NAWBO-OC presented Debbie Dickson with the organization’s Remarkable Women Lifetime Achievement Award. The award was presented at NAWBO’s “20th Annual Remarkable Women Awards Event & Dinner” on May 19, 2016.
Per NAWBO-OC: “Accomplished and respected CEO, mentor, and generous volunteer to numerous professional and community organizations for decades, Debbie Dickson is well deserving of NAWBO-OC’s Lifetime Achievement Award. Debbie is founder and president of Smith Dickson, an Irvine-based CPA firm specializing in litigation support services, accounting, taxation, and business consulting. She has earned a reputation as a formidable forensic accounting expert witness and is considered a dynamic leader in her field.
“When she began her career as a CPA, Debbie was one of the few women in the profession. In the 1980s, after many years with Big 8 firms, she started Smith Dickson, an Accountancy Corporation. Taking care of her 12 employees is of the utmost importance to her, not only for the success of Smith Dickson but for the well-being of each employee’s personal concerns. For example, she shares her business sense and leadership skills as a mentor to those just starting their careers. Through her efforts, dozens of accountants have earned CPA certifications. Debbie regularly volunteers for boards and as president of groups such as the Forensic Expert Witness Association, Orange County Management Association, J. Reuben Clark Law Society, and Orange County Performing Arts Corporate Council. She also speaks before business organizations and women’s groups, and for three years ran a program that counseled teenage girls to develop their abilities. She’s a talented concert organist and pianist, donating her performances as a service to the arts.
“Perhaps if you asked her about her greatest accomplishment, Debbie would say that being a wife and Mom to her six children is at the top of the list.”
If you weren’t able to attend, see the video of Debbie’s acceptance speech below. Congresswoman Mimi Walters presented Debbie with her award. Or click here for a written transcript. For a news release, click here.
Debbie received the “Lifetime Achievement Award” …
Approximately 400 business leaders attended the gala …
Debbie’s speech capped the night …
Most of the Smith Dickson team was on-hand to enjoy the festivities …
Debbie with her husband, Guy, and children Kristin, Courtney, Michael, Ashlee, Heather and Brooke …
