AICPA Recognizes Five Individuals with 2025 Emerging Leaders Award

Five CPAs from across the U.S. are recognized for their extraordinary achievements as accounting and finance professionals and members of their community.

The AICPA & CIMA today recognizes five practicing CPAs with the 2025 AICPA Emerging Leaders Award. Every year, these awards are given in memory of Maximo Mukelabai, a member of the inaugural class of the AICPA Leadership Academy whose life was tragically cut short in 2011 at age 36.

Honorees are selected annually for exemplifying the passion, intellect and inspiration demonstrated during Maximo’s career. Shortly before his passing, he became the first African American and youngest chair of the North Carolina Association of CPAs board of directors. Maximo's influence and leadership were felt by many, and the Emerging Leaders Award (formerly Outstanding Young CPA Award) is one way his legacy is carried on.

“The accounting and finance profession is dynamic and filled with endless opportunities for professionals to pursue and succeed however they choose. This year’s class of honorees reflect that. This award also amplifies the voices of emerging leaders in the profession that may not be heard otherwise,” said AICPA Emerging Professionals Initiatives Senior Manager, Lexi Weber. “I do not envy the judges during this process. The number of incredible applications outlining volunteerism, activities and their impact on the profession is nothing short of inspiring. The future of the profession is bright!”

To be considered for the award, candidates submitted applications and details on their volunteer history. They shared why giving back is important to the profession, how their efforts have positively impacted the community, and the ways they have demonstrated leadership through professional or service activities. Applicants also provided professional references from peers, employers, and/or state CPA societies. The AICPA’s Emerging Professionals Initiative Committee (EPIC), along with past recipients, 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 2025 Emerging Leaders Award:

Sarah Flischel, CPA | AAFCPAs Director of Audit Transformation and Training
Denver, Colorado

What receiving this award means to Sarah: “To me, this award honors the courage to lead through change and the commitment to lift others along the way.”

Professional Biography:

Sarah Flischel is the Director of Audit Transformation & Training at AAFCPAs, where she leads the firm’s shift toward a tech-forward, data-driven audit approach. With over 15 years of experience, Sarah blends deep audit expertise with a passion for innovation, learning, and knowledge sharing. She founded the Audit Transformation Community, a free resource for U.S. based firms navigating new audit methodologies, fostering collaboration and shared growth.

A frequent speaker and thought leader, Sarah is committed to building a future-ready, inclusive profession. She views technology as a catalyst for transformation and believes true change is cultural. By mentoring others, sharing insights, and building collaborative communities, she aims to support the growth of individuals while helping organizations operate with flow. This is how we build a profession that’s not only future-ready, but also deeply human.

Sarah’s volunteer work includes mentoring future and current CPAs, serving on the AICPA Foundation Scholarship Committee, and contributing to the Colorado Society of CPAs Educational Foundation Board. She’s widely recognized for her service and dedication to the profession and is a proud AICPA Leadership Academy alumni (2019).

Outside of work, Sarah enjoys camping with her family, skiing, traveling, crafting, and cheering for the Denver Broncos and UCF Knights.

Jeremiah Hathorn, CPA | EY, Manager | Adjunct Professor, Harris-Stowe State University
St. Louis, Missouri

What receiving this award means to Jeremiah: “Receiving this award affirms my commitment to serving the profession with purpose and impact. It’s an incredible honor to be recognized not only for where I’ve been, but for the future I’m helping to build—one that creates space for innovation, access, and community. It’s a reminder that leadership is about lifting as we climb and paving pathways for those who come next.”

Professional Biography:

Jeremiah Hathorn, CPA, is a Manager at EY and an Adjunct Professor at Harris-Stowe State University, where he brings together technical excellence, education, and community leadership. With deep experience in financial accounting, transaction advisory, and strategic consulting, Jeremiah has served clients across multiple industries while mentoring and developing future accounting leaders.

He currently serves as President of the NABA St. Louis Chapter and President of the 100 Black Men of Metropolitan St. Louis. He is also a member of the MOCPA Educational Foundation Committee, where he advocates for expanding the pipeline of diverse talent within the profession.

