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CPA Society to Present Impact Award to Katherine Patnaude, CPA of PKF O’Connor Davies and Vanessa Rossitto, CPA of CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen LLP)

April 24, 2025

The Connecticut Society of Certified Public Accountants (CTCPA) will honor the recipients of its first-ever CTCPA Impact Award at the CTCPA Annual Meeting to be held at the Sheraton Hartford South Hotel in Rocky Hill on May 14:

  • Katherine Patnaude, CPA of PKF O’Connor Davies and 
  • Vanessa Rossitto, CPA of CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen LLP).

The CTCPA Impact Award recognizes members who go above and beyond to drive meaningful change or innovation through a specific CTCPA project or initiative.

Katherine and Vanessa will be honored for their exceptional leadership and dedication during last year’s legislative session as members of the CTCPA Governmental Accounting and Auditing Group.

Katherine and Vanessa led a critical initiative to advocate for legislative changes extending key deadlines established by the State Department of Education. Their efforts resulted in improved reporting accuracy and reduced burdens for municipalities, auditors, and school districts across Connecticut.

Vanessa played a vital role in advocating for the legislation, engaging directly with lawmakers and delivering persuasive, well-researched testimony. Her ability to clearly communicate complex financial issues – supported by data, studies, and visual aids – was vital in earning legislative support.

Meanwhile, Katherine played a pivotal role in fostering inclusive and productive dialogue by organizing and facilitating key meetings between stakeholders. Her well-crafted and thoroughly researched communications provided legislators with accurate, compelling information, effectively addressing concerns and shaping the conversation toward a successful outcome.

“Katherine Patnaude and Vanessa Rossitto exemplify what it means to be leaders in the accounting and finance profession,” said CTCPA Executive Director and CEO Bonnie Stewart. “Their dedication and perseverance not only brought about meaningful change but also strengthened the profession’s voice in public policy. We’re honored to recognize their outstanding contributions with the inaugural CTCPA Impact Award.”

Katherine Patnaude, CPA is an Audit Partner at PKF O'Connor Davies. She holds an BS, Accounting from Eastern Connecticut State University and an MS, Accounting from the University of Connecticut School of Business.

Vanessa Rossitto, CPA is a Principal at CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen). She holds a BS, Accounting from Central Connecticut State University.

The Connecticut Society of CPAs is celebrating more than a century of service to membership and community alike.  Formed by nine CPAs in 1908, today CTCPA has a current membership of almost 6,000 individuals in public practice, business and industry, government, and education.  Its function is to advocate on behalf of the accounting profession, foster a professional community among CPAs, and provide continuing education opportunities as well as a comprehensive peer review program and a variety of membership services for CPAs in Connecticut.

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