(McLean, VA, October 7, 2010) – The ASWA Educational Foundation's 9th annual Foundation Awards program, sponsored by Accountempsand Robert Half Finance& Accounting, honored women and companies that demonstratedexcellence in the professions of accounting and related fields. Three types of awards were given out during this year's Joint National Conference in Nashville, Tenn.

The Balance Awards recognize companies demonstrating sensitivity to women within our industry, providing leadership and mentoring opportunities for women, involved in and showing concern for the financial issues facing their communities and those implementing policies, initiatives and programs promoting work-life balance. The Influential Woman of the Year Awards recognize individuals whose accomplishments and achievements distinguish them in the financial industry, who have demonstrated leadership and have mentored to others in their industry and those who are committed and involved within their communities. Individuals are recognized from each of ASWA's six regions, and one of these finalists is selected as the Influential Woman of the Year. The Financial Literacy Award recognizes an individual or group that has supported its community by teaching a financial literacy program.

"Congratulations to all the awardees on their excellence in the accounting and finance industry,” said Cathy Allen, Foundation Chair. "This truly shows the influence women and organizations in accounting and finance has at the national, regional, and local levels.”

The awardees include:

Local Balance Award: Colleen Black & Company, P.C., Billings, Mont.

Regional Balance Award: Moss Adams LLP, Seattle, Wash.

National Balance Award: Grant Thornton LLP, Chicago, Ill.

Influential Woman of the Year – Northeast Region Award: Jane Scaccetti, Drucker & Scaccetti, P.C., Philadelphia, Pa.

Influential Woman of the Year – Southeast Region Award: Janet Malzone, Grant Thornton LLP, Charlotte, N.C.

Influential Woman of the Year – North Central Region Award: Brenda Torres, Crowe Horwath LLP, South Bend, Ind.

Influential Woman of the Year – South Central Region Award: Mary MacBain, CPA/CITP, Kansas State Society of CPAs, Topeka, KS

Influential Woman of the Year – Southwest Region Award: Wenli Wang, CPA, Moss Adams LLP, San Francisco, Calif.

National Influential Woman of the Year (Northwest Region): Ann Deegan, CPA, Summers-McNea, PC, Billings, Mont.

Financial Literacy Award: ASWA Springfield Chapter #098

National President's Award: Lillian J. Doane

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