NCACPA, in partnership with AICPA, announced in October the recipients for the annual Women to Watch awards, presented to this year’s winners at the Professional Women’s Conference in Cary, NC.
Vickie Martin and Beth Allen received the “Experienced Leader” and “Emerging Leader” awards, respectively, which recognize their achievements as not only leaders in the accounting profession themselves, but as pioneers in the advancement of women as leaders.

Award winners Beth Allen and Vickie Martin with their guests at the Professional Women’s Conference at the Embassy Suites in Cary, NC on October 22, 2015.
Vickie, from Hickory, NC, started her firm in 1987 with only one other employee. Today, Martin Starnes & Associates has grown to over 60 employees across three locations. Vickie received the “Experienced Leader” award which recognizes her notable contributions to the accounting profession, her organization, and to the development of women as leaders.
One colleague noted of Vickie’s leadership, “Vickie routinely takes the time to sit with various employees to explain or to teach methods or techniques. This leadership style evokes a team atmosphere. She is not only a coach, but an active player as well. Furthermore, Vickie has strived to make Martin Starnes & Associates (MSA) a great place to work. MSA has been ranked by Accounting Today as one of the “Best Accounting Firms to Work For” the last six out of seven years.”

Vickie Martin, center, received the “Experienced Leader” award from Melisa Galasso, right, and Yasmine El-Ramly, left, at the Professional Women’s Conference in Cary, NC on October 22, 2015.
Beth, from Charlotte, NC, received the “Emerging Leader” award for demonstrating the characteristics necessary to becoming a leader in the accounting profession. A senior assurance manager at GreerWalker, LLP, Beth has previously been recognized in the Charlotte Business Journal Class of 2013 40 Under 40 and Mecklenburg Times 50 Most Influential Women.
A colleague of Beth’s wrote, “Beth has been very involved in the Women’s Initiative for the Charlotte Chapter as one of its founding members, and has had a pivotal role in determining its strategy and direction. She has a passion for helping women in the accounting profession.”

Beth Allen, center, received the “Emerging Leader” award at the Professional Women’s Conference.
Join us in congratulating Vickie and Beth for not only contributing to the advancement of the accounting profession, but also for elevating the role of women in the field.