Outstanding CPA in Business & Industry Award
Russell R. Gronewold
Today, nearly half of the Society’s current members do not practice public accounting but instead have careers as educators, in government, or in a variety of capacities in business and industry in Nebraska. One of those outstanding Society members is Russ Gronewold. Gronewold accepted the Society’s 2024 Outstanding CPA in Business and Industry Award during the NESCPA Annual Meeting on Oct. 29 at the Riverview Lodge at Mahoney State Park in Ashland.
A Nebraska native, Gronewold is president and CEO of Bryan Health. He began his career as a CPA in the health care division of Arthur Andersen. He has been a member of the Nebraska Society of CPAs for 39 years and has more than 30 years of experience in the health care industry, including senior management positions with four different health systems working in the areas of finance, business development, operations, innovation, and managed care. In 2010, Gronewold became Bryan Health’s chief financial officer, where he envisioned and executed a physician-hospital organization (PHO) strategy that now includes 27 critical access hospitals and more than 1,500 providers. He was a member of a team that grew inpatient market share to more than 70% in its primary service area. In 2020, he was named Bryan’s CEO.
Bryan Health is a Nebraska-governed, nonprofit health system with nearly 8,000 employees and more than 250,000 unique patients annually. It is the birthplace of Advance Trauma Life Support, has the largest cardiac program in Nebraska, a 100-year historical commitment to behavioral health, and is known for exemplary nursing and specialty care.
Bryan Health is comprised of multiple entities, including Bryan Medical Center, with two hospitals in Lincoln and a new campus featuring the April Sampson Cancer Center; Kearney Regional Medical Center; Grand Island Regional Medical Center; Crete Area Medical Center; Merrick Medical Center; Bryan Physician Network; Bryan Heart; Bryan Foundation; Bryan Health Connect; and Bryan Enterprises. In addition, it operates the Bryan College of Health Sciences in both Lincoln and Hastings, with more than 750 students in its undergraduate, graduate, and completion programs.
Newsweek named Bryan Health one of America’s Most Trustworthy Companies in 2023 and 2024.
Gronewold holds a bachelor’s degree from Midland University and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Nebraska at Omaha.
He presently serves on the American Hospital Association (AHA) Board of Trustees and is chairman of AHA’s Regional Policy Board 6 and AHA’s Audit and Compliance Committee. Gronewold recently chaired the Nebraska Hospital Association and is on the board of several community organizations.
He and his wife Jane love to visit their four children, and two grandchildren, scattered across the country.
Outstanding Accounting Educator Award
Dr. Sarah J. Borchers
In recognition of her exceptional commitment to educating and preparing students for successful careers in accounting, and her ability to drive meaningful change within the profession, the Nebraska Society of CPAs honored Dr. Sarah Borchers as the recipient of the Society’s 2024 Outstanding Accounting Educator Award during the NESCPA Annual Meeting on Oct. 29 at the Riverview Lodge at Mahoney State Park in Ashland.
Dr. Borchers is a highly accomplished academic and practitioner, blending years of professional experience with her dedication to student success at the University of Nebraska at Kearney. Before joining UNK, she worked as an audit manager at Contryman Associates in Kearney, where she specialized in auditing government entities, non-profit organizations, and school districts.
Dr. Borchers earned her Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) from Creighton University. She holds a Master of Business Administration in accounting and a Bachelor of Science in accounting from the University of Nebraska at Kearney. She became a CPA in 2010.
Currently an associate professor at UNK, Dr. Borchers teaches a variety of accounting courses, including Principles of Financial Accounting, Auditing, Advanced Auditing, and Governmental and Non-Profit Accounting. Her classes are well-known for integrating real-world experiences, giving students an in-depth understanding of what to expect in their careers. She also works closely with colleagues to ensure the department’s curriculum meets the highest standards, playing an active role in course development and assessment.
