The Indiana CPA Society (INCPAS) is pleased to announce the winners and finalists for the 2025 INCPAS Awards honoring outstanding CPAs and related professionals in Indiana. All category finalists and honorees were chosen by the INCPAS Awards Committee comprised of members of the Board of Directors.

This year’s winners were announced at the annual INCPAS CPA Celebration on November 21 at The Crane Bay Event Center. The event benefited the Indiana CPA Educational Foundation, which raised over $20,000 in donations supporting student pipeline programs including INCPAS Scholars, career awareness events and college scholarships.

We congratulate the following winners and finalists in each category:

ADVOCACY AWARD

This award honors an individual or organization that has advocated on behalf of the CPA profession by working with the Society’s advocacy team, legislators and regulatory officials.

Winners

Caleb Bullock, CPA – CBIZ CPAs, Indianapolis
Caleb is a passionate advocate for CPAs at every level—local, state and national. He serves on the AICPA Council, where he works with lawmakers to shape policy that impacts the profession. He’s also a longtime INCPAS volunteer and has served on the Ethics Committee, Leadership Cabinet and as a PAC trustee and CPA Advocate.

Diane Sturek, CPA – Kelley School of Business at Indiana University Indianapolis
A past chair of the INCPAS Board of Directors, Diane played a key role in shaping the Society’s readiness to pursue new CPA pathways legislation, an initiative that will expand access for future generations.

BREAKTHROUGH AWARD

This award honors a member who has overcome significant challenges or adversity in their path to professional success.

Winners

David Kane, CPA – CBIZ CPAs, Indianapolis
Just two years into his career and one day after his third daughter was born, David was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma. While undergoing treatment, he continued working and caring for his family—eventually retaking and passing all four CPA Exams he had lost during treatment.

Nick Muller, CPA – Kruggel Lawton CPAs, South Bend
After his parents struggled with addiction, Nick and his sister were raised by their grandparents. He drove two hours a day to stay in school and ensure his sister’s stability, working part-time to afford college. He passed all four CPA Exams while working full time.

Hailey Rolsten, CPA – Katz, Sapper & Miller, Indianapolis
Hailey has built a career defined by grit and transformation. Growing up in a home affected by addiction and incarceration, she navigated college and early adulthood with limited support—losing both her father and brother within a few years. Her nominator said, “Hailey has not only broken through barriers herself; she is clearing the path for others to follow.”

EMERGING LEADERS AWARD

This award honors up-and-coming leaders in the profession for going above and beyond in their work for their employer, clients and/or the community.

Winners

Darion Harris, CPA – PwC, Indianapolis
Darion has quickly advanced in his career while remaining deeply committed to inclusion and mentorship. He created a scholarship at his alma mater, Warren Central High School, and helped host the ACAP student visit to PwC—giving students a firsthand look at the profession.

Bailey Martenson, CPA – Sikich, Indianapolis
A manager at Sikich, Bailey’s rise has been marked by hard work and a passion for people. Her nominator said, “She’s already been entrusted with leadership roles that reflect her capability and the confidence others have in her.”

Caitlin Vergon, CPA – Katz, Sapper & Miller, Indianapolis
Caitlin is known for her technical skill and her ability to lift others up. She’s active in recruiting, mentoring and professional development; she has also served as a CPA Week speaker and INCPAS Scholars panelist.

Finalists

Nick Heiny, CPA – Forvis Mazars, Indianapolis

Riley Shives, CPA – The Garrett Companies, Greenwood

TALENT PIPELINE AWARD

Presented by Forvis Mazars

This award honors an individual or organization that is building, diversifying and/or retaining talent in the profession.

Winners

Karli Azar – CBIZ CPAs, Indianapolis
Karli has spent eight years turning recruiting into a mission of mentorship and empowerment. Her nominator said, “Karli gives students the tools, resources and confidence to pursue their CPA and launch successful careers.”

Crenel Francis, Jr. – Purdue University, West Lafayette
As associate director of diversity initiatives at Purdue University, Crenel leads the Business Opportunity Program and helps students thrive in business education. He also plays a key role in INCPAS and NABA programs, hosting ACAP visits and leading student panels at Vision 2027.

Finalists

Adrienne Anderson – Deloitte, Indianapolis

Sharon Busenbark, CPA – Indiana University South Bend

Chad Schenkel, CPA – Crowe LLP, Indianapolis

Emily Schweikher – Forvis Mazars, Indianapolis

VISIONARY AWARD

This award honors a transformative individual or organization implementing activities, processes or programs designed to address future issues/needs.

Winners

Crystal Allen, CPA – A Total Solution CPA & Consulting Services, Inc., Indianapolis
Crystal co-founded her firm to provide comprehensive financial guidance to businesses, nonprofits and government entities. Her nominator described her as “a distinguished CPA whose career blends technical mastery, entrepreneurial innovation and trailblazing representation.”

BJ Lippert, CPA – Donovan CPAs, Indianapolis
As managing partner at Donovan CPAs—and the first leader in firm history without the last name “Donovan”—BJ has redefined success around care, connection and culture. He shifted the firm’s strategy from revenue goals to a new metric: the number of lives positively impacted.

Zach Sauder, CPA – Katz, Sapper & Miller, Indianapolis
Zach leads the Outsourced Finance and Accounting Services Group, which he built from a three-person team into more than 30 professionals serving over 300 clients. By prioritizing team well-being and shared success, Zach has created a model for how innovation and empathy can thrive together in the profession.

VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR AWARD

This award honors a member who has gone above and beyond to serve the Society in volunteer roles.

Winners

Kelsey Brasel, CPA – Ball State University, Muncie
As chair of the accounting department at Ball State University, Kelsey is known for balancing high standards with compassion. She was instrumental in making NABA’s ACAP program at Ball State a success, securing housing, faculty and logistics with almost no lead time.

Brendon Howell, CPA – Allstate, Indianapolis
As ACAP program administrator, Brendon led a weeklong experience for 30 students at Butler University, coordinating every detail and creating a transformative program. His nominator said, “He gave of himself the entire week and kept an energy level few could match.”

WOMEN TO WATCH AWARD

Honors outstanding women within the CPA profession.

Winners

Chaleise Fleming, CPA – Barnes Dennig, Indianapolis
Chaleise led her team through a major merger with poise and purpose. Her nominator said, “Chaleise managed client communications, staff engagement and new responsibilities with grace.”

Shaun Mawhorter, CPA – Kruggel Lawton CPAs, Elkhart
Shaun is the first female partner on the firm’s executive committee. She co-leads the firm’s Women’s Initiative Network (KLWIN), mentors staff across all levels, and leads recruiting, retention and training efforts. She is known for her integrity, empathy and ability to empower others—especially women navigating career and family. 

Eva Nodine – Purdue University, West Lafayette
As COO and CFO at Purdue Global and VP and deputy CFO at Purdue University, Eva oversees a $3 billion budget and champions opportunity through education. She is a passionate advocate for working adult learners, having earned her degrees online while balancing work and family, and mentors women in finance and leadership.

Finalists

Sara Sears, CPA – Forvis Mazars, Indianapolis

Erin Wagoner, CPA – Katz, Sapper & Miller, Indianapolis

CHAIR'S AWARD

Presented by the immediate past board chair to an individual who has had a profound impact on their career, service on the board and the profession.

This year, past chair Kyle Simmerman, CPA, recognized Steve Eichenberger, CPA, as the 2025 Chair’s Award honoree.

Steve is a retired partner at BGBC, a Springline Company, and a former board chair of the Indiana CPA Society.

DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD

This award is the highest honor given by INCPAS. It recognizes a member who has made major, long-time contributions to the profession, INCPAS or the AICPA during their professional career.

This year, INCPAS presented Darren Henry, of Purdue University, with the Distinguished Service Award.

Darren Henry joined Purdue University in 2007, and from day one he became one of INCPAS’ most dedicated partners. He opened doors for our Scholars, welcomed them to campus year after year and showed them what it truly feels like to study accounting at Purdue. He championed the Scholars who joined the Dr. Cornell A. Bell Business Opportunity Program and ensured they had the support and community they needed to thrive.

Thank you to our sponsors: VIP Reception Sponsor Shepherd Insurance & Shepherd Financial, Photo Booth Sponsor Leaf, Bar Sponsor Operation Technology Group, and Exam Candidate After Party Sponsor & Premier Pipeline Parter Forvis Mazars.