedication, and service.

2024 Recipient: Heather Fitzgerald—For passion, commitment, and service to the WSCPA.

A summa cum laude graduate of Washington State University Vancouver, she completed a double major in accounting and finance and was recognized as the Carson College of Business Student of Excellence. Now pursuing her CPA license, Heather is committed to building a career grounded in service, relationships, and long-term impact. 

Heather has demonstrated a commitment to the growth of the profession by organizing firm events, career fairs, and professional development opportunities, while serving as WSU Vancouver’s Beta Alpha Psi President. 

“Heather is a true ‘Rising Star’ in the WSCPA and in the accounting profession,” asserted Benjamin Warren, WSCPA Manager of Pipeline Initiatives. “As a WSCPA member, Heather has encouraged accounting students to join and helped them get connected to the additional resources and support from the society through scholarships, résumé reviews, and networking events. She is deeply invested in the future of the accounting profession as evidenced by her volunteer work in VITA, as a scholarship reviewer with the Washington CPA Foundation, and as a guest speaker at the WSU Vancouver Accounting Major Open House.” 

Outside of work, Heather finds balance through painting, reading, and gaming, and draws daily inspiration from time spent outdoors with her husband (photo below) and twin daughters.

President's Award

Recognizes an individual (or organization) who has made a significant contribution to the success of the profession.

2024 Recipient: Marcia Holland-Risch Posthumous—For inspiring us to be servant leaders.

Marcia was a remarkable leader whose legacy continues to resonate within her professional community. As Executive Director of the WSCPA from 1996 to 2005, Marcia brought exceptional experience and strategic vision to the organization. Her expertise in advocacy was pivotal in aligning Washington State under the Uniform Accountancy Act (UAA) to achieve mobility for the CPA license.  

“Marcia exemplified a leadership style that deeply inspired me. She embraced servant leadership, prioritizing the empowerment of individuals to reach their full potential. Her approach fostered collaboration among volunteers, emphasized strategic growth, and was always grounded in integrity,” said WSCPA President & CEO Kimberly Scott. “Known for her innate ability to engage members and ensure their voices were heard, Marcia strengthened the WSCPA’s commitment to serving the accounting community with dedication and integrity.” 

A Certified Association Executive, she served as the executive director of several other professional organizations, leaving a remarkable footprint in each role. Her legacy continues through the many lives she touched, inspiring those who were privileged to know her. Pictured: Marcia with her husband, Roger. 

Chair's Award

Selected by the Chair of the Board of Directors, this award honors a WSCPA member who has provided extraordinary commitment and service to the WSCPA.

2024 Recipient: Ursula Perkins, CPA—For years of dedicated service to the WSCPA.

A member of the WSCPA Board of Directors and a past member of the CPAPAC, Ursula serves on the Vancouver Public Schools Foundation’s Advisory Council and is a member of the Business Professionals of Clark County group. 

“Ursula’s journey from banking to becoming a CPA is a testament to her passion and unwavering dedication to the profession,” said Sarah Funk, CPA, CGMA, WSCPA Board Chair for 2024-2025. “Her dedicated volunteer service with the WSCPA—leading chapters, advocating in Olympia, supporting scholarships, and more— demonstrates commitment to our shared success. I deeply value her engaged, enthusiastic leadership and the steady support she has shown the WSCPA throughout the years.”

 Ursula enjoys camping, quad riding, clamming, fishing, and spending time with her husband, adult children, two granddaughters and family and friends.