Sarah Schenkel Named to KPC Media’s Influential Women Class of 2024

FORT WAYNE – Sarah Schenkel, director in KSM’s (Katz, Sapper & Miller) Fort Wayne office and member of the firm’s Audit & Assurance Services Group, has been named to the Influential Women of Northeast Indiana’s Class of 2024. Presented by KPC Media Group, the awards program celebrates women who have overcome barriers, defied social norms, and blazed trails for future generations.

Sarah was selected for her exceptional leadership in accounting and dedicated community service. Since joining KSM in 2021, she has become a key driver of growth in the Fort Wayne office, where her people-focused leadership has helped double both headcount and revenue. As chair of KSM’s employee development team, Sarah leads initiatives such as the mentor/mentee program and the “Investment in Fort Wayne Leaders” group, which provides leadership training to the management team, fostering a supportive and growth-oriented workplace.

Beyond her contributions at KSM, Sarah is deeply committed to serving her community. Since 2018, she has volunteered her expertise as a finance committee member for Erin’s House for Grieving Children, a nonprofit that provides crucial, no-cost support to children coping with the loss of a loved one. Now serving as board treasurer, Sarah oversees the organization’s $1 million budget, ensuring the stability and effectiveness of its services. Her work with Erin’s House also includes leadership of a $2.5 million capital campaign to fund “The Wing,” a new facility aimed at expanding resources for grieving teens and young adults in northeast Indiana.

“Sarah’s impact at KSM and in the Fort Wayne community speaks to the kind of leader she is – driven, compassionate, and committed to making a difference,” said Amy Lehrman, managing partner of KSM’s Fort Wayne office. “Sarah’s efforts to cultivate a people-centered workplace and strengthen community organizations exemplify the values we stand for at KSM, and her inclusion in the Influential Women of Northeast Indiana’s Class of 2024 is a well-deserved recognition of her dedication to leadership and community.”

Sarah’s influence also extends to other community organizations. She serves as an audit committee member for the Community Foundation of Greater Fort Wayne. Additionally, Sarah was appointed by Gov. Eric Holcomb to the Indiana Board of Accountancy, where she currently serves as vice chair. In this role, she ensures the highest standards for Indiana’s accounting professionals, helping to oversee CPA licensing, professional ethics, and continuous education. Her regulatory work helps protect public interest and strengthens the reputation of the CPA profession throughout Indiana.

In addition to her professional and community service accomplishments, Sarah has received notable awards and accolades. She was honored with the Greater Fort Wayne Business Weekly’s Forty Under 40 award in 2023, recognizing her leadership and influence within the region. KSM also recognized her with the 2022 Community Service Excellence Vision Award for her dedicated service to Erin’s House. Most recently, Sarah was named a finalist for the Indiana CPA Society’s 2024 Woman to Watch Award, a distinction that celebrates her contributions to the accounting profession and highlights her impact as a role model and mentor.

Read Sarah’s Influential Women profile here.