On November 22, 2024, at the annual Indiana CPA Society (INCPAS) CPA Celebration, Kate Leichty, CPA, received the Women to Watch Award.

The Women to Watch Award honors outstanding long-time or up-and-coming women who are also INCPAS members. Kate, a partner at Kruggel Lawton, 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, CPA, CGMA, Managing Partner. "She is an incredibly smart and talented accountant, a true team player, and a source of positivity no matter the challenge. Kate has achieved a great deal of success and balances the demands of her professional and personal life with grace."

Promoted to partner in 2023, Kate was the first female partner in the firm's Goshen office, and the third woman to be promoted to the partnership level, bringing greater visibility to potential career paths for women at the firm. She is also an active member of the Kruggel Lawton Women's Initiative Network, an internal group focused on providing professional development and networking opportunities, as well as building strong inter-office relationships.

Additionally in 2023, Kate 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. She is a board member and chair of the governance committee for Everence Association and is a board member and treasurer for the Goshen Theater.

Kate is pictured with Barry on stage at the INCPAS Celebration.