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The firm CLH, CPAs & Consultants has unveiled the first group of honorees for its 2026 R.I.K.I. Spotlight program, a recognition initiative designed to elevate the people behind exceptional client service and internal culture. This announcement highlights three employees selected for demonstrating the four pillars that define the program: Relationships, Integrity, Knowledge, and Innovation. By naming monthly recipients for the first quarter of 2026, CLH continues a practice of shining a light on staff whose day-to-day choices reflect the firm’s priorities and help shape how teams collaborate and serve clients.
The selection method for the R.I.K.I. Spotlight is rooted in peer recognition: colleagues submit nominations when they observe behavior that aligns with the firm’s core values. Each nomination includes specific examples of impact, whether that is mentoring a coworker, introducing a new process, or delivering client work with uncommon care. Those nominations are reviewed monthly, and recipients are chosen not just for singular achievements but for consistent demonstration of the program’s guiding elements. The result is a steady stream of stories that illustrate how small actions accumulate into measurable cultural strength.
About the R.I.K.I. Spotlight program
The R.I.K.I. Spotlight is built to promote and codify what CLH regards as essential workplace behaviors. The acronym itself stands for Relationships, Integrity, Knowledge, and Innovation, and each pillar is used as a rubric when evaluating nominations. Relationships emphasizes collaboration and trust-building; Integrity calls out ethical judgment and reliability; Knowledge rewards subject-matter expertise and skill development; and Innovation highlights practical ideas that improve workflows or client outcomes. Together, this framework helps teammates recognize and reinforce the practices that produce consistent, high-quality service.
First quarter 2026 honorees
For the first quarter of 2026, CLH recognized three employees with the R.I.K.I. Spotlight Award, one for each month. Each honoree was selected for distinct contributions that reflect the four pillars. Their achievements ranged from content and communications initiatives to technical improvements in audit processes and steady, detail-focused client support during peak seasons. The descriptions below summarize the contributions that led to recognition and illustrate how different roles within the firm can all exemplify the same underlying values.
January: Emily Abuatieh, Communications Manager
In January 2026, the R.I.K.I. Spotlight recognized Emily Abuatieh for her skill in nurturing connections both inside and outside the firm. As Communications Manager, Emily led a high-visibility social media collaboration that required coordination across departments and with external partners. Her work demonstrated Relationships through stakeholder engagement, Knowledge in messaging strategy, and a degree of Innovation by experimenting with content formats to increase reach. Colleagues praised her patience and clarity when briefing teams, which helped align multiple contributors on a single public-facing initiative and contributed to a strong outcome for CLH’s brand presence.
February: Seth Bedwell, Senior Accountant
Seth Bedwell earned the February 2026 R.I.K.I. Spotlight for actively advancing new tools within the firm’s Audit and Assurance Department. His initiative focused on adopting practical technology to streamline audit workflows and reduce repetitive tasks. That work reflected Innovation in problem solving, Knowledge of technical accounting processes, and Integrity in maintaining quality while changing methods. Seth collaborated with peers to pilot solutions, gathered feedback, and helped train colleagues so the improvements could be scaled. The recognition honored both the technical result and his inclusive approach to change management.
March: Jessica Mitchell, Associate
Jessica Mitchell was selected for the March 2026 R.I.K.I. Spotlight because of her consistent excellence in client-facing work during a demanding payroll season. Her attention to detail and willingness to mentor junior staff illustrated Relationships and Knowledge, while her clear, calm communication under deadline pressure represented Integrity. Jessica’s approach reduced client questions and helped teammates navigate complex tasks with confidence. The award acknowledged the practical, day-to-day impact of disciplined work habits and the value of accessible mentorship in building long-term client trust.
Why these recognitions matter
Recognitions like the R.I.K.I. Spotlight serve several strategic purposes: they publicly reinforce the behaviors CLH values, provide role models for colleagues, and create a culture where contributions are noticed and celebrated. By spotlighting employees across diverse functions—communications, accounting, and client services—the program illustrates how the same principles apply across job titles and responsibilities. This practice helps sustain a positive feedback loop where recognition encourages further excellence, which in turn strengthens the firm’s ability to deliver reliable, client-centered results.