College of Business Administration Award Recipients

Young Alumnus of the Year Award

Shawn M. Howard, Bus Ad ’02
Fairfax, Va.

An accomplished tax partner at a leading national accounting firm, Shawn was recently recognized by Washingtonian magazine as a top tax accountant in the Washington, D.C., area. In addition to his career success, he has made service to others a priority.

Having first made partner at age 30 at another leading area firm, Shawn is now the co-practice leader of Citrin Cooperman’s government contracting practice and is the industry group leader for the firm’s merger and acquisition tax practice. He also serves on the firm’s tax policy committee and is a frequent speaker on topics including merger and acquisition tax matters and current tax law. He is dedicated to advising clients on tax strategy in ways that promote the growth and eventual sale of their companies. “Being a close adviser and being a part of their success is tremendously rewarding,” he says.

Shawn also enjoys giving back to the community. In alignment with the values of his firm and clients, he and his colleagues honored U.S. troops and veterans by raising funds for the Code of Support Foundation, an organization that helps veterans in their transition back to civilian life.

Outside of work, Shawn contributes time and support to the Board of Governors for Tower Club Tysons Corner and its philanthropy committee. The club is a diverse business and social community whose members dedicate resources to improving Northern Virginia.

Shawn’s interest in business was sparked at Marquette, specifically by Dr. James Trebby, associate professor emeritus of accounting. “His unique and engaging style of teaching was phenomenal,” says Shawn, who went on to earn a master’s degree in taxation from the Kogod School of Business at American University.

In addition to setting his career trajectory, Shawn’s time at Marquette contributed to his success by providing him with leadership opportunities that helped him understand the importance of surrounding himself with people who share his values.

Shawn says he is humbled and honored to be recognized for “trying to live the Marquette mission in my personal and professional life.”

Fun fact: Shawn was among a group of students who started Marquette’s first Dance Marathon, which supported Penfield Children’s Center. A new generation of students brought the Dance Marathon back to life in 2011.