On the move: RubinBrown elects new MP

May 20, 2022 9:00 AM

Steven Harris will be only the fourth MP of RubinBrown, the St. Louis-based Top 100 Firm; the first Black woman (and first sole practitioner) is named to head the American Institute of CPAs' PCPS Executive Committee; state CPA societies in Connecticut and Virginia install new boards; and other firm and personnel news from across the accounting profession.

CONNECTICUT

Michael Maksymiw

The Connecticut Society of CPAs elected and installed its board of directors for the 2022-2023 activity: Michael Maksymiw, the leader of the Aprio Firm Foundation, will serve as chair; Timothy Hedley, executive-in-resident at Fordham University, as chair-elect; Kevin Lawlor, executive director of the Seton Collaborative, as treasurer; and Mary Manfredi, manager of finance at General Dynamics Electric Boat, as secretary. In addition, James Norton will serve as advisory council chair, and Christopher King, Muhammad Malloy, Karen Zeilnhofer and Carrie Zimyeski as members-at-large.

GEORGIA

Samuel Evans

Hancock Askew & Co. has promoted Samuel Evans to partner. Evans works in assurance in the Savannah office; he had originally joined the firm in 2008, and rejoined it in 2017. In addition, the firm promoted Kate Haslam, Claire McCarthy, Rachel Connor, Lauren Kolstedt and Adam Weaver to principal.

ILLINOIS

From left: Emily Bartlett, Stephanie Keller, Kelly VanCura, and Nicole Szczepanek.

Illinois CPA Society/Derrick Lilly

The Illinois CPA Society, in partnership with the ICPAS Women’s Committee and the AICPA Women’s Initiatives Executive Committee, presented the winners of the 2022 Women to Watch Awards at the ICPAS Women’s Leadership Forum on May 13 in Chicago (see the full story).

INDIANA

The Indiana CPA Society honored a number at its annual CPA Celebration on May 13: Robert Lazard received the Advocacy Award, in recognition of his significant contributions advocating for the CPA profession through government relations; ZeNai Brooks received the Building Bridges to the Profession Award, in recognition of her commitment to building and diversifying the talent pipeline; Derrick Burks received the Chair's Award, which is given by the prior chair for guidance, assistance and support during the chair's term; Martha Nommay received the Distinguished Service Award, the society's highest honor, which recognizes an individual who has made significant contributions to the CPA profession, the American Institute of CPAs, and/or the INCPA on numerous levels; and John Seale received the Innovation Award, which recognizes a transformative individual or firm implementing unique, forward-thinking activities designed to address future issues and need. In addition, the society recognized three Emerging Leaders: Jud Brown, Jordan Chavis and Cody Newport.

KENTUCKY

Dean Dorton, Louisville, has launched a new lease accounting managed services offering to help organizations transition to and stay compliant with the new lease accounting standards. The firm is partnering with lease accounting solution provider LeaseQuery and will use its platform for clients.

MISSOURI

Steven Harris

Top 100 Firm RubinBrown LLP, St. Louis, has elected Steven Harris managing partner. As MP, Harris will focus on oversight of operations firmwide, and represent the firm in the community and profession across all markets, while the firm's chair, John Herber, will focus on the firm’s vision, high-level planning and overall firm direction. Only the fourth MP in the firm's history, Harris began his career at RubinBrown in 1999, and most recently served as partner-in-charge of the firm’s entrepreneurial services group.

NEW YORK

Orumé Hays

Orumé Hays, founder and managing director of Hays CPA, has been named chair of the PCPS Executive Committee of the American Institute of CPAs, and will serve a three-year term. She is the first Black female to hold the position, and the first sole practitioner. Besides her role at her firm, she is also president of the Manhattan/Bronx Chapter of the New York State Society of CPAs. Separately, Anoop Natwar Mehta, chief strategist of the aerospace firm Analytical Mechanical Associates, was elected chair of the AICPA (see the full story).

Louis Grassi, the founder and managing partner of Grassi, was named to the Long Island Business News 2022 PowerList, which recognizes business leaders who show an exemplary commitment to Long Island and dedication to improve the business industry every day.

CohnReznick LLP launched a new awards program to recognize U.S.-based businesses that are “changing the game” through their commitment to environmental, social, and governance strategies and practices. Applications for the Gamechangers in ESG Awards program must be completed by June 30, 2022; the awards will be announced in the fall. There is also a Next Gen Award program for students who demonstrate leadership in ESG by providing creative solutions that address ESG challenges in their schools or communities. For more information, email ESGgamechanger@cohnreznick.com.

PENNSYLVANIA

Daniel Nickischer

Daniel Nickischer, a partner at RKL LLP, has been named leader of the firm’s small business services group, where he will lead a team of RKL advisors dedicated to serving the tax, accounting and financial needs of small business owners, and direct firmwide efforts related to quality control, client service and workforce development in this service area. Nickischer, who joined RKL in 2015, succeeds James Ostrowski, who remains a partner with the firm.

UNITED KINGDOM

Kreston Global, London, has added two member firms: A4 Group and Kreston Macedonia. A4 Group is based in Slovakia, and offers a wide range of audit, tax, legal and accounting services, with 25 experts and five founding partners. Previously known as TPM Audit, Kreston Macedonia is based in North Macedonia, and provides audit, tax, accounting and valuations/forensics services.

VIRGINIA

George Forsythe

The Virginia Society of CPAs installed its officers and board of directors for 2022–2023: George Forsythe, of WellsColeman in Richmond, will serve as chair; Jennifer Lehman, Hantzmon Wiebel, as chair-elect; Krystal McCants, of Yount, Hyde & Barbour, Aaron Peters, of Peters & Associates, John Reynolds, of Nft42, and Christine Williamson, CohnReznick, as vice chairs; and society president and CEO Stephanie Peters as secretary-treasurer. Serving as at-large board members will be Courtney Arrington, Michael Brunson, Nicholas Harrison, LaToya Jordan, Andrew Martin, Neena Shukla, Lauren Templeman, Gary Wallace, Gregory Wallig and John Waters. Separately, the society's Education Foundation hit its goal of raising $100,000 to launch a new scholarship aimed at encouraging underrepresented students in pursuing the CPA profession (see the full story).