University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) as a College of Business Distinguished Alumnus. He is also a recipient of the Omaha Jaycees’ Distinguished Service Award, the Roncalli Catholic High School Pope John XXIII Community Service Award, and the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Outstanding Volunteer Award. These accolades are a testament to Sommer’s long-standing commitment to philanthropy and his efforts to enhance the wellbeing of his community. Professionally, his contributions extend far beyond his role at Hancock & Dana. He has been an active leader in the accounting profession through his involvement with the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the Nebraska Society of CPAs. Sommer’s work with the AICPA has included serving on the Management Consulting Services Executive Committee and chairing the Management Consulting Services Practice Standards Subcommittee. He has also shared his expertise by contributing to national publications, including a case study that was co-authored with a UNO professor and was selected by the AICPA for national recognition. Sommer’s commitment to the education and advancement of future professionals is another area where he shines. He is chairman emeritus of UNO’s School of Accounting Board of Advisors and serves on the College of Business National Advisory Board. His influence at UNO has been lasting, including having the Sommer Family Mezzanine named in his honor in Mammel Hall. The Nebraska Society of CPAs is proud to recognize Leonard Sommer with the Public Service Award, honoring his tireless dedication to the betterment of society and the accounting profession. DISTINGUISHED SERVICE TO THE PROFESSION AWARD Shari A. Munro Shari Munro was recognized with the prestigious Distinguished Service to the Profession Award from the Nebraska Society of CPAs, celebrating her exceptional commitment to the accounting profession. With a career spanning more than 35 years, Munro has dedicated her expertise and time to advancing the accounting profession, both through her work and her extensive service to various organizations. She accepted the award during the NESCPA Annual Meeting on Oct. 29 at the Riverview Lodge at Mahoney State Park in Ashland. Munro earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, with an emphasis in accounting, from the University of Nebraska at Omaha in 1986, establishing a strong foundation for an impactful career. As a director at Frankel LLC in Omaha since 1993, Munro has been an integral member of the firm’s assurance services and peer review practice. Her career in accounting began with Coopers & Lybrand, now known as PwC, where she served clients in Omaha and Denver for six years. Her specializations in audit and accounting services have benefited a wide range of clients, and she is known for her meticulous attention to detail and commitment to high standards. Beyond her professional responsibilities, she has been a dedicated advocate for the CPA profession and a committed volunteer leader of the Nebraska Society of CPAs. Munro has been a member of the Nebraska Society of CPAs for 31 years, serving in various leadership capacities on the Society’s board of directors and on numerous committees over that time. She was chairman of the Society in 2019-2020. Prior to that, she served as Society secretary and treasurer for four years. Her committee involvement in the Society includes service on the Audit Committee, Awards Selection Committee, Investment Committee, Nominating Committee, and Quality Review Committee. In addition, Munro led the formation of the Women in Accounting Summit, serving as committee chairman for its initial two years. She is also a member of the Nebraska Board of Public Accountancy’s Peer Review Committee. Munro’s contributions extend to the national level as well, where she has served as the Nebraska elected representative to the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) for the past three years. Her dedication to the profession is further evident through her volunteer role as treasurer for the University of Nebraska at Omaha Alumni Association, showcasing her commitment to fostering connections and supporting alumni in their professional journeys. Munro is also a University of Nebraska Foundation Trustee and a member of the Foundation Audit Committee. Her other civic activities include serving on the Skutt Catholic High School Board of Directors and Finance Committee. She also chaired the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women event. She and her husband Kevin have been married for 37 years and together they have two sons and two grandchildren. Son Connor, also a CPA, and his wife Haley have a son, Leo. Son Matt, an attorney, and his wife Chloe have a daughter, Blair. Throughout its 96-year history, the Nebraska Society of CPAs has had thousands of members. This year, Shari Munro became the 39th member to receive the Society’s highest award. 30 Nebraska CPA
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