January 2024 IN THIS ISSUE: ► Meet your CPAmerica Services Team
News from your accounting association
► Preferred Provider Spotlight - McGuire Sponsel ► Upcoming Events
Meet your CPAmerica Services Team Happy New Year from CPAmerica! As we kick off our 2024 events, we wanted to take an opportunity to reacquaint you to your services team. Jenn Walker has been with CPAmerica since 2018. Prior to her role as director of services, she started her career in television advertising after graduating from the University of Florida. Eventually Walker found herself in the world of meeting and event planning, earning her CMP (Certified Meeting Professional) designation in 2014. With 15+ years of planning successful meetings and events, Walker’s priority at CPAmerica is to ensure that we deliver superior services and programs Jenn Walker in a collaborative environment that helps firms grow. It may also surprise you to know that Walker hosted a local television show called Unique Discoveries that spotlighted local businesses in Gainesville. Tarena Stanley joined CPAmerica in 2016 and was recently promoted to her new role as director of engagement and partnerships. Prior to joining CPAmerica, she worked for her alma mater, the University of Florida Student Affairs Office for nine years. In her new role, Stanley is responsible for the development Tarena Stanley and management of strategies to achieve deeper member engagement, including the rollout of our new Center of Excellence. She also creates and
maintains mutually beneficial relationships with Preferred Providers and consultants. If you’ve seen Stanley at any CPAmerica events, you’ll know that she loves music and dancing anytime, anywhere. Sophy Mott joined the team in 2021 as one of our senior member services managers. Prior to CPAmerica, she worked for a national educational nonprofit 501(c)(3) association, based in Alexandria, Va., for 13 years, driving membership value and managing philanthropic programs. In her role at CPAmerica, Mott supports the A&A group as the staff liaison, as well as our New Partner Group (those in the role three years or less) and the Next Generation cohort. A fun fact about Sophy Mott Mott is that she used to work for the J. Peterman Company, of Seinfeld fame. Prior to joining CPAmerica in 2022, Linda Portner was the director of operations for one of the largest private country clubs in South Florida. In that role, Portner gained experience in strategic planning, employee mentoring, and executive coaching while leading member services, marketing, and communications Linda Portner teams. In her role as senior member services manager & director of CPAConnect, Portner is responsible for the Large Firm Group, Staff Essentials Trainings, the Human Resources group, and Firm Administrators group. She also
► Member News ► CPAmerica Insights – Grace Horvath
manages our CPAConnect alliance. Portner and her husband are extremely passionate about attending Florida Gators sporting events, hence their move to Gainesville in recent years. Haley Wilson joined CPAmerica in 2021 as a member services manager and the first fully remote employee. After earning her degree in public relations, Wilson was the academic advisor for Santa Fe College’s Zoo Animal Technology Program in Gainesville, Fla. At CPAmerica, Wilson is responsible for our Learning Management System (LMS) and all online Haley Wilson learning. In addition to CPE, she also manages CPAmerica’s survey services, including the Practice Management Survey, the annual Technology, HR, and Marketing Benchmarking surveys, and our individual firm survey offerings, such as the Client Satisfaction, Employee Engagement, and Upward Evaluations. Wilson is also a big Star Wars fan! Ryan Dunne joined the team in 2022 as a member services manager. Prior to his time with CPAmerica, Dunne worked as a manager for multiple locations at Enterprise RentA-Car, focusing on employee development and promotion, while delivering high-quality Ryan Dunne customer service. As member services manager, Dunne See Team, continued on page 2
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referred Provider Spotlight P McGuire Sponsel McGuire Sponsel is built for the CPA industry by acting as an extension of your firm. They value the CPA/client relationship and their service is unmatched in the industry. Their team is committed to providing first-class service with integrity in a way that helps partner firms bring value to their clients. They are strong advocates for their clients, seeking answers to your questions. Their strong commitment to CPAs and their clients is evident by our track record of success.
