CGA Ontario honours CGA award recipients - leaders in their workplaces and communities

TORONTO, Oct. 2, 2013 /CNW/ - Certified General Accountants of Ontario (CGA Ontario) recently held its annual recognition and awards ceremony at the InterContinental Toronto Centre, recognizing CGAs who have worked hard to make a difference. The award recipients, among some of today's accounting and finance leaders, represent the CGA designation in their local workplaces and communities, working hard to build equity for the CGA designation. They see the story behind a business' success; whatever their role, be it CFO, president, controller or advisor, these CGAs provide valuable insights that support important financial and business decisions every day.

CGA Ontario pays tribute to the following certified general accountants:

Lorna Henderson Outstanding Mentor Award - Michelle Causton FCGA, Nipissing

A tax and management accounting professor in the School of Business and Management at Canadore College in North Bay, Michelle is described as "tough but fair" and an "inspirational mentor and role model" by her students. She is renowned for "going the extra mile" in counselling students on their careers and keeping in touch after graduation.

Ivy Thomas Award - Nora Fischer CGA, Toronto

An inspirational and philanthropic leader, Nora has worked with the Parkinson Society Central and Northern Ontario, supporting the fight against Parkinson's disease, a neurodegenerative disorder, for more than 13 years. Overcoming her own physical adversity, she has demonstrated outstanding leadership through her involvement and humanitarian efforts, helping more than 40,000 people.

Life Membership Award - Frank Mensink FCGA, Waterloo

For 11 years the retired executive dean (former professor of accounting) at the School of Business and Hospitality, Conestoga College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning, was instrumental in building a relationship between CGA Ontario, Conestoga College, and the community of Kitchener. He served as CGA Ontario's chair of the board of directors in 2010-11, Frank's dedication to CGA Ontario has been demonstrated though his commitment to academia, lifelong learning and volunteerism. Frank is an academic leader and mentor.

Ontario Distinguished Service Award: Issued to CGAs for their distinguished service to the Association at the provincial level; or for significant recognition to the Association in the general community; or a combination thereof. Recognizing:

Zennie Bernardo CGA, Thornhill - Credited with strong leadership, enthusiasm, unwavering commitment to her designation and CGA Ontario, Zennie works hard to make a difference, coaching over 200 volunteers each year to prepare tax returns within the GTA for the past 10 years. She leads through example and best practice in supporting her community.

Kanwal (Ken) Kapur FCGA, Pickering - A well regarded and successful professional practitioner and former university professor, Ken can often be found mentoring students in the CGA program of professional studies. He is a true brand ambassador for the Association and encourages students to consider and pursue the CGA designation in building their careers. He has been credited for his positive contributions to countless community services, demonstrating professionalism in every role he has carried.

Jean LaPorte FCGA, Orleans - A current member of the board of directors for CGA Ontario, Jean played an active role on the Ottawa chapter committee, planning, organizing and leading public sector days, hosting new professional development programs, among others initiatives. Identified as one of Ottawa's most active volunteers, he advocates for the CGA designation within the federal public service and he has been a member of various CGA Ontario committees.

Juliet Perez CGA, Mississauga - A dedicated volunteer and advocate within the Filipino community, Juliet is involved with CGA Ontario chairing and serving several committees with Peel Chapter, in addition to local community associations. She is a team player who has initiated professional development opportunities, piloted several new projects and supported student orientation events, noted for sharing ideas and mentoring Canadian immigrants.

 

The following certified general accountants were granted the Fellowship designation (FCGA): Sally Boucher FCGA, Manotick; Johanna Charbonneau FCGA, Ottawa; Ronald (Ron) Harvey FCGA, Kanata; Kanwal (Ken) Kapur FCGA, Pickering; Bernie Keim FCGA, London; Bill McNames FCGA, Ayemer; Kerry Peacock FCGA, Toronto; Fred Pritchard FCGA, Moffat; Satish Thakkar FCGA, Brampton; Greg Twinney FCGA, Caledon.

The Fellowship designation gives those who receive it the privilege of using the FCGA designation. It is bestowed upon CGAs who have rendered exemplary service to the Association, the accounting profession and the community.

 

"Regardless of their particular achievement, all of the CGA honourees have something in common," said Doug Brooks, FCGA, CEO, CGA Ontario. "They leverage their skills in the marketplace each day; building, strengthening and adding value to the CGA designation."

 

CGAs who achieved 25 and 50 years of membership were also honoured and recognized at the recognition and awards dinner.

CGAs possess a solid foundation of accounting skills. Forward-thinking financial leaders, CGAs have broad business experience that makes them equipped to handle the varying needs of any business.

About the Certified General Accountants of Ontario

CGA Ontario is a self-governing body that grants the exclusive rights to the CGA designation, and controls the professional standards, conduct and discipline of its members and students in the province of Ontario. Certified general accountants (CGAs) are committed to meeting the needs of businesses and organizations with strategic insight, leadership and demonstrated abilities. In Ontario, there are more than 22,000 CGAs and 9,000 students working toward their designation.

SOURCE: Certified General Accountants of Ontario

Amy Mulhern, Manager, Public Relations, CGA Ontario
Phone: [phone] or 1-800-668-1454, ext. 8311
Mobile: [phone]
Email: [email protected]