Jeremiah is passionate about equity, education, and empowering the next generation of leaders through service and example. Looking ahead, he has aspirations to launch his own accounting and advisory firm—focused on supporting small to mid-sized businesses, nonprofits, and mission-driven organizations with tailored financial solutions. This next chapter would allow him to blend his professional expertise with his passion for community impact, continuing his commitment to advancing the profession in meaningful ways.

Kathleen A. Mills, CPA | Partner, PKF O'Connor Davies | Adjunct Professor, St. Francis College
New York, NY

What receiving this award means to Kathleen: “Receiving the AICPA Emerging Leaders Award is an incredible honor and a meaningful milestone in my career. This recognition reflects not only a commitment to professional growth, but also to serving the community and supporting the continued growth and evolution of the accounting profession. I’m proud to be part of a field that values both leadership and impact, and I’m excited to continue contributing in ways that uplift others and shape the future of our profession.”

Professional Biography:

Kathleen A. Mills has 15 years of experience in public accounting. Kathleen is a partner at PKF O’Connor Davies and specializes in providing accounting and auditing services in a range of industries including real estate, hospitality, employee benefit plans, manufacturing and distribution and other commercial clients consisting of both privately held and publicly traded companies.

Kathleen participates as an instructor in her organization’s in-house CPE program as well as recruiting and career advisory initiatives. She is also an adjunct professor in the accounting and business law department of St. Francis College.

Kathleen received her Master’s degree in Accounting and Business Law from St. Francis College and is a member of the AICPA, NY CPA, and Chartered Professional Accountants of Ontario. In addition to her New York state CPA license, Kathleen holds a Chartered Professional Accountant designation in Ontario, Canada and is licensed to practice as a public accountant in the province.

In 2021, Kathleen was recognized by NY CPA as an Emerging Leader in its annual “40 Under 40” awards. Kathleen also volunteers as a board member and treasurer of a non-profit organization, Visiting Neighbors, Inc. and serves as a board member of the Alumni Association of St. Francis College.

Tim O’Neill, CPA | Wipfli LLP – Senior Tax Manager
St. Louis, Missouri

What receiving this award means to Tim: “Receiving this award is the pinnacle of my career and a testament to the role models I have had the immense pleasure of working with throughout my journey that shaped me. Being recognized for my leadership and volunteer contributions both inside and outside of the profession is the highest honor I could possibly imagine.”

Professional Biography:

Tim O’Neill is a seasoned CPA with over 11 years of experience and a deep commitment to his team, profession, and clients. As a Tax Senior Manager at Wipfli, he leads the firm’s beverage manufacturing practice, fueled by a personal passion for the craft beer industry. Tim has a knack for bringing people together to achieve a common goal, which has led to his involvement in developing internal educational programs to elevate associates’ service mastery and industry expertise across the manufacturing, retail, and distribution space.

A recognized leader in the accounting profession, AICPA Leadership Academy graduate, and 2025 CPA Practice Adviser “40 Under 40” honoree, Tim currently chairs the AICPA Academic Executive Committee, which bridges the gap between academia and practice to support a strong, diverse CPA pipeline.

Tim currently resides in St. Louis with his Wife, Ashley (also a CPA) and three young children. In his spare time, he “enjoys” working on their perpetual fixer-upper, which includes tending to the garden, nine chickens, and bee colony. An avid musician, Tim can be found playing solo acoustic shows around St. Louis and supporting his beloved Ireland rugby team when the weather is too cold for an outdoor patio concert.

Mallory D. Vincent, CPA, MBA | Mason + Rich, PA – Individual and Trust Tax Manager
Concord, New Hampshire

What receiving this award means to Mallory: “Receiving this award is a humbling and meaningful honor. Being recognized as an emerging leader in accounting, in the spirit of Maximo Mukelabai's legacy, reminds me of the power of service, leadership, and connection. It inspires me to lead with purpose, give back through mentorship and volunteerism, and continue striving for lasting impact in my community and profession."

Professional Biography:

Mallory D. Vincent is an Individual and Trust Tax Manager at Mason + Rich, PA (M+R), a public accounting firm 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 as enjoyable as possible 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 and the Co-Chair of the Student Recruitment Committee. Mallory is passionate about the accounting pipeline issue and worked in conjunction with M+R’s HR personnel to help form 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.

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