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TXCPA Fort Worth proudly recognized a group of exceptional members at this year’s Chapter Awards Ceremony on July 17, 2025, honoring their outstanding contributions to the profession, the organization, and the community. These award recipients represent the very best of what it means to be a CPA: trusted advisors, selfless leaders, and passionate advocates for the next generation.

Legendary Legacy Member Award: Karen Horne

More than 35 years ago, a group of Fort Worth CPAs launched an outreach program to serve homeless and low-income children. That program—Santaccountants—has grown into a beloved Chapter tradition, delivering essentials and joy to hundreds of children each year. One of its original architects, Karen Horne, was honored with the Legendary Legacy Member Award for her decades of dedication. Beyond personally shopping for hundreds of children over the years, Karen now adopts entire classrooms—crafting handmade quilts for each child she serves. Her legacy is one of compassion, creativity, and enduring impact.

Outstanding Committee Chair: Renee Prince

Professional connection and collaboration are cornerstones of TXCPA Fort Worth’s mission, and the Tax Discussion Group has become one of the Chapter’s most impactful platforms for shared learning—thanks in large part to the leadership of Renee Prince. Drawing on her deep experience, including service with AICPA Council, Renee has cultivated a space for insightful dialogue, knowledge sharing, and authentic connection. For her tireless efforts and exceptional leadership, she received the Outstanding Committee Chair Award.

Distinguished Service Award: Stephanies Buduhan and Shaner

Launching a scholarship initiative is no small task—but Stephanie Buduhan and Stephanie Shaner took it on with bold enthusiasm, creativity, and heart. Their leadership of the Chapter’s scholarship fundraiser created a new tradition—a festive October celebration that raised enough to cover half the deposit for the new Endowed Scholarship Fund and nine additional scholarships for 2025. For stepping up when it counted most and inspiring a team affectionately dubbed the “Stephanie Squad,” both Stephanies received the Distinguished Service Award.

Young CPA of the Year: Emily Landry

This year’s Young CPA of the Year, Emily Landry, has already built an impressive legacy as a leader and advocate within the profession. A tax partner at Whitley Penn, Emily leads the firm’s nonprofit tax practice and manages more than 250 engagements annually. Her expertise is matched by her spirit of service—demonstrated through her active involvement in TXCPA programs, statewide advocacy, and peer mentorship. A past recipient of both the Rising Star and Distinguished Service awards, Emily continues to light the path forward for the next generation of CPAs.

CPA of the Year: Chris Lucas

The Chapter’s highest honor, CPA of the Year, was presented to Chris Lucas, founder of Lucas Valuation Group and a dynamic leader within TXCPA Fort Worth and statewide. Known for his strategic insight and financial acumen, Chris has played an integral role in advancing the Chapter’s mission—including serving as Sponsorship Chair for the Chapter’s largest fundraising initiative to date. His commitment to building value—both in business and community—is a model of what it means to be a trusted advisor.

TXCPA Fort Worth congratulates all of this year’s honorees and thanks them for their service, leadership, and lasting contributions to the profession.