The Iowa Society of CPAs recognized Jim Brannen, CEO of FBL Financial Group Inc., with the Outstanding CPA in Business and Industry Award during its 2015 Annual Meeting & Leadership Conference held earlier this month in Altoona. Rising Star Awards, which recognize CPAs under 40 who demonstrate strong leadership abilities, were presented to Carrie Kruse, research and budget analyst with the City of Des Moines, and Josh Sherer, CFO of Aalfs Manufacturing Co. in Sioux City. The Distinguished Service Award was presented posthumously to Mike Scheuermann, who died in 2014 and was a partner with Henkel & Associates in Boone, Webster City and Madrid. The Public Service Award was presented to Don Kemp, retired audit partner with KPMG LLP in Des Moines. Brian Newton, shareholder with McGowen Hurst Clark & Smith PC in West Des Moines, received the ISCPA Outstanding Committee Chair Award.