Kelly Morningstar, CPA, MBA

Kelly is an experienced director who serves clients with tax compliance, planning, and strategic tax advisory services in a wide range of industries including architecture and engineering, manufacturing and distribution, and government contractors. She has worked extensively with corporations, pass-through entities, multi-state returns, individuals, IRS and state correspondences, and accounting for income taxes under ASC 740. Additionally, Kelly has specialized expertise in helping firms to enhance their cash flow by utilizing the research and development tax credit.

Education

  • BS degree in Accounting from Mount St. Mary’s University, cum laude
  • MBA from Mount St Mary’s University

Valerie Higgins

As Managing Director of Project Management & Ajera Consulting, Val brings over 25 years of accounting, consulting, and business management experience in the industry. With specialized expertise in project management, Val works collaboratively with firms to apply best practices, maximize workflow processes and utilize enhanced reporting for increased efficiency and profitability.

Serving for several years as the Controller and Managing Vice President of an MPE engineering firm, Val possesses valuable “in the field” knowledge of the business nuances of a professional services firm. An accomplished speaker, she is a frequent presenter at national industry conferences.

Education

  • BSA degree in Accounting from the University of Phoenix

Professional Highlights

  • Certified Ajera Professional, Deltek University

What Motivates Val

The synergy created by marrying best practices, efficiencies with tools, and working within the creative culture each client brings to the equation.

Certified Ajera Professional

Chad Bumbaugh, CPA

During his 20+ year career, Chad has worked with many types of businesses on a wide range of tax and accounting issues. Beyond the traditional compliance work, he assists clients with tax and general business consulting matters, such as succession. He particularly enjoys strategizing with clients on how to more efficiently conduct operations, improve cash flow, and minimize tax burdens. Chad played a vital role in SN’s CARES Act-related initiatives, helping clients manage and maximize benefits including PPP loans and forgiveness.

Industries and areas of focus include manufacturing, retail, family and closely owned businesses, and professional service providers such as doctors and attorneys.

Chad is a firm believer that the relationship which develop when partnering with clients to identify practical solutions is a highlight of his position.

Education

  • BBA degree in Accounting from Shippensburg University, summa cum laude

Professional & Community Highlights

  • York County Opioid Collaborative, Board Member
  • York County Community Foundation, Finance Committee Member
  • York Area Housing Group, Finance Committee Member
  • Convergence Coaching Leadership Development Program, Graduate
  • Leadership York, Graduate
  • Dale Carnegie Course, Graduate

Kristi Weierbach, Ph.D., SPHR, SHRM-SCP

Kristi focuses her extensive expertise on helping clients design a workforce that is not only prepared for the future, but one that leverages disruption to thrive and succeed. Weaving together a unique blend of anticipatory tools and insights with practical solutions, Kristi provides clients with an organizational architecture that empowers them for the NextGen.

Applying deep workforce knowledge, Kristi helps companies overcome challenges by providing strategic direction, implementing and improving policies and procedures, and skillfully turning human capital management into a competitive advantage.

Kristi is an active blogger and frequent presenter on workforce and NextGen-related topics.

Education

  • Ph.D. in Organizational Management with a specialization in HR from Capella University
  • MBA in Business from Capital College, The Pennsylvania State University
  • BS degree in Accounting from Capital College, The Pennsylvania State University

Professional & Community Highlights

  • Senior Professional in Human Resources, HR Certification Institute
  • SHRM Senior Certified Professional, Society for Human Resource Management
  • Fundamental Payroll Certified, American Payroll Association

Ask Kristi About

The time her palms were scanned at the airport.

Darren W. Welker, CPA, CIA

At the helm of our Manufacturing and Distribution Group, Darren provides solutions that extend beyond tax and accounting. Under his leadership, Darren’s clients benefit from his specialized focus on strengthening operations for enhanced profitability.

Working in the industry for over 20 years, Darren has collaborated with clients at various phases of their growth from start-up through global expansion. Recognizing the unique and ever-changing landscape of manufacturing and distribution, Darren stays abreast of emerging trends and provides sound recommendations that allow clients to make more impactful decisions.

Education

  • BS degree in Business Administration from Millersville University, cum laude

Professional & Community Highlights

  • MANTEC, Board of Directors
  • Forty Under 40 Winner, Central Penn Business Journal
  • Leadership York, Graduate

Steve Snyder, CPA, CCIFP

As Director, Steve’s concentration is on assisting clients within the architecture, engineering, construction and real estate development industries to improve internal processes and maximize profitability. Clients also benefit from his extensive experience auditing employee benefit plans ranging from 100 to 5,000 employees. In addition to his technical competence, Steve is an avid Penn State football fan and expert tailgater.

Before entering his career in accounting Steve proudly served in the U.S. Army as a Satellite Communication Specialist. Afterward, he spent 6 years in Stuttgart, Germany working for a family-owned construction-related business and speaks fluent German.

Education

  • BS degree in Accounting from the University of Maryland

Professional & Community Highlights

  • Certified Construction Industry Financial Professional (CCIFP)
  • Leadership York, Board of Directors, Former Treasurer
  • Cultural Alliance of York, Board of Directors, Treasurer

Steve’s Best Advice

Kill them with kindness, it’s contagious.

Jennifer G. Nelson, CPA, MBA

Jennifer leads clients through the complex world of federal, state and international taxation of corporations, partnerships and individuals. Additionally, she provides tax research, consultation, and compliance in the areas of accounting methods, international tax, multi-state taxation, tax credits, depreciation, entity selection and structure, and overall strategic tax planning and advisory services. In short, she knows a thing or two about taxes.

A tax specialist with a thing for history and the Civil War, Jennifer brings a unique perspective to her clients and with over 18 years of experience, she has seen just about every tax scenario. