Thought Leader Named First Winner of Maximo Mukelabai Award

Donny Shimamoto, CPA, CGMA, CITP, has been named the inaugural winner of the Maximo Mukelabai Award by the American Institute of CPAs for his contributions to the accounting profession and his exceptional community service. Shimamoto is the founder and managing director of IntrapriseTechKnowlogies LLC.

The AICPA established the Maximo Mukelabai Award to honor Mukelabai after his tragic passing in July of 2011. Mukelabai was a member of the first class of the AICPA Leadership Academy and served as the youngest chair of the North Carolina Association of CPAs Board of Directors.

“Maximo Mukelabai was a truly special individual and his loss is felt throughout the accounting profession,” said Jeannie Patton, AICPA Vice President of Students, Academics & Membership. “This award was created in his honor to continue his legacy as someone who exhibited tireless dedication to ensuring the future of the accounting profession.”

Earlier this year, Shimamoto was named as one of the 2012 Top 25 Thought Leaders by CPA Practice Advisor. CPA Practice Advisor has also recognized Shimamoto twice as a “Top 40 Under 40” and he received the 2009-2010 Hawaii Society of CPAS President’s Award.

Shimamoto, who was the first Certified Information Technology Professional in the state of Hawaii, currently serves as a member of the AICPA Governing Council, Assurance Services Executive Committee and chair of the Information Technology Executive Committee. He has also served on the CPA Horizons 2025 Advisory Panel and is a member of the Hawaii Society of CPAs Board of Directors.

“I am humbled to have been chosen as the first recipient of the AICPA’s Maximo Mukelabai Award. Max and I attended the first AICPA Leadership Academy together and bonded over our shared desire to work to increase diversity within the accounting profession,” said Shimamoto. “I am honored to be able to represent and continue Max’s legacy.”

The AICPA will present Shimamoto with the award at the AICPA E.D.G.E. Conference, held August 8-10 in Orlando.

Submissions for the Maximo Mukelabai Award were judged based on the following criteria:

1. Demonstrates passion and eagerness to encourage and interest students in pursuing an accounting career
2. Contributes suggestions and best practices for improving processes and tasks
3. Participation in committees and/or volunteer activities that promote engagement and advancement of the profession
4. Involvement in community organizations committed to improving the lives of citizens

Nominations were submitted by peers, AICPA staff, employers and state societies and reviewed by the AICPA’s Young CPA Network Committee. The Committee then decided the winner. The nomination for next year’s award will open in early 2013.