2023-2024
WSCPA AWARD WINNERS
Every year, the WSCPA honors individuals (and one company or firm) that have demonstrated their commitment to supporting the Society and maintaining the CPA's trusted and respected place in Washington State's professional community.
Nominations for 2024-2025 Award Winners due Dec 31. Visit wscpa.org/nominate
Bill Reed, CPA, CGMA, MBA
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
For an exemplary career of leadership and commitment to students and the profession
Bill Reed, CFO and Investigator of MFR Associates PLLC, brings more than 30 years of experience in business, education, and workplace and fraud investigation. He earned an MBA and CPA license and numerous professional certifications: Certified in Financial Forensics, Chartered Global Management Accountant, Certified Fraud Examiner, Association of Workplace Investigators - Certificate Holder and Private Investigator. Bill specializes in workplace investigations and assessments, fraud investigations, forensic accounting, internal controls, leadership coaching, and business planning and consulting.
Throughout his career, Bill has been dedicated to increasing diversity within the CPA profession. Growing up in the then recently integrated South, he was inspired by a college mentor to pursue a career in accounting—a path he had not previously considered.
“Using this mentoring experience as a model, Bill has guided countless students at Everett Community College (EVCC), introducing them to new opportunities and brighter futures,” said WSCPA Chair Andrew Brajcich, CPA, JD, LLM. “He has made a significant impact in communities historically underrepresented in our field. He is a role model for us all.”
Bill co-founded the EVCC Students of Color Career Conference— an event that draws more than 2,000 middle and high school students annually. He also played a key role in establishing the Snohomish County NAACP and EVCC Youth Development Program and served as a commissioner of the Washington State Commission on African American Affairs. From 2018-2021, he was a member of the WSCPA Board of Directors and has been honored with many awards, including the WSCPA 2020-2021 President & CEO Award.
Bill and his wife Marcella have five children. He enjoys blues and jazz music and hanging out with the grandchildren.
Vine Dahlen, PLLC CPA
BUSINESS OF THE YEAR AWARD
For leadership engagement and active support of the WSCPA
Vine Dahlen is so much more than your typical accounting firm. Founded in 1964 by Ann Vine, one of the first female CPAs in Washington State, the firm has always embraced change and innovation.
The strength of Vine Dahlen lies in its unique blend of seasoned professionals collaborating closely with recent graduates, leveraging the wisdom of experience while always looking to the future. This approach allows the team of 35 dedicated professionals to maintain a personalized touch with each client while providing a comprehensive suite of resources and specialists for even the most intricate accounting work.
As a WSCPA Peak Firm, Vine Dahlen has shown remarkable dedication to ensuring all CPAs and future CPAs are members, fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional development within the community. Their engagement with WSCPA education and events sets a standard for excellence.
Several of their staff actively participate in volunteer roles, such as leadership positions on Everett Chapter board and involvement in the WSCPA Not-For-Profit Committee. This impressive level of engagement underscores Vine Dahlen’s commitment to the profession as well as to community service and leadership.
Vine Dahlen's balanced approach to professional growth, emphasizing work-life integration and community involvement, reflects a deep understanding of the evolving landscape of modern accounting. Their support for flexible working arrangements and encouragement for team members to engage in community outreach mirrors the WSCPA's vision of a dynamic, inclusive, and progressive accounting profession.
Rick Betts, CPA-Retired
COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP AWARD
For exemplary service and inspirational leadership in community service
Rick Betts was formerly the Regional Managing Partner at Moss Adams in Spokane and a member of the firm’s Executive Committee. He led the firm’s Communications & Media Practice for nearly a decade, significantly expanding the telecom practice to a nationwide client base. Additionally, Rick played a key role in many of the firm’s practice acquisitions and served on several AICPA and WSCPA committees. He retired as a CPA in 2018, turning his efforts to other worthwhile pursuits.
Rick is the founder of Spokane Hoopfest, an annual weekend street basketball tournament with over 6,000 teams.
“In the late 1990s, on a flight to an AICPA conference in Washington, D.C., Rick conceived the idea of holding a 3-on-3 basketball tournament in downtown Spokane to benefit the Special Olympics,” shared Andrew Brajcich, CPA, JD, LLM. “At that time, 3-on-3 tournaments were rare. Rick won the support of downtown business owners, secured a permit, and 36 courts were taped off on the asphalt. The first Hoopfest was held on June 30 and July 1, 1990.”
Hoopfest is now the largest 3-on-3 tournament in the world. It has raised approximately $2 million for Special Olympics and other charities and has built more than 30 community basketball courts in the Inland Northwest. Rick continues to serve on the board of directors of the Spokane Hoopfest Association, which now runs the tournament with the help of 3,000 volunteers.
“Hoopfest is what it is today because of Rick’s perseverance and steady leadership throughout 34 years," said Riley Stockton, Executive Director of Spokane Hoopfest Association.
“This esteemed firm stands as a testament to pioneering spirit and enduring excellence in the accounting profession,” stated Monette Anderson, CAE, WSCPA Vice President of Membership & Education. “Their commitment to the WSCPA as well as their staff’s development is inspiring.”
Rick graduated from the University of Puget Sound, holds a master’s in taxation from Gonzaga, and lives in Spokane with his wife Diane, a retired CPA.
Rick and his three sons.
Gilberto Plascencia, CPA. CFE
OUTSTANDING WSCPA VOLUNTEER LEADER AWARD
Kelly Rancourt, CPA
OUTSTANDING WSCPA VOLUNTEER LEADER AWARD
For active leadership and dedicated service to the WSCPA For leadership engagement and active support of the WSCPA
Gilbert Plascencia, CPA, is a senior manager at Alegria Advisors, a local accounting firm in Yakima, and has been serving a diverse group of clients and industries for more than 20 years.
A WSCPA member since 2003, Gilbert has demonstrated outstanding engagement and leadership, which have shaped WSCPA strategic direction and diversity and inclusion initiatives. As a member of the WSCPA Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Council and a Washington CPA Foundation Trustee, Gilbert has showcased his commitment to the profession and has steered our organization toward a future-ready path.
In his role with the Foundation Grant Committee, Gilbert contributes to the decision-making process for awarding grants to organizations focused on enhancing the diversity of our talent pipeline. This involvement exemplifies how he uses his experience to foster a more inclusive profession, ensuring that diverse perspectives are considered and valued within our community.
“I appreciate Gilbert’s engaged approach and consistently thoughtful contributions,” said Monette Anderson, Executive Director of the Foundation. “When he contributes, it’s always meaningful and constructive, bringing forward suggestions that prompt us to steadily improve our work.”
Outside of work, you can find Gilbert hiking, walking, or gardening. He is a certified master gardener and currently serves as treasurer for the Master Gardener Foundations of Yakima County and Washington State. Passionate about the outdoors, Gilbert enjoys long-distance hikes to remote places and always encourages others to join him.
Kelly Rancourt, CPA, is a Principal in Clark Nuber’s Audit and Assurance Services Group. Kelly has more than 15 years of experience performing audits and single audits for not-forprofits, foundations, religious organizations, local and special purpose governments, and healthcare organizations. She works extensively with a number of social service and public sector organizations that receive federal funding from various federal agencies. Kelly has spoken locally and nationally on not-for-profit accounting topics, governance, and federal grant compliance.
A member of the WSCPA since 2008, Kelly has significantly contributed to the WSCPA Not-For-Profit Resource Group, including serving on its Executive Committee and as past co-chair of the Not-For-Profit Conference Planning Committee.
“Kelly is a particularly inspiring leader,” said Suzette Rangel, WSCPA Manager of Conferences & Special Events. “Her patience and dedication have been instrumental in motivating the conference planning committee to organize effectively, confront challenges head-on, and collaboratively find solutions in our projects.”
In addition to her volunteer work, Kelly is a co-author of the annual Knowledge Based Audits of Health Care Entities published by CCH, a Wolters Kluwer Company. She is an active member of the Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA), the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA), and the AICPA NotFor-Profit and Governmental Training Program Conference Planning committee.
Kelly graduated magna cum laude from Western Washington University in 2008 with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration—concentrating in accounting and finance, and a minor in English.
Kelly enjoys traveling to Whistler, Canada during the summer with her husband and two children. There is always a new place to explore and a new waterfall to find.
Eaon Roberts, CPA
OUTSTANDING WSCPA VOLUNTEER LEADER AWARD
For active leadership and dedicated service to the WSCPA
Eaon Roberts, CPA, CFE, is a director at Armanino within their consulting practice. Eaon advises CFOs on technical accounting and complex transactions, drawing on his extensive experience in SEC reporting, mergers and acquisitions, project management, controller operations, audit operations and internal controls. Eaon brings more than 17 years of business and industry experience to client engagements and roles as a board and committee member.
Since joining the WSCPA, Eaon has made significant contributions as a volunteer leader. As an active member of the WSCPA Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Council, he has played an essential role in guiding our diversity and inclusion efforts. Eaon is also dedicated to engaging with students, sharing his professional journey to inspire future CPAs.
“Eaon’s practical approach and genuine enthusiasm have positively influenced our programs, proving invaluable in our efforts to nurture the next generation of accounting professionals,” said Monette Anderson, Vice President of Membership & Education. “We look forward to seeing him continue to engage."
Eaon earned a B.S. in Finance and Accounting from Florida State University and his master’s degree in Accounting from Florida Atlantic University. An active member of the Army Reserves, Eaon lives with his spouse Julie in West Seattle.
Finding my center of gravity of peace, love and respect for our most precious resource; nature. When life offers me lemons, I go fishing!
Marcie McAllister, CPA
NEW PROFESSIONAL AWARD
For passion, commitment, and service to the WSCPA
Marcie McAllister, CPA, CMA, graduated from the University of Washington, Bothell in 2017, and has been with Vine Dahlen PLLC in Lynnwood since starting her accounting career. Currently a manager, Marcie specializes in S corporation, partnership, and individual taxation and supports accounting services with payroll and state tax returns.
A WSCPA member since 2016, Marcie joined the WSCPA Everett Chapter Board after becoming a CPA in 2019. As the current chair of the chapter board, Marcie’s exceptional talent for planning engaging networking events has fostered a vibrant and collaborative community within the profession.
Marcie’s dedication to the CPA profession extends beyond her board service; she actively mentors and guides future and new CPAs, sharing her knowledge and passion for the field.
“Marcie's unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation sets a standard for leadership that inspires and empowers those around her," said Daniel Fleming, WSCPA Manager of Member Engagement. "Through her genuine commitment and hands-on contributions, Marcie sparks positive change and empowers others to make a difference in their communities.”
Since giving birth to her first son, Michael, at 25 weeks, Marcie has dedicated countless hours over the past 23 years working, volunteering, and fundraising for March of Dimes. When not working or volunteering, she enjoys spending time with her family in Bothell.
Marcie, her husband David, and son Matthew, on a cruise to Cabo last December.
Alexis Vergara
RISING STAR AWARD
For passion, commitment, and service to the WSCPA
Alexis (Rodriguez) Vergara is a tax associate specializing in Private Wealth at Baker Tilly Seattle. She has been with Baker Tilly since July 2022 and serves as the Director of Membership for their Latinx Community.
Alexis embodies what it means to be a “Rising Star” within the WSCPA community. Her journey with the organization began as a recipient of a Washington CPA Foundation scholarship, and since then, she has consistently showcased her passion for accounting. Alexis's dedication to personal growth and professional development is evident through her active involvement on the WSCPA Emerging Leaders Committee, the Tacoma Area Chapter Board, as well as the CPAPAC Committee. She has also actively participated in outreach initiatives aimed at introducing students to accounting.
