Contact: Gigi Thompson Jarvis
202.822.6232, x 119
gjarvis@naea.org

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For Immediate Release

Seven Honored with Special Awards at the 2010 NAEA National Conference
Peer Recognition is Highest Honor

Washington, DC — (August 18, 2010) The National Association of Enrolled Agents (NAEA) has honored seven people with special awards. The winners were announced during the annual awards ceremony at the 2010 NAEA National Conference, which boasted a record number of attendees.

The recent passing of NAEA Director William D. Payne ("Bill"), EA, inspired the creation of a new award to honor his legacy. The Bill Payne Advocacy Award will be presented annually to an NAEA member who best exemplifies Payne's commitment to advocacy on behalf of enrolled agents. This year, the award was bestowed upon Payne posthumously and will be accepted on his behalf by his widow, Linda. The other six awardees were nominated by their peers, based on unique standards for each award.

The six winners are:

• Steven Rodgers, EA, Founders Award, in recognition of his significant contribution and service to NAEA and its members, which exemplify the principles and goals envisioned by NAEA's founders (presented posthumously to his widow, Donna Rodgers, EA). This lifetime achievement award is the association's highest recognition.
  
  
• Nancy Goedecke, EA, Mentor of the Year Award, in recognition of her significant contribution and dedication to the causes of enrolled agents and for instilling excitement for those causes through her leadership, encouragement and nurturing of fellow agents.
  
  
• Janet Hemmerle, EA, Excellence in Education Award, in recognition of her significant contributions that have improved the quality and scope of NAEA education programs.
  
  
• Ellen Campbell, EA, Excellence in Public Awareness Award, in recognition of her outstanding contribution to making enrolled agents more recognizable as the tax professionals of choice.
  
  
• Cathy Apker, CAE, Outstanding Supporter of Enrolled Agents Award, in recognition of her significant contributions to the enrolled agent profession.
  
  
• Jerry Joyce, EA, Outstanding Volunteer Award, in recognition of his volunteer service to NAEA, its state affiliates and their local chapters. Joyce first received this award in 2004.

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About NAEA
The National Association of Enrolled Agents (NAEA) is a professional society composed of members who are dedicated to honest, intelligent and ethical representation of the financial position of taxpayers before the IRS. Its efforts are supported nationwide through a network of affiliated state and local chapters. Members of NAEA must fulfill continuing professional education requirements that exceed the IRS' requirements. NAEA membership also entails stringent adherence to a Code of Ethics and Rules of Professional Conduct, as well as compliance with the Treasury Department's Circular 230 regulations. NAEA members are experienced, well-trained tax professionals who effectively represent their clients and work to ensure the tax code is fairly applied and reasonably enforced.

To find an enrolled agent in your area, visit the National Association of Enrolled Agents' website at www.naea.org and click on the "Find an Enrolled Agent" link.