At the heart of the tax industry are professionals who go above and beyond, making a significant impact in their communities and shaping the broader landscape of tax services. NATP is proud to announce the winners of our highly coveted awards: Tax Professional of the Year, Chapter Person of the Year, and Chapter of the Year. The dedication and accomplishments of these individuals and chapters set them apart as leaders in the field.
Tax Professional of the Year
Brad Messner, EA, MBA, CSBA, has been named the 2023 Tax Professional of the Year. As the third-generation owner of M&J Tax Services in Pennsylvania, Messner has been actively involved in the tax industry for 27 years. He began working part-time at his family’s business when he was just 16, and his passion for the field has only grown stronger over the years. Messner’s advice to new preparers is to become part of an industry organization and connect with like-minded peers who can offer guidance and support. His recognition as Tax Professional of the Year is a testament to his dedication and exceptional contributions to the industry.
Chapter Person of the Year
Melissa Lewis, EA, a member of the NATP Texas chapter, has been awarded the prestigious title of 2023 Chapter Person of the Year. Lewis has an impressive 32 years of experience in the tax industry and co-owns Vinny Lewis’ Business Solutions in Wichita Falls, Texas. Her commitment to helping NATP members succeed is commendable, as she actively contributes to the Texas chapter’s initiatives as board treasurer. Lewis takes pride in the chapter’s dedication to both its members and the community, exemplifying the values that make her an outstanding leader and advocate for the tax profession.
Chapter of the Year
This year’s Chapter of the Year award witnessed a unique tie between the NATP Georgia chapter and the NATP New York chapter. Both chapters demonstrated exceptional commitment to their members and communities, earning them this prestigious recognition. Their dedication to providing educational resources, fostering networking opportunities, and supporting tax professionals in their respective regions has been outstanding. The NATP Georgia chapter and the NATP New York chapter have set a high standard for excellence and collaboration within their communities, making them worthy recipients of this esteemed award.
Qualifying criteria for NATP’s Tax Professional of the Year and Chapter Person of the Year awards:
Exceptional professional expertise: Nominees for the Tax Professional of the Year and Chapter Person of the Year awards must possess a high level of professional expertise in the field of taxation. They should demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of tax laws, regulations, and practices, showcasing their ability to provide exceptional service and guidance to clients.
Outstanding contributions to the industry: Nominees should have made significant contributions to the tax industry through their innovative ideas, best practices or thought leadership. They should have actively participated in industry events, conferences or educational programs, sharing their knowledge and insights with fellow professionals.
Commitment to professional development: Nominees should show a commitment to continuous professional development and staying abreast of the latest updates and changes in tax laws and regulations. They should have pursued advanced certifications or designations, such as enrolled agent (EA), certified public accountant (CPA) or tax attorney to enhance their knowledge and expertise.
Ethical conduct: Nominees must adhere to the highest ethical standards in their professional practice. They should demonstrate integrity, professionalism and confidentiality in their interactions with clients, colleagues and the broader community. Their ethical conduct should exemplify the values and principles advocated by NATP.
Community engagement and leadership: Nominees should have actively engaged with their local communities and demonstrated leadership qualities. They may have volunteered their time and expertise to educate the public on tax matters, served on committees or boards related to taxation, or organized community events that promote financial literacy and awareness.
NATP membership and involvement: Nominees for these awards must be active members of NATP, showcasing their commitment to the organization’s mission and values. They should have participated in NATP events, conferences or chapter activities, actively contributing to the growth and success of the association.
Positive impact and recognition: Nominees should have made a positive impact on their clients, colleagues and the tax industry as a whole. They may have received accolades, positive reviews or testimonials for their outstanding service and expertise. Their contributions should have earned them respect and recognition within their professional circles.
These achievements serve as an inspiration for tax professionals everywhere, reminding us of the positive impact we can make by going above and beyond in our profession. Congratulations to all the winners and nominees for their remarkable accomplishments!
About National Association of Tax ProfessionalsThe National Association of Tax Professionals (NATP) is the largest association dedicated to equipping tax professionals with the resources, connections and education they need to provide the highest level of service to their clients. NATP is comprised of over 23,000 leading tax professionals who believe in a superior standard of ethics and exemplify professional excellence. Members rely on NATP to deliver professional connections, content expertise and advocacy that provides them with the support they need to best serve their clients. The organization welcomes all tax professionals in their quest to continually meet the needs of the public, no matter where they are in their careers.
The NATP headquarters is located in Appleton, WI. To learn more, visit www.natptax.com.
Information included in this article is accurate as of the publish date. This post is not reflective of tax law changes or IRS guidance that may have occurred after the date of publishing.