Every year, the Colorado Society of CPAs pauses to recognize the people who make our profession — and our communities — better. This year's Women to Watch and Everyday Heroes honorees represent the very best of what it means to be a CPA: technical excellence paired with generosity, mentorship, and genuine care for the people around them. Here's a look at this year's winners, and an invitation to help us celebrate them in person.

Women to Watch

Teresa Plaugher, ClearPath Advisors — Emerging Leader

Teresa's story is one of remarkable perseverance: an immigrant from Mexico, a teenage single mother, a first-generation college graduate who earned her accounting degree part time over eight years, and now a CPA living with multiple sclerosis who built a firm designed to serve her community while honoring her own health. As one of only a handful of Hispanic women CPAs, she runs free bilingual financial literacy classes for immigrant business owners, closing knowledge gaps that leave too many small business owners vulnerable. Her honesty about her own journey has made her a role model far beyond her client list.

Jennifer Klebold, KPMG LLP — Leader of Note

Recently promoted to Managing Director, Jen has built a career spanning public and private company audits, four years with KPMG New Zealand, and a leading role in KPMG's national office, where she helped shape the firm's response to the PCAOB's new confirmation auditing standard. She's known for mentoring rotational team members in a hybrid work environment — no small feat — while still prioritizing time with her young family.

Amanda Good, Kundinger, Corder & Montoya — Leader of Note

Amanda made partner just over a year into her tenure at KCM, where colleagues consistently point to her as the firm's best mentor. She's a sought-after speaker on not-for-profit auditing and Single Audit topics, presenting regularly at the Rocky Mountain NFP Conference, and volunteers with the Women's Bean Project and Colorado Beagle Rescue. Her staff describe her as demanding in the best way — someone who makes everyone around her better at their jobs.

Christine McLeod, Haynie & Company — Leader of Note

Christine's colleagues and clients know her as a steady, respected leader at Haynie & Company, earning this recognition for the impact she's had across her firm and the profession.

Everyday Heroes

Bruce Gray, Bruce A. Gray, CPA

Over a 40-plus year career, Bruce has served the profession through the California Society of CPAs, COCPA's Technology Users Group and Independent Accountants Alliance, and countless community boards — all while running a solo practice. Nearing retirement, he still finds time to mentor young professionals and volunteer as a youth group leader, once spending fifty hours supervising a teenager's driving lessons so the boy could earn his license.

Todd Mihelich, McPherson, Goodrich, Paolucci & Mihelich, PC

As accountant for EDUCATE, Todd provides steady financial stewardship that lets the organization focus on serving students and families. Beyond his firm's client work, he's known for quietly stepping in to help individuals and families navigate difficult moments — offering guidance and reassurance without ever expecting recognition in return.

Tim O'Brien, Office of the Auditor, City & County of Denver

Denver's Auditor for over a decade, Tim has led hundreds of financial and performance audits, identified over $200 million in savings, and pushed for programs like the Great Colorado Payback, which returned nearly $400 million to Coloradans. His work has earned national recognition, including the 2022 David M. Walker Excellence in Government Accountability Award, but colleagues say it's his integrity and genuine care for Denver residents that stand out most.

Lance Grothe, Grothe Financial Services, P.C.

A CPA on Colorado's eastern plains for more than 35 years, Lance is a fixture in Bennett, Colorado — donating a tree every Arbor Day, leading the local Lions Club, supporting 4-H kids, and picking up trash on his daily walk to work. At over 70 years old, he keeps costs low for struggling small businesses and shows no signs of slowing down.

Join Us in Celebrating These Honorees

These eight CPAs represent the heart of our profession: people who lead with integrity, lift others up, and give back to their communities without expecting anything in return. Please join us in honoring them in person at the CPAs Make a Difference Gala, where we'll come together to celebrate this year's Women to Watch and Everyday Heroes winners.

Get your tickets and learn more about the CPAs Make a Difference Gala

We hope to see you there.