Kathy Atkinson Retirement & JPS Marion Open House ~ May 10th 5:00 – 7:00 pm
Johnson Price Sprinkle PA announces the retirement of Kathryn M. (Kathy) Atkinson.
Kathy grew up in western North Carolina in Caldwell County. After graduating from Lenoir High School, she attended Wake Forest University where she earned her B.S. in Accounting and received the A.M. Pullen Award, the department’s highest accounting achievement award at the time. A young woman with notable potential, Kathy was immediately hired and became the first female certified public accountant in A.M. Pullen and Company’s Winston-Salem office (which became McGladrey, now RSM).
Kathy married her college sweetheart, Tom Atkinson, and worked part-time as they began their family. In 1991, Kathy entered the workforce full-time at JPS’s Marion office, becoming a firm shareholder in 2007, and, managing shareholder of the Marion office in 2010.
Kathy’s public accounting career has spanned many clients and sectors. Through the years, she has provided both taxation and assurance services, with a primary focus in audit, and, has provided estate planning as a certified specialist. The industries have been varied and included dealerships, manufacturing, government entities, and nonprofit organizations. Notably, Kathy was instrumental in solidifying the establishment of McDowell County’s Corpening Memorial YMCA located in Marion, which greatly serves area residents.
Since her move to Marion in 1980, Kathy has been active in the community. As a working mother, Kathy personally understood the importance and great need for quality childcare in McDowell County and served on the Early Childhood Enrichment Center’s board of directors for years. She has been an active member of First United Methodist Church of Marion and a supporter of many local nonprofits. In recognition of her legacy of leadership and community service, Kathy was honored with the coveted Duke Energy Citizenship Award on March 15, 2018, during the McDowell Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Banquet.
“JPS has given me the opportunity to experience a service environment of professional collaboration with a focus on community. I will forever treasure the relationships I was able to form with both clients and co-workers.” – Kathy Atkinson
Benjamin C. Hamrick, JPS CEO and shareholder, shares “Kathy’s positive attitude, attention to detail, strong work ethic and relentless effort to help our clients, people and community have been very impactful on many. Kathy will be greatly missed. On behalf of the entire JPS team, we thank and congratulate Kathy and wish her the best in retirement.”
Under Kathy’s leadership, Johnson Price Sprinkle PA’s Marion office has a strong team of professionals who are positioned and excited to continue delivering the high level of service clients expect.
On Thursday, May 10th, 5:00 – 7:00 pm, JPS invites you to congratulate Kathy on her retirement and enjoy our Open House at 500 N. Main Street, Suite 16, Marion NC.
Hope to see you there! No rsvp required.
