NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Oct. 21, 2026) – The American Institute of CPAs® (AICPA®) has awarded its highest honors, the Gold Medal Award of Distinction and the Honorary Gold Medal to Kimberly Ellison-Taylor, CPA, CGMA, CITP, and Gene Dodaro, respectively. In recognition of careers that have strengthened public trust, advanced innovation and made a lasting impact on the accounting profession.
The awards were presented by Carla McCall, Past Chair of the AICPA and Past Co-Chair of the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants, during the Fall meeting of the AICPA governing Council.
The Gold Medal Award of Distinction has honored the profession's most influential leaders since 1944. The Honorary Gold Medal was established in 1980 to recognize individuals who are not CPAs whose work has had a significant impact on the profession. This year's recipients exemplify values at the heart of the profession: integrity, accountability, service and a commitment to the public interest.
"The Gold Medal Awards recognize individuals whose contributions reverberate beyond their own accomplishments to leave a lasting impact on the profession and society," said McCall. “Kimberly and Gene have each demonstrated exceptional leadership, vision and service. Their influence will continue to shape the profession for years to come."
A Visionary for the Profession
Kimberly Ellison-Taylor is widely recognized as a leading voice on innovation, technology and the future of the profession. Throughout a distinguished career spanning more than three decades, she has helped organizations embrace emerging technologies, navigate change and prepare for a rapidly evolving business environment.
As founder and chief executive officer of KET Solutions, LLC, and through leadership roles at Oracle, KPMG, Motorola, NASA and Prince George's County Government, Ellison-Taylor has demonstrated how technology, strategy and professional expertise can come together to drive meaningful results.
Her influence extends well beyond the organizations she has served. As Chair of both the AICPA and the Association, she helped guide the profession through a period of significant technological and societal change. As one of the youngest leaders, the first person of color, and the first African American woman to serve as AICPA Chair, she also expanded pathways for future generations of professionals.
A passionate advocate for education, mentorship and inclusion, Ellison-Taylor has inspired countless students and professionals while encouraging the profession to embrace innovation and opportunity.
“Kimberly has left an indelible mark on the profession by challenging us to think bigger, look forward, and recognize incredible possibilities in a changing world,” said McCall. “Her leadership, mentorship and advocacy resulted in impact that goes far beyond ideas – she has inspired countless people to believe they belong, to use their voices, and to see themselves as part of shaping the future of the profession.”
A Champion of Accountability and Public Service
For more than five decades, Gene Dodaro has been a leading advocate for accountability, transparency and effective government stewardship. As the eighth Comptroller General of the United States and former head of the U.S. Government Accountability Office, he has strengthened public-sector financial oversight and helped policymakers address some of the nation's most significant fiscal and operational challenges.
Throughout his career, Dodaro advanced government auditing, financial reporting and internal control practices across federal agencies. His leadership reinforced the credibility and independence of the Government Accountability Office while elevating the importance of accountability and performance management across government.
From directing the first audit of the U.S. government's consolidated financial statements to advancing reforms that continue to improve government effectiveness, Dodaro's contributions have strengthened public trust and elevated standards across the federal sector.
"Gene's career demonstrates the extraordinary impact of principled leadership and an unwavering commitment to the public interest," said McCall. "His legacy of accountability, transparency and service exemplifies the very best of the profession."
The Profession's Highest Recognitions
The Gold Medal Award of Distinction and the Honorary Gold Medal are the highest honors bestowed by the AICPA, recognizing individuals whose careers have produced an extraordinary and lasting impact on the accounting profession and the public it serves.
Through distinguished careers in profession leadership, technology and public service, Kimberly Ellison-Taylor and Gene Dodaro have strengthened principles that define the profession: trust, integrity and accountability. Their contributions have shaped the profession's evolution and helped position it for the opportunities ahead.
About the American Institute of CPAs
The American Institute of CPAs® (AICPA®) is the world’s largest member association representing the CPA profession, with a history of serving the public interest since 1887. AICPA members represent many areas of practice, including business and industry, public practice, government, education, and consulting. A founding member of the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants, the AICPA sets ethical standards for the profession, attestation standards, and U.S. auditing standards for private companies, not-for-profit organizations, and federal, state, and local governments. It develops and grades the Uniform CPA Examination, offers specialized credentials, partners across the profession to build future talent, and drives continuing education to advance the vitality, relevance, and quality of the profession.
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Contact:
Enelda Butler
919-402-4572
enelda.butler@aicpa-cima.com