Abacus! is excited to announce Paige Frealy and Tori Busby as recipients of the 2026 Abacus Values Award for People Focus. Paige is a Coordinator in Accounting Services, and Tori is a Marketing and Communications Associate.

The Abacus Values Award for People Focus recognizes employees who consistently demonstrate respect, effective communication, compassion and cooperation. Paige and Tori reflect those qualities by building trust, strengthening relationships and helping others feel supported and set up to succeed.

Paige creates an environment where people feel valued, encouraged and confident in their work. Colleagues recognize Paige as someone who leads with positivity and consistency, showing up with a steady presence others can rely on no matter how much is on the plate.

When describing the heart behind her approach to others, Paige said, “Every interaction matters because every person matters.”

Paige is known for clear communication, strong follow-through and a genuine ability to connect with others. Whether working with clients or teammates, Paige helps people feel heard, understood and confident in what comes next.

When asked what receiving the People Focus Award means, Paige said, “Receiving the People Focus Award is incredibly meaningful and humbling because the way we treat people truly matters. More than anything, this award reminds me that kindness, consistency, empathy and servant-hearted leadership make a difference. I’m grateful to work alongside people who care deeply about others and inspire me daily to keep growing.”

What makes Paige stand out is the ability to build people up while getting the work done. Through coaching, encouragement and a willingness to meet others where they are, Paige strengthens relationships and fosters collaboration across the firm.

Tori also sets a strong example of what it means to be people-focused. Colleagues describe Tori as someone who leads with care, awareness and attention to detail, always considering the experience on the other side of the work.

When sharing what people focus means to her, Tori said, “Being people-focused means taking the time to genuinely care about others and making them feel seen, valued and supported.”

Tori is known for shaping projects in a way that makes others feel considered and supported. Whether working with teammates or connecting with new people, Tori has a natural ability to build trust and create an environment where others feel motivated, confident and set up for success.

When asked what receiving the People Focus Award means, Tori said, “Receiving the People Focus Award was truly unexpected and incredibly meaningful to me. More than anything, this award reminded me how much Abacus values and cares for its people. I feel incredibly blessed to work alongside people who make my work feel meaningful every day, and I’m deeply humbled that others thought of me in this way.”

Across the firm, Tori is recognized for bringing care and thoughtfulness into both the work and the relationships behind it. Tori’s people focus shows up in the details, the communication and the way others feel supported throughout the process.

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. Honorees are selected each spring and announced at Abacus!’s semi-annual firm-wide retreat, AM³.

2026 Complete List of Abacus Value Award Honorees:

  • Riley Gatten, Consultant, is a recipient of the Abacus Ownership Award, which includes the attributes of Pride in Our Work, Desire to Succeed and Loyalty.
  • Gwynn Smail, Senior Accountant, is a recipient of the Abacus Ownership Award, which includes the attributes of Pride in Our Work, Desire to Succeed and Loyalty.
  • Paige Frealy, Coordinator, is a recipient of the Abacus People Focus Award, which includes the attributes of Respect, Effective Communication, Compassion and Cooperation.
  • Tori Busby, Marketing and Communications Associate, is a recipient of the Abacus People Focus Award, which includes the attributes of Respect, Effective Communication, Compassion and Cooperation.
  • Sandy Dake, Coordinator, 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.
  • Mason Gilsinger, Senior Accountant, 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.
  • MJ Lutz, Client Accounting Specialist, 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.
  • Jenean Richardson, Administrative Assistant Specialist, 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.
  • Eddie Musani, Senior Consultant, is a recipient of the Abacus Integrity Award, which includes the attributes of Responsible, Trustworthy and Honest.
  • Levi Stillwell, Consultant, is a recipient of the Abacus Integrity Award, which includes the attributes of Responsible, Trustworthy and Honest.