2026 Paton Awards: Michigan Ross Alumni Recognized as Accounting Industry Leaders
On April 8, the Ross School of Business will proudly welcome alumni, faculty, and friends for the Annual Paton Awards Induction Ceremony—a milestone event honoring outstanding contributions to the accounting profession and the Michigan Ross community. This year, Honorary Paton Fellow Award recipients Kelly Coyne and Paul W. Steih will be recognized for their impactful careers and enduring commitment to excellence.
Kelly Coyne, MAcc ’17: Rising Star Honoree
The Rising Star award will recognize Kelly Coyne, a Senior Manager with KPMG’s International Standards Group in London. Kelly’s work provides critical guidance on IFRS Accounting Standards and influences global best practices. Her impressive career includes five years advising clients at KPMG’s Advisory Accounting Services in New York and prior contributions as a Postgraduate Technical Assistant at the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB).
Kelly consistently elevates the accounting profession through technical excellence and mentorship, helping shape the next generation of leaders. As a Michigan Ross graduate, she exemplified leadership as a MAcc Student Ambassador and Graduate Student Instructor. Her achievements—from earning the prestigious Elijah Watts Sells Award to her dedication as a licensed New York CPA—underscore her commitment to advancing the industry and the Michigan Ross community.
Paul W. Steih, BBA ’83, MBA ’94: Lifetime Achievement Honoree
Paul Steih will be honored with the Lifetime Achievement award, reflecting his 38-year career at Ernst & Young (EY). Paul’s leadership includes global audit, tax, and consulting engagements, where he guides clients and international teams with integrity and technical expertise. His many roles—Director of EY’s Global Capital Markets Center in Frankfurt, a member of EY's Americas Ethics Oversight Board, and an active participant in audit innovation and professional practice—position him as a trusted mentor and industry leader.
Paul’s longstanding involvement with Michigan Ross includes nearly a decade on the Paton Advisory Board for Excellence in Accounting Education and a deep commitment to supporting students through the Paul and Gail Steih Family Scholarship Fund. He continues to make an impact as an Executive-in-Residence for the Detroit Neighborhood Entrepreneurs Project, offering workshops and mentorship that connect Ross students to Detroit’s entrepreneurial community.
Honoring Excellence, Inspiring the Future
Founded in 2016, the Honorary Paton Fellow Award celebrates individuals who have made enduring contributions to accounting, professional service, and Michigan Ross education. This year’s recipients inspire the Michigan Ross community by exemplifying excellence, mentorship, and dedication.
Congratulations to Kelly Coyne and Paul W. Steih for their remarkable achievements and service! Michigan Ross is grateful for their impact and leadership.
Go Blue!
