The American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) has recognized Joseph Zanco, CPA, CIA, with its 2016 Public Service Award for Individuals.
This annual award honors an individual who has demonstrated outstanding public service. Zanco, who resides with his family in Lafayette, La., was chosen from among a select field of candidates, each of whom were nominated by AICPA members or state CPA societies from across the country.
“Among a number of excellent candidates nominated for the Public Service Award, Joe stood out for both the diversity of his public service and the selflessness he has shown in supporting his community and the CPA profession,” said Ryan Screnar, CPA, chair of the AICPA’s awards committee, who presented the award at the spring meeting of the AICPA’s governing Council in Washington, D.C. “We salute all of our nominees for the tremendous effort they are putting forth to improve life in their communities.”
From working on economic development efforts to teaching inmates financial literacy skills, Zanco has been recognized for his many efforts to improve life in the Acadiana area of Louisiana. He is a member of the board of directors and past chairman of One Acadiana, which promotes regional economic development. He serves as vice chair of the Finance Committee on the Board of Trustees for Lafayette General Health, Acadiana’s largest non-profit, community-owned regional health system. He is the founder of Lead the Change Now, a movement focused on inspiring personal responsibility and serving others. He also is a graduate of Leadership Lafayette, a community leadership development program. He recently was named Junior Achievement of Acadiana’s Business Person of the Year.
As Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for Home Bank and parent, Home Bancorp., Inc., Zanco directs accounting operations, financial reporting, treasury, investor relations, human resources and marketing. He joined Home Bank in 2008.
He is an active member of the Acadiana Chapter of the Society of Louisiana CPAs (LCPA), where he has served on the board of directors and has been a past president. In 2016, he was awarded the LCPA’s Distinguished Public Service Award. The award is the organization’s highest honor for public service leadership, impact, involvement, and innovation. He earned his accounting degree at Louisiana State University.
A list of previous winners can be found on the AICPA’s Member Awards page.