Dr. Borchers’ research has garnered significant attention, focusing on topics such as equity crowdfunding and the implications of product liability in financial reporting. Her work has been published in several prestigious journals, including the Journal of Accounting Business and Management, Journal of Economics and Finance, and Studies in Economics and Finance. In addition, she has co-authored a number of peer-reviewed articles on subjects ranging from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act to student well-being in accounting education. Her commitment to academic research is matched by her role as a presenter at national conferences.
Beyond the classroom and her research, Dr. Borchers serves on the Nebraska Board of Public Accountancy, where she provides leadership on various committees. She has also represented Nebraska nationally on the CPE Committee of the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA). At UNK, she advises the student-led organization Beta Alpha Psi and serves on several key committees.
Her dedication to students and the profession has earned her numerous awards, including the Outstanding Faculty Award for Service (2020, 2024) and the Outstanding Faculty Award for Untenured Teaching (2022). Through her leadership, research, and commitment to education, Dr. Borchers continues to influence the future of accounting and inspire the next generation of professionals.
Public Service Award
Leonard M. Sommer
In recognition of his extensive contributions to and leadership within the community and the profession, Leonard Sommer was honored as the recipient of the Nebraska Society’s 2024 Public Service Award. His ability to balance a highly successful professional career with meaningful public service sets him apart as a role model for aspiring CPAs and community leaders. Sommer accepted the award during the NESCPA Annual Meeting on Oct. 29 at the Riverview Lodge at Mahoney State Park in Ashland.
A Society member for 46 years, Sommer is a shareholder and chairman of the board at Hancock & Dana, where he specializes in business and tax consulting for closely held businesses, with a focus on succession and exit planning.
His service to the community is vast and impactful. He has served on numerous nonprofit boards, including the Susan G. Komen Foundation, where he was instrumental in the formation and growth of the Nebraska chapter. His dedication to causes like the Omaha Police Foundation and the Cathedral Arts Project exemplifies his commitment to improving the lives of others through philanthropy and volunteerism. Sommer’s passion for community service is further reflected in his involvement with the Omaha Symphony, University of Nebraska Foundation, Canopy South, and other organizations that benefit from his financial expertise and leadership. No matter what role he is serving in, his involvement goes beyond merely fulfilling duties—he has consistently taken on leadership roles that demonstrate his belief in making a lasting difference.
In addition to his community service, Sommer has earned multiple honors throughout his career. He has been recognized by the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) as a College of Business Distinguished Alumnus. He is also a recipient of the Omaha Jaycees’ Distinguished Service Award, the Roncalli Catholic High School Pope John XXIII Community Service Award, and the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Outstanding Volunteer Award. These accolades are a testament to Sommer’s long-standing commitment to philanthropy and his efforts to enhance the wellbeing of his community.
Professionally, his contributions extend far beyond his role at Hancock & Dana. He has been an active leader in the accounting profession through his involvement with the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the Nebraska Society of CPAs. Sommer’s work with the AICPA has included serving on the Management Consulting Services Executive Committee and chairing the Management Consulting Services Practice Standards Subcommittee. He has also shared his expertise by contributing to national publications, including a case study that was co-authored with a UNO professor and was selected by the AICPA for national recognition.
Sommer’s commitment to the education and advancement of future professionals is another area where he shines. He is chairman emeritus of UNO’s School of Accounting Board of Advisors and serves on the College of Business National Advisory Board. His influence at UNO has been lasting, including having the Sommer Family Mezzanine named in his honor in Mammel Hall.
The Nebraska Society of CPAs is proud to recognize Leonard Sommer with the Public Service Award, honoring his tireless dedication to the betterment of society and the accounting profession.
Distinguished Service to the Profession Award
Shari A. Munro
Shari Munro was recognized with the prestigious Distinguished Service to the Profession Award from the Nebraska Society of CPAs, celebrating her exceptional commitment to the accounting profession. With a career spanning more than 35 years, Munro has dedicated her expertise and time to advancing the accounting profession, both through her work and her extensive service to various organizations. She accepted the award during the NESCPA Annual Meeting on Oct. 29 at the Riverview Lodge at Mahoney State Park in Ashland.
