2026 Firm Award Winners | Ohio CPA Firm | GBQ Partners

Each year, GBQ acknowledges associates who embody our firm’s purpose of empowering growth, guided by our brand attributes: highly motivated, personable, attentive, sociable, savvy, passionate, innovative, and responsible.

Rookie of the Year  

The Rookie of the Year Award is presented to associates who joined GBQ in the past year with energy and enthusiasm and have helped make a difference in the firm.

  • Jakob Blankenship, Staff, Tax & Advisory (Toledo)

  • Casey Clouse, Staff, Assurance & Advisory (Toledo)

  • Zach McElfresh, Staff, Tax & Advisory (Cincinnati)

  • Andrea Orazen, Marketing Coordinator (Columbus)

  • Verina Ranjar, Assistant Manager, Tax & Advisory (GR8 Global India)

Outstanding Attitude Award

The Outstanding Attitude Award is presented to associates who display an upbeat, positive attitude that makes others want to be around them.

  • Owen Cline, Staff, Tax & Advisory (Columbus)

  • Eddie Freyre, Senior, Tax & Advisory (Toledo)

  • Liz Killius, Staff, Tax & Advisory (Cincinnati)

  • Charlie May, Manager, Tax & Advisory (Columbus)

  • Christine Swigart, Administrative Specialist (Cincinnati)

Empower Award | People

This award is presented to those who embody and advocate for the firm’s brand attributes while fostering a sense of passion and enthusiasm for their colleagues. Through leadership, guidance, and support, these individuals contribute to the firm’s success while inspiring those around them.

  • Liz Brookover, Tax Operations Manager, Tax & Advisory (Columbus)

  • Grace Chaney, Manager, Tax & Advisory (Cincinnati)

  • Jordan Fick, Manager, Assurance & Advisory (Columbus)

  • Christy Macioce, Senior Manager, Tax & Advisory (Columbus)

  • Betty McCartney, Director, Tax & Advisory (Toledo)

  • Denise Monaghan, Director, Client Accounting & Advisory (Toledo)

  • Kyle Porter, Manager, Tax & Advisory (Columbus)

  • Vineeth TP, Assistant Manager, Tax & Advisory (GR8 Global – India)

Empower Award | Community

The recipients of this award have demonstrated a passion for driving growth and development within their local community. Whether by promoting an internal culture of action at GBQ and/or participating in external initiatives, these individuals embody a spirit of compassion and generosity that epitomizes growth and engagement to address social, environmental, and economic matters.

  • Zach Bonifas, Manager, Assurance & Advisory (Cincinnati)

  • Tyler Gabalski, Senior Manager, Tax & Advisory (Columbus)

  • Stephanie Grimm, Director, Tax & Advisory (Toledo)

  • Sara Tobin, Project Professional, Financial Services (Columbus)

  • Kevin VerHoef, Senior Manager, Assurance & Advisory (Columbus)

Empower Award | Clients

This award recognizes associates’ exceptional efforts and unwavering commitment to cultivating client relationships while delivering outstanding client service and offering strategic insights to guide and enhance business operations and empower growth.

  • Jenna Capilla, Senior Administrative Specialist (Toledo)

  • Caleb Ghiloni, Manager, Tax & Advisory (Cincinnati)

  • Emma Giroux, Senior Manager, Tax & Advisory (Columbus)

  • Zach Montgomery, Manager, Tax & Advisory (Columbus)

  • Alex Powell, Manager, Valuation & ESOP Advisory (Columbus)

  • Tyler Roesch, Senior Manager, Assurance & Advisory (Columbus)

GBQ Firm Awards

Morris Groner Entrepreneurial Award

The Morris Groner Entrepreneurial Award is presented to an associate(s) who displays an entrepreneurial spirit and promotes the growth of the firm through their client service and practice development efforts.

  • Zach Berardi, Senior Manager, Assurance & Advisory (Columbus)

  • Bryant Burgess, Senior Manager, Technology & Innovation (Columbus)

Jack Boyle Outstanding Leadership Award

GBQ's Jack Boyle Outstanding Leadership Award is presented to an associate(s) who is an excellent leader and a well-rounded business advisor, and who serves as a role model to others in the firm.

  • Mark Silvaggio, Director, Tax & Advisory (Columbus)

Ron Quillin Educator Award

The Ron Quillin Educator Award is presented to an associate(s) who is dedicated to lifelong learning and serves as a mentor and teacher to others within the firm.

  • Drew Dixon, Manager, Valuation & ESOP Advisory (Columbus)

  • Laura Wilheim, Senior Manager, Assurance & Advisory (Cincinnati)

About GBQ

At GBQ, our purpose is clear: we empower growth; growth of our people, our communities, and our clients’ businesses. A top tax, accounting, and consulting firm for 70 years, we’re driven by the outcomes that we know can change the lives of those we work with and for. We’ve learned that this is what matters most to our stakeholders. It is this purpose that drives and inspires us every day. It’s why we exist. Visit GBQ online at www.gbq.com.