Kate Leichty, partner and CPA at South Bend-based Kruggel Lawton CPAs, earned the Indiana CPA Society's Women to Watch Award.
Leichty was recognized at the annual Indiana CPA Society Celebration Nov. 22.
The Women to Watch Award honors long-time or up-and-coming women who are also INCPAS members. Leichty was nominated by her colleagues for her dedication to the profession, her community and the firm.
“Kate brings passion and enthusiasm to everything she touches,” said Barry Hall, Kruggel Lawton managing partner, in a press release. “She is an incredibly smart and talented accountant, a true team player and a source of positivity no matter the challenge.”
Promoted to partner in 2023, Leichty was the first female partner in the firm's Goshen office. She was the third woman to be promoted to the partnership level, bringing greater visibility to potential career paths for women at the firm. Leichty is a member of the Kruggel Lawton Women's Initiative Network. The internal group focuses on providing professional development and networking opportunities and building strong inter-office relationships.
In 2023, Leichty was named one of Michiana's 40 Under 40. She is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, INCPAS and the California Society of CPAs. Leichty is also a board member and chair of the governance committee for Everence Association and a board member and treasurer for the Goshen Theater.
Kruggel Lawton CPAs was founded by Herm Kruggel, a former U.S. Army audit agent, in 1956. A South Bend native, Kruggel later invited his longtime friend, Roy Lawton, to join him. Today, the firm has nearly 150 employees and 20 partners. Kruggel Lawton has locations in Indiana, Michigan and Tennessee.
