April 30, 2019

A capacity crowd attended the event which honors newly certified CPA’s, scholarship winners and others making significant contributions to Rhode Island Society of CPAs or the profession. The event also marked the annual transition of leadership for the RI Society, including the installation of a new Chair of the Board of Directors, new officers and members to the Board. Attendees included representatives from the finance sector, business associations and industry groups from Rhode Island and southeastern New England.

The event also marked the Annual Transition of Leadership for the RI Society which included the installation of a new Chair, new officers and members to the Board of Directors. Attendees included representatives from the finance sector, business associations and industry groups from Rhode Island and southeastern New England. Outgoing board chair David Lucier told the group he was proud of the accomplishments the Society achieved over the past year.

RISCPA's Board of Directors 2019 - 2020

  • John C. Ayers, Chair
  • Marianne Caserta, Chair Elect;
  • Erica Guatieri, Vice Chair
  • Daniel Bonnette, Treasurer
  • Edward Yazbak, Secretary
  • David Almonte - New Board Member
  • Christine Cannata - New Board Member
  • Karen DelPonte
  • Michelle Forcino - New Board Member
  • Joseph Goldberg
  • David Krekorian
  • Brendan McCorry
  • David J. Lucier, Past Chair

Outgoing board members completed terms this year and were recognized for their service.

  • Barbara Perino
  • Jennifer Freitas
  • Michael Kraten

RISCPA President Melissa Travis presented citations from the Office of Lieutenant Governor Daniel McKee to award winners and newly certified CPA honorees. “Our April Recognition event marks a special occasion for the entire RI Society of CPAs as we welcome this new generation into the profession,” Ms. Travis said. “This talented group of young professionals represents the next chapter at RISCPA and will position the organization for growth.”

Rhode Island’s 41 Newly Certified CPAs Click Here for Pictures

Elenice A. Auslander Anthony R. Giarrusso Justin C. Nelson
Mary K. Bassett Elisha K. Hall Anthony M. Pagano
Matthew Bowen Andrew Herther Douglas K. Palladino
John P. Boyle Joseph Jackson Yarmayn G. Rodriguez
Reid H. Brackenbury Rochelle A. Jimenez Olivia L. Roy
Brian Chambers Marissa L. Johnson Joseph Sepe
Andrea L. Chiaradio Katherine G. Kiser Israel B. Solano
Mark F. Correia Lena P. Lambrou Xiomara Soto
Matthew M. D’Ambra Cody Lange Peter W. Tympanick
Katarina DeFreitas Nicole M. LaRosee Brian Ung
Christopher DeRouin Kathleen Lyons Dennis S. Varone, II
Kyle Evans Adriana M. Maurano Benjamin F. Wilkinson
Stephanie Fay Megan E. Merlino Shirley Yung
Tyler Gay Joelle P. Nelson

Scholarship Awards

The Carl W. Christiansen Scholarship was awarded to:

    • Amanda Andsager, Senior, Villanova University
    • Cameron Moniz, Senior, Bryant University
    • Angelica Provost, Sophomore, Bryant University
    • Alexandra Roberti, Senior, University of Rhode Island

The Cheryl A. Ruggiero Scholarship was awarded to:

    • Angelica Provost, Sophomore, Bryant University

The KLR/Brian A. Altomari Memorial Scholarship was awarded to:

    • Cameron Moniz, Senior, Bryant University

“We salute the academic achievements of our Scholarship winners and extend our sincere wishes for continued success as they pursue their professional goals,” stated Travis.

RISPCA Commodore Award: The first ever Rhode Island Society of CPAs Commodore Award was presented to outgoing Board Chair David Lucier, of Lucier CPA. The award recognized his unwavering commitment and dedication to the Society. Lucier also received special citations from Speaker of the House Nicholas Mattiello and Lt. Governor Daniel McKee.

RISCPA President’s Award: This award was presented to Grafton “Cap” Willey, IV, for his dedication to advocacy for RISCPA in legislative affairs at the RI General Assembly. His efforts this year include helping to craft the framework for a proposed amendment to tax legislation connected to pass-through entities. Willey was presented citations by Speaker of the House Nicholas Mattiello and Lt. Governor Daniel McKee.

Nicholas Picchione Award: The award was presented to Brandon Salk, who also received the Elijah Watts Sells award, given to the highest scorer on the Unified CPA Exam. Salk was the only Rhode Islander CPA among an elite group from across the country who scored a 95.5 or higher across all four sections of the CPA exam. Brandon was also recognized in a press release from the AICPA earlier this spring.

Other highlights of the evening included a Keynote Speaker, Ernie Almonte, a past President of RISCPA and former Auditor General to the state of RI who spoke about preparing for the unprecedented challenges the accounting industry is facing.

Recognition and Thanks to Sponsors and 100% Firms: The RI Society recognized and thanked 100% firm members who represent companies who have 100% of their employees as members of RISCPA. Thank you to our firms!

Corporate Sponsors

  • Integrated Financial Partners
  • TD Bank

Program Sponsors

  • Amica Mutual Insurance
  • BlumShapiro
  • DiSanto, Priest & Co.
  • Eastern Insurance Group, LLC
  • Ernst & Young
  • Ken's Printing Company
  • Kahn, Litwin, Renza & Co.
  • Marcum, LLP.
  • Partridge Snow & Hahn LLP
  • Pawtucket Credit Union
  • Piccerelli, Gilstein & Co., LLP
  • Rhode Island Foundation
  • Rose & Kiernan, Inc.
  • Sansiveri, Kimball & Co., LLP
  • Steve Mason, Photographer
  • Twin River Casino Hotel

100% Membership Firms

Photo Credits: Steve Mason, Photographer www.SteveMasonPhotographer.com sm@stevemasonphotographer.com
To inquire about pictures, please contact the RI Society of CPAs Info@RISCPA.org