Two highly respected CPAs, Mary Ritchie FCPA, FCA and Wayne Kauffman FCPA, FCA, are being honoured for their enduring achievements and impact on the profession.
Mary is a corporate director both well-known and highly respected for her insightful analysis, dynamic team work, and polished communication skills. She has deep expertise in corporate management, acquisition, divestiture, and finance in a multitude of sectors.
Since earning Fellowship in the profession in 1997—when at the time she was one of the few female Fellows and the youngest to receive that honour—Mary has continued her exceptional career and provided value to numerous organizations. She has served as Audit Committee Chair for many public companies and Chair of Canada Hibernia, Canada’s offshore drilling operation. She is currently the Chair of the Audit Committee for Morien Resources and recently joined the newly formed Board of the Heritage Fund Opportunity Corporation as Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee.
Wayne earned his designation in Ontario in 1974 before moving to Alberta, where his passion for the profession led him to spend the majority of his career in service to the profession and to his colleagues. He served in numerous roles with the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Alberta (ICAA) and CPA Alberta, including Associate Executive Director of the ICAA and Senior Vice President, CPA Life, with CPA Alberta. His work had a profound impact on the profession in Alberta, driving innovation in professional development, member services, and member advisory areas, among others. Through his efforts, Wayne became well known and highly respected by CPAs throughout the province and across the country.
Wayne’s desire to help others succeed has also been evident beyond his professional work. He has long been actively involved in the community, most notably through Rotary International, where he most recently completed his term as District Chair of the Rotary Foundation. He was awarded Fellowship in 2000.
“I am so tremendously excited to honour these two exceptional CPAs,” said CPA Alberta CEO Rachel Miller. “Honouring Mary is a recognition of her more than four decades exemplifying the highest standard of leadership, integrity, and professional excellence. She has blazed a trail and mentored many within the profession, and this is well-deserved.
I also had the pleasure of working closely with Wayne for many years and can attest to his profound impact on the profession. His integrity, commitment, and heartfelt service to others that he has demonstrated throughout his career make him a role model for all and a deserving recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award.”