Their team serves as a complement to the exceptional service and value that a respective firm’s clients have grown accustomed to. They treat each client as if they are their only client. While other firms may offer one of our service lines, no one in the industry serves clients as well as McGuire Sponsel.
For more information, visit www.mcguiresponsel.com or email tjsponsel@mcguiresponsel.com.
Services include: • Cost Segregation • International Tax Inbound and Outbound • IRC Section 179D Energy Efficient Buildings Deduction • Research and Development Tax Credits • And more!
Continued from Team, on page 1
coordinates the Visitation Improvement Program (VIP), provides event planning for the association’s smaller and regional meetings. Dunne also supports our larger meetings, such as the Tax Conference, Leading Partners Retreat and Firm Management Roundtable, and plans the spouse/guest events. Outside work, Dunne hosts a sports podcast called One and Dunne Radio that can be found everywhere you get your podcasts. Antonio “Tony” Toupin has been with CPAmerica since 2019. Prior to his time as member services administrative support, Toupin spent nine years in the accounting industry, previously working at a local accounting firm and providing accounting services at an orthopedic clinic. At CPAmerica, Tony Toupin Toupin provides the administrative support for the services and event planning teams for our live events, including coordinating speaker agreements, gathering presentation materials, managing the CPAmerica app and website for attendees, and assisting members with account questions and access. Toupin’s
claim to fame is that he caught a pass from Dan Marino at the Super Bowl XXIX Fan Experience. Amy Azoulay joined CPAmerica in 2021 as the marketing manager. Azoulay holds her masters degree in nonprofit management, and prior to CPAmerica she worked at nonprofit organizations, including as the director of communications at United Way of North Central Florida for seven years. Azoulay oversees all communications and public relations for the association, including newsletters, social media, website and more. She also Amy Azoulay played a key role in the recent CPAmerica brand refresh and supports the firms’ marketing professionals, including planning the annual Marketing Roundtable. Azoulay is accredited in public relations (APR) and is very active with the Florida Public Relations Association, currently serving on the statewide executive committee. Introducing our newest team member, Richelle Clay started with us this month as a senior member services manager. Prior
to joining CPAmerica, Clay had years of experience with Hyatt Hotels in restaurant management, event sales and event planning. In her role at CPAmerica, Clay supports our Tax and Client Advisory Service groups, including the Tax Conference, CAS Meeting and more. Additionally, Clay previously worked as a Richelle Clay role player, conducting scenario-based training for federal law enforcement officers. Finally, Harrison Schofill is our director of information technology. Schofill has been with CPAmerica since 2007 and in addition to managing the association’s technology, he consults with member firms through security awareness training, pen testing, reviewing cyber resiliency and more. He also helps to plan meeting content for our annual Technology Roundtable. Meet the whole services team and review your member benefits during the upcoming sharing call, What’s Ahead for 2024 - Your CPAmerica Benefits & Resources, on January 10 at 3 p.m. ET. To register, please visit tinyurl.com/2hr8cvs2.
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VonLehman announces merger with Dean Dorton
LMC Advisors announces several employee promotions
Dean Dorton, one of the largest accounting and advisory firms in the Southeast and a Top 100 firm, and VonLehman CPA & Advisory Firm, one of the largest firms in the Midwest and a Top 200 firm, have announced a merger, effective January 1, 2024. The firm will operate as Dean Dorton and provide holistic accounting, business advisory, and professional services through specialized expertise, depth of resources, and a comprehensive line of services from offices in North Carolina, Indiana, Ohio, and Kentucky. This marks a significant milestone in Dean Dorton’s and VonLehman’s growth and commitment as business advisors. The merger allows both firms to continue long histories of providing innovative financial, technological, and operational solutions that have led to their strong organic growth through the years. In addition to the focus on client experience, the merger will provide ample career opportunities for local and national talent. With the breadth of services and an internal focus on career development and leadership, team members will have the ability to create their own career path truly unique to their skillsets and passions. Both Dean Dorton and VonLehman are recipients of top workplace awards in 2023. Dean Dorton was recognized by Inside Public Accounting as one of the Best of the Best accounting firms in the nation. All existing Dean Dorton and VonLehman offices will remain the same. The firm will have approximately 550 team members nationwide, serving clients regionally, nationally, and internationally.
