2015 Legacy CMA Program Award-Winning Graduates
P
rovincial medals were presented to Daniel (Dan) Watson (gold), Candice Hartwell (silver), and Erin Penway (bronze), the three candidates
who earned the highest combined grades on the CMA National Entrance Exam and in the Strategic Leadership Program.
Dan Watson, CPA, CMA
2015 Gold Medallist & Valedictorian
Erin Penway, CPA, CMA
2015 Bronze Medallist
Birthplace & current city of residence:
Leicester, England; Vancouver, BC.
Birthplace & current city of residence:
Vancouver, BC.
Employer & position: Bench Accounting
Inc.; finance analyst.
Employer & position: BC Cancer Foundation;
development coordinator.
Who would you like to thank for providing support during your
studies? I couldn’t have achieved this without my fiancée Cassandra,
who inspired and encouraged me to continue my studies. I also thank
my mum and grandfather for supporting me in my life’s endeavours
and encouraging me to do my best. Thank you to my moderators for
their passion and dedication to helping us prepare for the Board Report.
Lastly, thanks to my team for their hard work and for helping me
achieve this honour.
What’s next? I’ve enjoyed having more personal time, but I admit that
finishing left a large hole. For now I want to focus on my professional
development and applying what I’ve learned, but I’m sure I’ll be taking
another course or two shortly.
Candice Hartwell, CPA, CMA
2015 Silver Medallist
Who would you like to thank for providing support during your
studies? First, I would like to thank my husband and my parents for
their love and support during my studies. They were always there for me.
I’d also like to thank my friends for their encouragement throughout
the years. In particular, I would like to thank my friends in the CMA
program for everything they taught me. Finally, I would like to thank
my colleagues for their unwavering support of my academic pursuits.
What’s next? I’m very excited about my future as a CPA, CMA. I look
forward to using the leadership skills and knowledge I learned in the
CMA program to further my career.
T
he Executive Program Award went to Mike Kruse, for earning
the highest grade in the CMA Executive Program.
Mike Kruse, CPA, CMA
Birthplace & current city of residence:
Vancouver, BC; New Westminster, BC.
Birthplace & current city of residence:
Vancouver, BC.
Employer & position: VEER Business
Advisors Ltd.; business value enhancer.
Employer & position: Lush Fresh Handmade
Cosmetics; manager of financial planning and
analysis.
Who would you like to thank for providing support during your
studies? I’m incredibly appreciative of my family and friends for their
support, encouragement, and humour as I gave up my social life for
two-and-a-half years during the program. I want to especially thank
my husband, who took up nearly all the household chores while I was
“busy doing accounting.” If it weren’t for him, I probably would have
just eaten cereal for my three meals a day. Thank you!
What’s next? With my newfound free time, I’m looking forward to
starting a new career, continuous learning, long walks with the dog,
giving back to the community, and shameless Netflix-bingeing.
Who would you like to thank for providing
support during your studies? I want to thank my friends and family
for their support throughout my studies. Lush Cosmetics provided
mentorship that allowed me to succeed in this program. I also had an
amazing team: Shelley Legin, Jodi Soheili, Lanna Lalonde, and Richard
Wong—everything is awesome! Thanks again to everyone who helped
me along the way.
What’s next? Building on the success of this program, I look forward to
continuing my personal development and challenging myself outside
of the office. You’ll always find me looking for a new outdoor adventure,
whether it’s summiting new mountain ranges or exploring uncharted
territories. See you on the next mountaintop!
CPABC in Focus • Nov/Dec 2015 33