2025 Vision Award Winners

Congratulations to the winners of the 2025 KSM Vision Awards! Now in their seventh year, the Vision Awards recognize KSMers whose contributions bring our vision of excellence to life. At KSM, that vision is centered on people – our people, our clients, and those in the communities we serve.

Winners in these three categories were nominated by their colleagues and selected by a committee of partners and firm leaders, with the honorees announced during a December all-firm virtual meeting.

Inspiring People Winner: Silas Shear

The Inspiring People Vision Award recognizes employees who are champions and leaders of our people. The criteria for this award include championing people initiatives and programs, spending a significant amount of time developing people, and inspiring KSM and our people to be better through courageous feedback, innovative ideas, and diversity of thought.

Congratulations to Silas Shear, winner of the Inspiring People Award!

Silas is a manager in KSM’s Audit & Assurance Services Group. He was nominated by Joel Dowling, Sean Trinchere, and Charles Rothkopf, colleagues in the Audit & Assurance Services Group.

Silas was nominated for the Inspiring People Vision Award because of the meaningful impact he has on those around him and his commitment to helping KSM succeed. Especially during busy season, Silas consistently goes above and beyond by taking on additional responsibilities, staying highly engaged, and ensuring engagements move forward efficiently while teammates feel supported. His leadership inspires collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement, motivating associates and senior associates alike to grow and contribute at a higher level. Leading by example, Silas is the kind of leader people want to follow and the teammate everyone is grateful to have.

Watch Joel and Sean’s nomination for Silas:

 

Client Service Excellence Winner: Nikki Halteman

The Stewart Glassman Client Service Excellence Vision Award recognizes employees for outstanding internal or external client service. The criteria for this award include providing a consistently outstanding experience for clients that clearly stands out as going above and beyond, demonstrating tremendous tenacity and commitment in helping resolve a major client issue, and receiving an abundance of unsolicited feedback from inside and outside the firm that the nominee consistently exceeded expectations. The Client Service Excellence Vision Award was named to honor our New York office’s late partner Stewart Glassman, who was renowned for his outstanding client service and devotion to his clients.

Congratulations to Nikki Halteman, winner of the Stewart Glassman Client Service Excellence Award!

Nikki is a director in KSM’s Healthcare Resources Group. She was nominated by Lisa Curry and Steve Warner, partners in the Healthcare Resources Group. Nikki was nominated for the Client Service Excellence Vision Award because she exemplifies what exceptional client service means at KSM. She goes beyond basic compliance work, taking a proactive, solutions-oriented approach that helps clients succeed and inspires them to confidently recommend KSM to others. Trusted by partners to deliver outstanding service, Nikki sets the standard as a role model for her peers and team members alike. Her drive and commitment to excellence show up in everything she does, from solving complex client challenges to mentoring and training managers, senior associates, and associates. Through her leadership, dedication, and focus on client success, Nikki elevates the client experience at KSM.

Watch Lisa and Steve’s nomination for Nikki:

 

Community Service Excellence Winner: Heather Judy

The Community Service Excellence Vision Award recognizes employees who are pillars and leaders in the community. The criteria for this award include investing a considerable amount of time and effort in representing KSM in the community on boards and/or committees, and significantly contributing to and moving a civic organization forward by enhancing the organization’s mission and positively impacting the community.

Congratulations to Heather Judy, winner of the Community Service Excellence Award!

Heather, a director for KSM Location Advisors, was nominated by Katie Culp, KSM Location Advisors’ CEO. Heather was nominated for the Vision Award for Community Service Excellence because of her commitment to giving back, both within KSM and in her community. She consistently dedicates significant personal time to organizations and causes she is passionate about. Heather actively serves on the board of The Villages of Indiana, supporting children and families through foster care, adoption, and related services; regularly volunteers with Meals on Wheels; and gives her time and energy to Carmel High School. Her dedication extends beyond volunteer hours; it reflects a genuine, personal motivation to invest her talents wherever they can make the greatest impact. Through her service, leadership, and commitment, Heather makes a meaningful difference in her community.

Watch Katie’s nomination for Heather: