The Leadership Institute and Society of Innovators at PNW have named the 2024 Women on the Rise. The list includes leaders, innovators and entrepreneurs who are making an impact across Northwest Indiana.
These are the women shaping business, guiding communities and encouraging economic growth in our region’s communities. They achieved success in 2023 and are bringing that dynamic momentum with them into the new year.
Kylee Fraze Norman (La Porte, Ind.)
PARTNER
CLH, CPAS & CONSULTANTS
Approachable and outgoing, Kylee has over 15 years of experience in the accounting industry and is known for building a strong rapport with clients and the firm’s team. With a keen interest in taxation, Kylee serves as the company’s tax department lead, including overseeing research and application of tax regulations, implementing and managing tax department protocol, upholding quality control standards, administering tax software and coordinating staff development and training in areas of taxation. Having joined CLH initially as a senior staff accountant in 2015, Kylee advanced into the position of director and later a partner in the firm.
The Northwest Indiana Influential Women Association (NWIIWA) named Kylee their 2022 Supporter of the Year, the same year she was also nominated as a NWIIWA Influential Women Finalist in Finance in recognition of her contributions to the accounting industry, including mentorship of young professionals. As a partner, Kylee looks forward to extending her involvement in coaching the firm’s accounting professionals and helping to shape their future careers.
One of the firm’s Michigan City natives, Kylee graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Purdue University in 2006 and earned her CPA credential in 2009. She’s invested in the local community by serving as treasurer for the Boys & Girls Club of La Porte County since 2015 and is an Ex-Officio Executive Committee Member of Northwest Indiana Influential Women Association as of 2020.
When she’s not at the office, Kylee enjoys a variety of fitness pursuits and spending quality time with her husband and daughter.
Gretchen Kalk-Castro (Michigan City, Ind.)
PARTNER
CLH, CPAS & CONSULTANTS
As a Michigan City native, Kalk-Castro graduated from Ball State University in 2000 with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and, in 2001, graduated with a Master of Science in Accounting. She initially joined CLH, CPA’s and Consultants in 2000 through an internship and along the way served as a project manager before becoming a director and most recently a partner of the firm. She is excited for the continued opportunities to mentor others and develop the firm’s team and culture.
Kalk-Castro was selected to join the Indiana CPA Society (INCPAS) Leadership Council, which is a two-year continuing education program to develop leadership skills in the accounting field.
Kalk-Castro has serviced numerous community organizations, including currently serving as treasurer of Paladin, Inc., an advisory committee member of the Michigan City Area School Vocational Building Trades and as a board member with Leadership La Porte County. She is also a member of the professional organizations of AICPA and Indiana CPA Society.
Excerpted from “2024 Northwest Indiana Women on the Rise.” Purdue University Northwest. February 1, 2024: https://www.pnw.edu/2024-northwest-indiana-women-on-the-rise/