Voices

AICPA presents young CPA Maximo Mukelabi Award to Jeremy Dillard

The American Institute of CPAs named Jeremy Dillard, partner of Los Angeles CPA and consulting firm Rivera, Jamjian & Dillard, as winner of the Maximo Mukelabi Award Thursday during an awards lunch at the AICPA’s E.D.G.E. Conference for leadership development in Austin, Texas.

Donny Shimamoto, founder and managing director of Intraprise TechKnowlogies and last year’s inaugural Maximo Mukelabi Award winner, presented the award, which recognizes dedication to and advancement of the accounting profession and community service.

Dillard, current member of the AICPA’s governing Council and Technical Issues Committee, previously volunteered for the examinations FAR Committee and served as a technical reviewer for the AICPA’s IFRS Certificate. He also contributed to multiple AICPA publications, including “Save Wisely, Spend Happily.”

“A talented author and speaker, Jeremy has devoted his time and energy into projects which have helped advance the profession,” stated Jeannie Patton, AICPA vice president of academics, professional pathways and inclusion. “His extensive commitment to volunteer work in his community, as well as his service to the AICPA and the California Society of CPAs, embody the values the Maximo Mukelabai award represents.”

A member of the California Society of CPAs’ Governing Council and recently appointed to CalCPA’s Accounting Principles and Auditing Standards Committee, Dillard also actively volunteers in his Los Angeles community. He has been giving his time to the Pasadena Tournament of Roses since 2000 and the East Los Angeles YMCA since 2006. Dillard was recognized by the U.S. Congress for his volunteer work on projects to provide assistance to low-income families during the holidays and his work with the Pasadena Special Olympics, in addition to receiving the Presidential Service Award from the California Junior Chamber of Commerce in 2000 and 2003. His volunteer work has also been recognized by the City of Los Angeles.

“My involvement as a volunteer with the AICPA and CalCPA, as well as with the Pasadena Tournament of Roses and East Los Angeles YMCA have been fantastic,” said Dillard. “These activities have been very rewarding to me both professionally and personally, and I hope to continue them for many years to come.”

The Maximo Mukelabi, named for a member of the inaugural class of the AICPA Leadership Academy and youngest chair of the North Carolina Association of CPAs board of directors who died at the age of 36, recognizes a young CPA who demonstrates commitment through successful practices, involvement and contributions for the interest of the accounting profession.

Established in tribute to Maximo in 2011, the award’s primary judging criteria are:

1.    Demonstrates passion and eagerness to encourage and pique students’ interest in accounting as a career
2.    Contributes recommendations and best practices towards improving processes and/or activities
3.    Performance in committee and/or other volunteer activities that relate to the engagement and advancement of the profession
4.    Involvement in community-based organizations to improve the lives of citizens.

Peers, AICPA staff, employer and state CPA societies submit nominations for the annual award for review by the AICPA’s Young CPA Network Committee, which determines the winner.

 

For reprint and licensing requests for this article, click here.
MORE FROM ACCOUNTING TODAY