Abacus! is excited to announce Lauren Smith as a recipient of the 2025 Abacus Values Award for People Focus. Lauren is a Catalyst of Excellence in the Department of Excellence.

Lauren is excellent in situations that require strategic organization of information. She sets priorities and puts them into appropriate sequences. Her talent with both strategies and tactics makes her essential to any massive effort.

“I think it comes down to being intentional,” Lauren said. “I consistently try to approach my work with empathy and service in mind—thinking through how I can remove friction, create clarity, or provide reassurance for others. Even when it means spending extra time or going beyond what’s required.”

The Abacus Values Award for People Focus recognizes an employee who displays effective communication, respect, compassion, and cooperation. Lauren’s dedication to providing the Abacus Experience to both clients and employees is a characteristic that earned her this award.

Lauren summed up her response to winning the award with one word: “I was genuinely shocked!” She added, “I didn’t expect my day-to-day actions to have made such a noticeable impact on others. I’ve always thought of myself as just doing my job—trying to support those around me in any way I can.”

Lauren is inspired to continue growing. She stated, “It reminds me that the effort I put into relationships and service truly matters. I want to keep finding new ways to expand my impact, sharpen my skills, and support others meaningfully.”

“I believe in treating everyone like a priority and showing the same respect and care I would hope to receive,” Lauren said. “That’s where I think people focus comes to life—in the everyday interactions that build trust over time.”

The Abacus Values Awards were created in 2020 to recognize individuals who fully exemplify Abacus Values in how they live, work and build relationships with clients and coworkers. Each recipient demonstrated exceptional understanding and achievement in client support and professional relationships.

2025 Complete List of Abacus Value Award Honorees:
Zoe Keeland, Senior Client Support Specialist in Transportation Customer Service, is a recipient of the Abacus People Focus Award which includes the attributes of Respect, Effective Communication, Compassion and Cooperation.
Lauren Smith, Catalyst of Excellence in the Department of Excellence, is a recipient of the Abacus People Focus Award which includes the attributes of Respect, Effective Communication, Compassion and Cooperation.
Josh Staggs, Senior Associate Specialist in the IT Department, is a recipient of the Abacus Ownership Award which includes the attributes of Pride in Our Work, Desire to Succeed and Loyalty.
Stacy Mathews, Senior Accountant in Traditional Tax and Accounting Services, is a recipient of the Abacus Ownership Award which includes the attributes of Pride in Our Work, Desire to Succeed and Loyalty.
Matthew Weekley, Senior Associate in the Transportation Accounting Group, is a recipient of the Abacus Integrity Award which includes the attributes of Responsible, Trustworthy and Honest.
Nathan MacLaughlin, Senior Accountant in Traditional Tax and Accounting Services, is the recipient of the Abacus Integrity Award which includes the attributes of Responsible, Trustworthy and Honest.
Carisa Perkins, Senior Client Support Specialist in the Transportation Customer Service Department, is a recipient of the Abacus Client Service Orientation Award which includes the attributes of Effective Communication, Innovation, Sense of Urgency and Quality in Work.
Camryn Ramsey, Senior Coordinator in Accounting Services, is a recipient of the Abacus Client Service Orientation Award which includes the attributes of Effective Communication, Innovation, Sense of Urgency and Quality in Work.
Abi Braun, Senior Accountant, is a recipient of the Abacus Positive Attitude Award which includes the attributes of Coachable, Cooperative and Believing the Intentions and Abilities of Others are Good.
Andrew Georgel, CPA, Senior Accounting Manager, is a recipient of the Abacus Positive Attitude Award which includes the attributes of Coachable, Cooperative and Believing the Intentions and Abilities of Others are Good.

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The Abacus! Values Awards, established in 2020, honors individuals who embody the key components of our seven Cultural Learning Points which include our Mission, Values, Circles of Excellence, Welch Grid, Circle of Influence and Concern, Value-Added and Process Improvement, and Mature & Growth Mindset. The Abacus Values award celebrate our commitment to excellence, including client and employee interactions. Honorees are selected each spring at the conclusion of the Abacus Annual All-Staff Strategic Planning Retreat.
At Abacus! our focus is you! We believe that our employees and clients deserve to interact in an environment that fosters growth, trust, and confidence. Abacus™ professionals provide leadership by relentlessly pursuing the best guidance possible so those we serve can make smarter decisions.
Better Guidance. Smarter Decisions.