AICPA Recognizes Five Individuals with 2026 Visionary Award

The AICPA recognizes five professionals with a vision to transform the accounting and finance profession with the 2026 AICPA Visionary Award. This new award was curated to celebrate exceptional professionals whose entrepreneurial spirit and future-forward thinking are transforming organizations and strengthening the accounting and finance profession.

The AICPA Visionary Award honors professionals whose ideas, leadership, and actions are shaping the future of the profession through innovation, advocacy, business transformation, or community impact. By elevating these visionaries, the AICPA helps spotlight the forward‑thinking work driving progress across the profession.

“The accounting and finance profession is dynamic and filled with opportunity, and the AICPA Visionary Award recognizes those who are not only navigating change, but actively leading it,” said Lexi Weber, Senior Manager, Emerging Professionals Initiatives, AICPA. “These honorees reflect the creativity, courage, and commitment needed to strengthen the profession and inspire others to think differently about what’s possible.”

Professionals are recognized through an application‑based process, highlighting how candidates demonstrate visionary leadership, innovative thinking, and measurable impact within their organizations and the profession at large. Applicants also provided professional references from peers, employers, and/or state CPA societies. The AICPA’s Emerging Professionals Initiative Committee (EPIC) and independent volunteers then reviewed all qualified nominations to determine this year’s honorees. Explore the complete eligibility criteria.

EPIC’s mission is to actively promote and enhance the emerging professional experience in the accounting and finance profession by providing targeted leadership programs and networking opportunities to the next generation of leaders. To learn more about how the AICPA supports these emerging professionals, visit the AICPA Emerging Professionals Network.

Congratulations to the following Recipients of the 2026 Visionary Award:

Caitlin Smith, CPA | Partner – SKC & Co. CPAs, LLC
Boonton Township, NJ

What receiving this award means to Caitlin: “Receiving this award is truly an honor and incredibly meaningful to me. It reflects not just my own journey, but the people, culture, and shared commitment to growth that we’ve built at SKC. I’ve always believed that transformation starts with creating an environment where individuals feel supported, empowered, and confident to grow, both professionally and personally. As a working parent and leader, that has been especially important to me. This recognition reinforces the progress our profession is making toward becoming more innovative, inclusive, and forward-thinking, and it motivates me to continue contributing to that evolution in meaningful ways.”

Professional Biography:

Caitlin Smith is a Partner at SKC & Co. CPAs, where she works closely with small business owners to bring clarity, control, and confidence to their financial decision-making. She advises clients on tax planning, operational structure, and long-term growth, helping them stay focused, organized, and forward-moving in fast-paced environments.

Known for her hands-on approach and genuine care for her clients, Caitlin supports not only their businesses, but their broader personal and professional goals. She has developed a strong specialization in healthcare, dental, and veterinary practices, guiding physicians, dentists, and veterinarians in building sustainable, scalable businesses through practical insights and consistent communication.

Within SKC, Caitlin serves as Chair of the firm’s Future Council, driving innovation, process improvement, and leadership development. She is also an active member of the SKC Foundation, supporting the firm’s philanthropic efforts. Caitlin was recognized as a “Woman to Watch” by the NJCPA in 2022 and a recipient of the NJCPA Impact Award in 2026. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Math from Centenary University, where she graduated as valedictorian.

Eric Story, CPA, PFS, CITP | Partner & CIO - Cooper Norman, LLC | Partner & CCO - Cooper Norman Wealth, LLC
Idaho Falls, Idaho

What receiving this award means to Eric: “Receiving this award is incredibly meaningful because it reflects not just my work, but the people and experiences that have shaped my perspective. I’m passionate about helping move our profession forward through innovation and continuous improvement, and this recognition reinforces my commitment to keep building, leading, and creating impact.”

Professional Biography:

Eric Story, CPA, CITP, PFS, is a Partner, Chief Information Officer at Cooper Norman PLLC Idaho’s largest Idaho-based CPA firm, and Chief Compliance Office for Cooper Norman Wealth, LLC the affiliated wealth management and advisory practice. He is also serving as Chair of the Idaho State Society of CPAs, where he advocates for innovation and the continued evolution of the profession.

Eric’s leadership focuses on transforming traditional accounting models into advisory-driven practices that deliver deeper strategic value to clients. He has led firm-wide initiatives integrating technology, automation, and artificial intelligence into compliance processes—enhancing efficiency while enabling professionals to focus on higher-value advisory services.

