Princeton, NJ — David Smith, Strategic Advisor at Princeton Public Affairs Group (PPAG), has been awarded the 2026 New Jersey Society of Certified Public Accountants (NJCPA) Distinguished Service medallion, recognizing more than 25 years of advocacy on behalf of New Jersey’s accounting profession and business community.
The award was presented during the NJCPA’s Annual Meeting on June 19 at the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa in Atlantic City. The Distinguished Service Medallion recognizes individuals who have demonstrated an enduring commitment to advancing the Society’s mission of advocating for CPAs, strengthening the accounting profession, and serving New Jersey’s business community.
For the past 25 years, PPAG has served as the NJCPA’s contract lobbying firm, with David leading the firm’s work on behalf of the organization. Throughout that time, he has helped advance legislative and public policy initiatives affecting New Jersey’s accounting profession and business community.
Among the accomplishments David is most proud of are helping secure the passage of New Jersey’s privity law, which strengthened legal protections for CPAs, supporting legislation that modernized CPA licensure requirements, and advancing the Business Alternative Income Tax (BAIT) law, which provides eligible New Jersey businesses with additional tax planning options.
“Receiving the 2026 NJCPA Distinguished Service Award is truly an honor that I cherish,” David said. “Working with AJ Johnson and Jeff Kaszerman to improve New Jersey’s business climate while protecting and promoting the CPA designation has been rewarding beyond words.”
“It has been an honor working with the NJCPA,” David said. “I especially appreciate the thoughtful, bipartisan approach the Society takes in addressing issues and developing solutions backed by facts.”
David joined PPAG in 1995 and has spent more than three decades managing public affairs and advocacy campaigns involving insurance, financial services, business policy, environmental issues, and tort reform.
About Princeton Public Affairs Group
Princeton Public Affairs Group (PPAG) is New Jersey’s leading full-service public affairs and government relations firm. With a legacy of excellence spanning over three decades, PPAG specializes in delivering strategic solutions to complex regulatory, legislative, and public policy challenges. Its team of seasoned professionals, including former legislators, policymakers, and industry experts, provides unmatched insights and advocacy services that drive impactful results for its diverse clientele.
PPAG’s advisors have a deep understanding of New Jersey’s political landscape and a proven track record of influencing public policy at all levels of government. The firm’s services include legislative advocacy, regulatory affairs, grassroots mobilization, public relations, and strategic communications, ensuring its clients’ voices are heard and their goals are achieved.
