AICPA Recognizes 12 Outstanding Contributors to Forensic and Valuation Fields at Annual Conference

DALLAS (October 29, 2024) -The American Institute of CPAs and the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (AICPA & CIMA), together as the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants (AICPA), honored the contributions of 12 finance professionals during the 2024 AICPA & CIMA Forensic and Valuation Services Conference held in Dallas in October. The AICPA holds this annual conference to provide the profession with cutting-edge information on new technology and quality networking opportunities.

Each year, AICPA recognizes volunteer contributions to the practice and profession. The awards highlight significant contributions to the advancement of the fields of forensics accounting and business valuation. This year, Kenneth Rugeti and Maryellen Galuchie were named as Volunteers of the Year, while 10 young finance professionals received the Forensic and Valuation Services (FVS) Standing Ovation Recognition.

2024 Forensic & Litigation Services Volunteer of the Year - Kenneth Rugeti, CPA, CFF, ABV
Based in Orange County, California, Kenneth Rugeti is Senior Managing Director with FTI Consulting and provides consulting and expert testimony in the areas of commercial damages, forensic accounting and valuation. Over his 25-plus year career, Rugeti has helped juries, judicial officers, lawyers, and their clients understand and address hundreds of disputed financial issues, from small mediated matters to multibillion-dollar litigation.

"Ken Rugeti has been an invaluable asset to our forensic community, consistently demonstrating authentic leadership and a purpose-driven vision," said Barbara Andrews, AICPA & CIMA director of forensic accounting and business valuation. "His dedication to mentoring emerging talent and sharing his expertise has significantly contributed to the growth and success of our forensic accounting professionals. We are thrilled to honor Ken as the 2024 Forensic & Litigation Services Volunteer of the Year."

Rugeti is an active volunteer and leader within the forensic accounting profession, currently serving as the Chair of the AICPA's Forensic & Litigation Services (FLS) Committee. Additionally, he is part of the Steering Committee for CalCPA's Forensic Services Section and has previously chaired CalCPA's Economic Damages Section.

Rugeti consistently demonstrates authentic leadership and a purpose-driven vision. He is deeply committed to mentoring emerging talent, sharing his expertise and guiding them towards successful careers. He has been instrumental in the development of the FLS Committee's "Help my FLS Career Micro-Community" series intended to support career development and growth for forensic accounting professionals.

2024 Business Valuation Volunteer of the Year - Maryellen Galuchie, CPA, ABV
Maryellen Galuchie is Managing Director, CFO Advisory Services at Grant Thornton, providing valuation, financial, risk and technology advisory services where she directs multidisciplined teams of consultants on major projects. She specializes in the valuation of corporations, partnerships, and other for-profit, pass-through, and not-for-profit entities for a variety of assurance, tax, and financing needs.

Galuchie has been the chair of the AICPA's Business Valuation Committee (BVC) for three years. Prior to that she spent time as both a Business Valuation and Accredited Business Valuation committee member, and FVS Conference planning committee member. During her time as chair, Maryellen has led key strategic projects such as a new three-year strategic plan, a resurgence of the FVS podcast, and a 6-session "micro-community" for 23 emerging BV professionals. During her tenure, she has also helped with numerous important advocacy efforts and is a frequent presenter at the FVS Annual Conference.

"Maryellen has been an incredibly engaged and thoughtful volunteer over the many years of her service on the various AICPA committees," said Mark Smith, AICPA & CIMA director of valuation services. "It has been a true pleasure to work alongside her, and it's my honor to thank and recognize Maryellen for all she has helped us accomplish."

Standing Ovation Program Awards
The AICPA is proud to recognize the following individuals with the Standing Ovation Program Award. This award recognizes young finance professionals who exhibit exemplary professional achievement in the areas of forensic accounting and business valuation.

• Sara Maddox, ABV - DMJPS, Asheville, N.C.

• Kristyn Ostman, CPA/CFF - Alvarez & Marsal, Washington, D.C.

• David Harkins, ABV - Mercer Capital, Nashville, Tenn.

• Ashleigh Lansing, CPA/ABV - Sound Forensic Economics, CPA, Bellevue, Wash.

• Kent Swartzberg, CPA/ABV/CFF - CBIZ Forensic Consulting Group, LLC, Bakersfield, Calif.

• Sasha Moore CPA/ABV - CBIZ Forensic Consulting Group, LLC, Tampa, Fla.

• Ross McSwain, ABV - Grant Thornton, Charlotte. N.C.

• Anthony Venette CPA/ABV - DeJoy & Co., Rochester, N.Y.

• Alex Mats CPA, CFF - HKA, Chicago, Ill.

• Nicholas Contey, CPA/CFF - DMC Group, Jersey City, N.J.
  

"We are proud to celebrate the achievements of our 2024 Standing Ovation recipients. These outstanding professionals, all under the age of 40, have earned the CFF and/or ABV credential and have made significant contributions to the forensic and valuation services field," Andrews said. "Their hard work and dedication exemplify the highest standards of our profession, and we are proud to honor them at our AICPA Forensic & Valuation Services Conference."

Business partners or managers are encouraged to submit applications on behalf of nominees, and applicants may self-nominate with an accompanying letter of recommendation from a partner or manager. Standing Ovation nominees must be 40 or younger, and nominations may be submitted on the AICPA & CIMA website.

Ranica Arrowsmith
[email protected]
(212) 596-6117

Public link

Please use the above public link if you want to share this noodl on another website.