LMC Advisors, headquartered in New York City, is thrilled to announce and recognize the promotion of several professionals in the firm to the next level in their careers. Attest: Nick Grgas has been promoted to director; Ovadia Mosseri, CPA, has been promoted to manager; Gus Molina Nick Grgas has been promoted to manager; Frank Waite, CPA, has been promoted to manager; Bianka Gozhita, CPA, has been promoted to manager; and Rosa Magliulo has been promoted to senior. Tax: Nasrin Aktar, CPA, Faina Maryasina has been promoted to semi-senior; and Alex Rivero, has been promoted to semisenior. LM CFO + CAS: Faina Maryasina, has been promoted to manager. Operations: Dmitriy Guller has Dmitriy Guller been promoted to chief information officer (CIO), and Allison Schubert has been promoted to senior recruiter.
CironeFriedberg welcomes new audit manager CironeFriedberg, LLP, is pleased to welcome Jack Kneisel, CPA, as audit manager. In this role, he will provide audit and accounting services to clients in many industries. Kneisel brings eight years of audit and accounting experience with a specialization in commercial real estate, and is a Certified Public Accountant in the State of Connecticut. Prior to joining CironeFriedberg, Kneisel was assurance manager at a large global accounting firm, where he developed a strong foundation of audit and accounting skills. Tony Cirone, CironeFriedberg’s managing partner Jack Kneisel says, “We are happy to welcome Jack to our team and look forward to his many contributions providing high level audit services to our clients.”
Anglin Reichmann Armstrong names four new partners Anglin Reichmann Armstrong, P.C. announces the promotions of LeAnne Goode, Meg Hampton, Kavitha Hichkad and Andrew Labosier from manager to partner, joining the executive team effective January 1, 2024. LeAnne Goode, CPA, MBA serves in Anglin’s Audit and Assurance Department and focuses on reviews and audits of financial statements as well as employee benefit plan audits. Meg Hampton, LeAnne Goode CPA, MAcc, focuses on audits, reviews, compilations and preparation of financial statements as well as employee benefit plan audits. Kavitha Hichkad, CPA, MBA, leads Anglin’s Audit & Meg Hampton Assurance Department
and oversees industry trends as well as accuracy in audit and assurance processes. Andrew Labosier, CPA, CVA, MAcc, MBA, is credentialed as a Certified Valuation Analyst and serves Kavitha Hichkad in the Tax Advisory Department at Anglin. “I’m impressed with the caliber of leaders we have at all levels of our firm. Becoming a partner is a big deal as professionals gain experience and Andrew Labosier contribute so much to our clients and communities,” said Brandon Smith, managing partner at Anglin. “I visit with other firms across the country and many of them are having trouble finding the next generation of partners and keeping people in the profession. It is a testament to our culture and the health of the firm that we have four individuals who have earned this promotion,” he added.
Hagen, Kurth, Perman & Co., P.S. announces new owner Hagen, Kurth, Perman & Co., P.S. (HKP), headquartered in Seattle, Wash., announces that Brandon Dunn has become an owner. As owner, Dunn joins five current owners, blending new initiatives with proven strategies to expand the firm’s role as a trusted advisor to clients. A Washington-licensed CPA since 2013, Dunn’s joining HKP at the owner level highlights his commitment to continuity in quality client service. Dunn specializes in working with closely Brandon Dunn held, family-owned and managed businesses and their entrepreneurial owners. He provides tax services to a highly diverse mix of clients, including partnerships, individuals, and corporate businesses, focusing in the fishing and real estate industries, and helping clients with their federal, and state, and local tax needs. A graduate from Washington State University, Dunn also earned his master’s degree in taxation from Golden Gate University Graduate School of Taxation in 2018. He started his career at HKP in 2011 as a busy-season intern before progressing to senior manager in 2022. He’s a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Washington Society of Certified Public Accountants.
