Congratulations to Samantha Winogrond and Wendy Ruggiero for winning the 2017 annual Women to Watch awards!
Both women were presented their awards at this year’s Professional Women’s Conference on October 19, 2017 at the Grandover Resort in Greensboro. The awards recognize female leaders of the accounting profession in North Carolina, and are presented in partnership by NCACPA and the AICPA’s Women’s Initiatives Committee.
Emerging Leader Award – Samantha Winogrond
Samantha Winogrond, CPA, MBA, is a financial advisor at JSK Financial Services, LLC, in Asheville. She specializes in individual and business tax services as well as financial planning and investment management. Prior to joining JSK, she previously ran her own business and has been able to bring that entrepreneurial experience to help her clients with their business growth and accounting needs. She volunteered to oversee the marketing and re-branding efforts of JSK, including helping build the company’s website and overseeing all of the company’s online and social initiatives. These contributions have helped the business grow tremendously.
She has assisted and encouraged several students with the CPA designation process. She is also involved with YPA—a Young Professionals Association in Asheville that helps mentor new professionals.
Samantha is actively involved with her local business community and is a member of the Asheville Chamber of Commerce. She also volunteers time as the treasurer for a local nonprofit called Indivisible Asheville, and also volunteers as the financial manager for Pure Velo Racing.
Experienced Leader Award – Wendy Ruggiero
Wendy Ruggiero, CPA, is the CFO of Capital Associates and is responsible for all accounting and financial reporting, information systems, banking relationships, and tax planning and administration. She has extensive experience in financial services and over 13 years of public accounting experience.
She also serves on the board of SECU Family House at UNC Hospitals as treasurer. She is credited with their successful path of financial sustainability. She manages the finance committee and the budget with calm expertise and experience.
Wendy has written blogs as well as articles for Interim Report, and she has served as a mentor to many. Her volunteer activities within the profession include serving on the Board of Directors of the NC CPA Foundation Inc., the Board of Directors of the North Carolina Association of CPAs, the NCACPA Work/Life Committee, and she was an inaugural member of the Young CPA Cabinet.