“The Rising Star Award is a testament to Alexis’ outstanding contributions and potential for even greater accomplishments in the future,” said Benjamin Warren, WSCPA Manager of Pipeline Initiatives.
Alexis graduated summa cum laude in 2023 from Pacific Lutheran University, earning her bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a concentration in accounting. She is also a recipient of the Dean’s Award of Excellence.
magical looks on loved ones' faces, especially the kiddos.
Christopher Hesse, CPA
PRESIDENT'S AWARD
For a career long dedication to the profession and active participation in making it better for all
Chris Hesse, CPA, retired in October 2022, after a 43-year career in public accounting that ended after his service as chair of the AICPA Tax Executive Committee during the pandemic. He had previously chaired the AICPA S corporation technical resource panel and served on the WSCPA Farm Tax Conference Committee.
Chris was a principal in the National Tax Office of CliftonLarsonAllen LLP (CLA) focusing on domestic federal income tax issues. He wrote extensively on esoteric income tax matters, including 10 articles for the AICPA’s Tax Adviser magazine. He wrote materials for and presented at national CPE conferences, CPA firms, and various state societies across the country.
Chris had the privilege of testifying before Congressional and Washington legislative committees on tax policy matters. His testimony at the IRS regulation hearing on farm income averaging remains the regulation mostly in place today. He led the battle that resulted in a 10-year retroactive repeal of an Alternative Minimum Tax provision affecting farmers. He was consulted by the Washington legislature when it included an additional state estate tax exemption for farmers.
WSCPA President & CEO Kimberly Scott, CAE, reflected on Chris' enduring contributions to the profession: "I met Chris Hesse within the first few months of my time at the WSCPA over 20 years ago. Chris has always been a passionate advocate for the profession and an active volunteer with the WSCPA. Even when his job took him to another state, he maintained his membership, contributed to the CPAPAC, and regularly checked in to offer his help. When he moved back to Washington, he quickly resumed his involvement, even becoming an instructor. I deeply appreciate his commitment to the profession and his unwavering dedication to the WSCPA."
Chris enjoys working on his family's farm and is an avid bicyclist. He has bicycled on tandem bikes with his wife in the U.S., the Netherlands, Germany and Belgium.
Christmas is Alexis' favorite holiday. She enjoys hosting and seeing the
William Resler, JD, LLM
CHAIR'S AWARD
For his impact on the tax community in Washington and inspiring a generation of tax CPAs
Bill Resler, who passed away in 2017, was a popular senior lecturer emeritus of tax accounting at the University of Washington’s Foster School of Business, known for his engaging teaching style, infectious humor and dedication to his students. As the co-founder of the Master of Professional Accounting in Taxation program at the Foster School in 1992, Prof. Resler played a pivotal role in shaping the education of an estimated 6,000 accounting students and directed the program for more than 20 years.
UW law alumnus and Immediate Past Chair of the WSCPA Board of Directors Andrew Brajcich, who currently serves as the Director of Gonzaga University’s graduate tax program, heard countless stories of the legendary Resler as a young professional in Seattle.
“Few have had more impact on the tax community in our state. Bill Resler inspired generations of tax professionals and made complex concepts understandable despite the best efforts of those who write the rules. A character in and outside of the classroom, one thing you could always count on was Prof. Resler having his students’ best interest in mind.”
In addition to his achievements at UW, Prof. Resler was well known as the head coach of the Roosevelt High School girls basketball team for nine successful seasons.
According to the UW Foster blog post that announced his passing, Prof. Resler once wrote, “My philosophy toward teaching, tax law, or life in general is the same. Struggle to fashion each day to be superior to yesterday. Work hard, play hard, and avoid confusing the two. Make clear choices between what comes easiest and what you feel is most meaningful.”
Photo courtesy of University of Washington Foster School of Business.