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What’s in store for 2024 And just like that, another year passed and a new one is upon us. Not much changes in the world between December 31 and January 1, yet we count down the ball drop and celebrate on the stroke of midnight as though time has Grace Horvath, restarted. This jubilation President & CEO quickly recedes as the new year dawns and life remains exactly as it was hours earlier, but something about that moment elicits the clarity of a breath of fresh air and the excitement of visualizing a clean slate. CPAmerica spent the last month of 2023 reflecting on hindsight and lessons learned, and measuring progress as we summoned our 2024 clean slate. We are heading into this new year inspired by our vision where we are known as the premier association where members do not want to leave. Last year there was an astounding amount of activity (including one-time accomplishments like the brand refresh) that can be considered complete. Other accomplishments were incremental movements towards larger goals like the expansive pursuit of engaging member firms more deeply. Driving more value remains at the heart of our goals, carrying forward the tasks to create deeper member engagement and continually grow membership quality and reach. We added a new bold step to our plan to develop tangible technology resources especially around AI. Substantial investments in technology provided
us with powerful tools to encourage and measure engagement and enhance member experience by creating a Center of Excellence. The implementation was only the first step toward this goal. This year we will master how to make the most of this tool alongside the data analytics dashboards being built. The update of member expertise remains ongoing. The addition of the director of engagement and partnerships places an “owner” over these projects to ensure that great ideas are turned into actions and that the tools are being used by all levels of staff. You may have noticed that your discussion lists have moved into the new collaborative platform. The transitions were timed to ensure all areas of the firm are moved over before tax season for seamless access to your most important resources – each other. The flood of PE money and M&A activity overall are greater factors than ever. Growing member quality and reach sounds straightforward but consider in 2023, we won six excellent new members and lost five under circumstances beyond our control. In addition to our year-round recruiting efforts, there will be an intentional effort to grow our large firm membership. Increasing the number of large firms is essential to buffer the association from the natural attrition of M&A, and to maintain the membership where large firms feel supported, and small to mid-size firms retain access to the expertise and support of their larger peers. We understand this is essential for our long-term sustainability and are aware these efforts may occasionally challenge geographic consideration due to inevitable market overlaps with branches. We will continue to rely on our processes and governance, and a strong board
of directors for thoughtful decision making on what is best for the overall association. The Practice Management Survey will undergo a big and welcomed change this year. The updated survey will present metrics compliant with state and federal anti-trust laws and, more importantly for you, will be completed online. There will only be one survey to complete, saving an estimated 40 hours of time, still yielding your proprietary membership survey and the national IPA edition. We’re excited about the filterable version we are working on that will allow you to see what is most important to you. The technology piece remains the most nebulous to fulfill. Technology has been written into our strategic plan since 2018, yet the diversity of firms and the pace of change has made tackling this like catching a tiger by its tail. Despite formal committees, we have not delivered “the solution” and decided to take a different approach. With emphasis on AI, there will be a dedicated AI Center of Excellence where you can ask questions, explore ideas, and get innovation inspiring content. Expect to see technology in all your 2024 meetings that will feature leading minds on the subject. While you are working to balance client service with the changing business model of the firm at the breakneck speed of evolution, your association is grounded in serving you, understanding we too can’t remain the same. If we learned anything to carry into 2024, our dedication to our core values and a strong team supports our ability to adapt and not lose ground. Happy New Year!
2024 Marketing Roundtable Orlando, Florida | May 15-16
Contact us at:
JW Marriott Bonnet Creek Resort & Spa
7555 W. University Ave. Gainesville, FL 32607 (352) 727-4070
This year’s agenda features sessions related to public relations, crisis communications, business development, client experience, member sharing by firm size and more. This meeting is best suited for firm marketing directors, managers and coordinators.
www.cpamerica.org
Featuring these influential speakers and more: Alyson Sologaistoa, Universal Orlando Resort Carrie Steffen, The Whetstone Group
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Send feedback and member firm news to: advantage@cpamerica.org