In addition to firm leadership, Eric has extensive experience guiding businesses and families through complex transactions, succession planning, and long-term wealth strategies. He played a key role in launching Cooper Norman’s CPA-led Wealth Management practice, reflecting his commitment to delivering integrated, forward-thinking solutions.

With a multidisciplinary background spanning technology, accounting, and financial planning, Eric is passionate about shaping the future of the profession—empowering teams, advising with purpose, and helping clients navigate uncertainty with confidence.

Victoria Thayer, CPA | CEO & Founder - Novii CPA
Madison, Wisconsin

What receiving this award means to Victoria: “Receiving the 2026 AICPA Visionary Award is a reminder that when you lead with purpose and embrace innovation, you can transform not just your career, but an entire profession. This recognition fuels my passion to keep pushing boundaries, creating impact, and inspiring others to step into their own vision of possibility.”

Professional Biography:

Victoria Thayer, CPA, is the Founder and CEO of Novii CPA, a nationally recognized, tech-driven advisory firm serving growth-stage companies in biohealth, medtech, life sciences, manufacturing, and professional services. She has built Novii CPA into a modern, scalable firm known for its innovative approach to accounting, combining technology, strategic advisory, and a strong client-first mindset.

Victoria is recognized for redefining the role of accountants by shifting from traditional compliance work to embedded strategic partnership. Through outsourced CFO services, investor-ready financial reporting, and forward-looking forecasting, she helps businesses make informed decisions, secure funding, and scale sustainably. Her leadership has also focused on building systems that improve efficiency, reduce turnaround times, and support long-term team wellbeing.

Beyond her firm, Victoria is deeply committed to advancing the accounting profession. She mentors emerging professionals, speaks on firm modernization and leadership, and actively contributes to initiatives that promote innovation and growth within the industry. Her work continues to position her as a forward-thinking leader shaping the future of accounting.

Mallory D. Vincent, CPA, MBA | Senior Individual and Trust Tax Manager - Stinson Associates
Concord, New Hampshire

What receiving this award means to Mallory: “Receiving this award is both an honor and responsibility. It affirms my belief that leadership in accounting is grounded in lifting others, strengthening organizational culture, advancing workforce development, and guiding the profession toward a stronger future."

Professional Biography:

Mallory Vincent is a Senior Individual and Trust Tax Manager at Stinson Associates, a public accounting firm, where she heads the office in Concord, New Hampshire. In her role, Mallory works closely with individuals to help them navigate through all of life’s stages. Her goal is to make the process enjoyable for the client while being there every step of the way. She also collaborates with client trustees, personal representatives, and their attorneys to help manage trust/estate tax laws and trust agreements.

Mallory is a member of the New Hampshire Society of Certified Public Accountants (NHSCPA) and serves on the Financial Careers and Young Professional Committees. She was the recipient of the NHSCPA’s 2025 Volunteer of the Year Award. She is also a member of the AICPA, the upcoming Chair of the AICPA Student Recruitment Committee, and was a recipient of the 2025 AICPA Emerging Leaders Award. Mallory is passionate about the accounting workforce development issue and created the first staffed accounting apprenticeship program in New Hampshire.

Mallory earned a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting in May 2015 and Master’s of Business Administration in February 2020 from Southern New Hampshire University. She obtained her NH CPA license in October 2021.

Kimberly Williams, CPA, FHFMA | CFO - Medical Management Services
Madison, Mississippi

What receiving this award means to Kimberly: “Receiving this award is an honor, but more than that, it's a reminder that our profession is about far more than numbers - it's about people, leadership, and the impact we have on the communities we serve.”

Professional Biography:

Kimberly Williams, CPA, FHFMA, is the Chief Financial Officer of Medical Management Services, where she oversees financial operations for MEA Medical Clinics and affiliated healthcare organizations. She is known for translating complex financial data into actionable insights that strengthen decision-making, improve operational performance, and support access to care within the communities she serves.

Kimberly is passionate about developing leaders and advancing the accounting profession. She currently serves as Vice Chair of the Mississippi Society of CPAs and will assume the role of Chair in July 2026. Her leadership within the organization includes service as Young CPA Network President, where she led initiatives that expanded engagement and community impact. She is also actively involved in the Healthcare Financial Management Association, where she has served in multiple leadership roles, including Chapter President.

Through her work in healthcare and leadership consulting, Kimberly is committed to equipping professionals to move beyond compliance-focused thinking toward strategic financial leadership. She lives in Mississippi with her husband and two children.

Emerging Professional Initiatives
Contact: Lexi Weber, CPA
EmergingProfessionals@aicpa-cima.com