2022 Women to Watch Recipients
Women of the PICPA consistently demonstrate excellence in their professional careers, take pride in helping others achieve their goals, and help their companies and clients succeed. Through innovation and influence, these women take initiative to create committees, develop new programs, and inspire young professionals. The fifth annual Women to Watch Awards, conferred in partnership with the AICPA, recognize the dedication and leadership of women who exemplify extraordinary commitment to the accounting profession.
Joining CPA honorees from across the country, the PICPA’s honorees of 2022 are Marne Babich, Emily Gallagher, Wendy Lance, and Vinita Weir.
Marne Babich
Marne Babich has more than 20 years of experience in public accounting. As senior manager of tax services at Grossman, Yanak & Ford, she focuses on providing tax planning, compliance, and research services for businesses, including those operating across multiple states or with foreign ownership. She has experience working with the manufacturing, distribution, software, and continuing care retirement industries.
Marne has previously worked in public accounting firms in Ohio and Pennsylvania. She is a member of both the PICPA and AICPA. Marne is also a member of the Peters Township Chamber of Commerce, the Washington County Manufacturers Association, and the Pittsburgh chapter of the National Tooling & Machining Association (NTMA).
Marne is a 2020 graduate of Leadership Washington County (LWC), an intense program designed to help professionals strengthen their contact networks and actively engage in relevant issues. She currently serves on the board of LWC and is also a member of the finance committee.
Emily Gallagher
Emily is working toward a Master's in Business Analytics at Temple University. She is excited about using technology to further the industry and develop young leaders in the profession. She also volunteers at MANNA (Metropolitan AIDS Neighborhood Nutrition Alliance) every year.
Emily has been involved with the PICPA since her undergraduate experience at DeSales University, including a speaking engagement about student groups at the Educators Conference in 2015. She is a current member of the Young Leaders Thought Leadership Committee and the Public Accounting Technology Thought Leadership Committee.
Outside of her professional life, Emily volunteers her expertise to help the Philadelphia Area Disc Alliance, the city's ultimate Frisbee community, by analyzing surveys, providing accounting services, and mentoring new players.
Wendy Lance
Her proactive approach to service engenders trust between Wendy and the business owners and financial executives she serves. Listening to and learning from her clients means Wendy can quickly identify additional resources within the firm to address new pain points or seize an emerging opportunity to maximize profitability. She also works directly with her clients’ financial advisers and attorneys to bring a seamless approach to business and transition decisions as a company grows and changes.
Wendy leads RKL’s Tax Services Group. In this role, she develops strategy and manages growth of the firm’s tax workforce and capabilities. She is a member of both the PICPA and AICPA.
Vinita Weir
Vinita Weir has a range of experience providing accounting services in the food, construction, and professional services industries. As manager of audit and accounting at Kreischer Miller, she also specializes in audits of employee benefit plans, including 401(k) and pension plans.
Vinita has over 25 years of experience in the accounting profession, both internationally and in the United States, including 10 years of service at a Big Four firm. In addition to providing traditional audit services, she has also provided a wide range of business advisory services in the private sector, such as assisting start-up businesses establish their accounting functions and providing guidance on internal controls.
Vinita is a member of Kreischer Miller's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council where she works to foster a workplace culture of belonging and raise awareness of all cultures and backgrounds. She is a member of the PICPA, AICPA, and Institute of Chartered Accountants in Ireland.