Munro earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, with an emphasis in accounting, from the University of Nebraska at Omaha in 1986, establishing a strong foundation for an impactful career.
As a director at Frankel LLC in Omaha since 1993, Munro has been an integral member of the firm’s assurance services and peer review practice. Her career in accounting began with Coopers & Lybrand, now known as PwC, where she served clients in Omaha and Denver for six years. Her specializations in audit and accounting services have benefited a wide range of clients, and she is known for her meticulous attention to detail and commitment to high standards.
Beyond her professional responsibilities, she has been a dedicated advocate for the CPA profession and a committed volunteer leader of the Nebraska Society of CPAs. Munro has been a member of the Nebraska Society of CPAs for 31 years, serving in various leadership capacities on the Society’s board of directors and on numerous committees over that time. She was chairman of the Society in 2019-2020. Prior to that, she served as Society secretary and treasurer for four years.
Her committee involvement in the Society includes service on the Audit Committee, Awards Selection Committee, Investment Committee, Nominating Committee, and Quality Review Committee. In addition, Munro led the formation of the Women in Accounting Summit, serving as committee chairman for its initial two years. She is also a member of the Nebraska Board of Public Accountancy’s Peer Review Committee.
Munro’s contributions extend to the national level as well, where she has served as the Nebraska elected representative to the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) for the past three years.
Her dedication to the profession is further evident through her volunteer role as treasurer for the University of Nebraska at Omaha Alumni Association, showcasing her commitment to fostering connections and supporting alumni in their professional journeys. Munro is also a University of Nebraska Foundation Trustee and a member of the Foundation Audit Committee.
Her other civic activities include serving on the Skutt Catholic High School Board of Directors and Finance Committee. She also chaired the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women event.
She and her husband Kevin have been married for 37 years and together they have two sons and two grandchildren. Son Connor, also a CPA, and his wife Haley have a son, Leo. Son Matt, an attorney, and his wife Chloe have a daughter, Blair.
Throughout its 96-year history, the Nebraska Society of CPAs has had thousands of members. This year, Shari Munro became the 39th member to receive the Society’s highest award.
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Outstanding CPA in Business & Industry Award
The purpose of the Outstanding CPA in Business & Industry Award is to honor Nebraska CPAs who have made a significant contribution to the growth and success of their employers or a notable entrepreneurial achievement. In addition, the award recognizes those CPAs working in business, industry, or government who have distinguished themselves by having made a significant contribution to the enhancement of the accounting profession. The nominee must be a CPA, be a member of the Nebraska Society, and be in good standing with the profession. Selection of the award recipient is made by a committee of Society members and approved by the Society Board of Directors.
Outstanding Accounting Educator Award
The purpose of the Outstanding Accounting Educator Award is to recognize full-time Nebraska accounting educators for excellence in accounting education. The nominee must be a CPA, be a member of the Nebraska Society, be a full-time accounting educator at a college or university, and be in good standing with the profession. Selection of the award recipient is made by a committee of Society members and approved by the Society Board of Directors.
Public Service Award
The purpose of the Public Service Award is to recognize Nebraska CPAs who have performed outstanding public service in their communities. The nominee must be a CPA, be a member of the Nebraska Society of CPAs, and be in good standing with the profession. Selection of the award recipient is made by a committee of Society members and approved by the Society Board of Directors.
Distinguished Service to the Profession Award
The purpose of the Distinguished Service to the Profession Award is to recognize Nebraska CPAs who have, during their career, demonstrated a commitment to the accounting profession locally, nationally, or internationally. The nominee must be a CPA, be a member of the Nebraska Society, and be in good standing with the profession. Selection of the award recipient is made by a committee of Society members and approved by the Society Board of Directors.
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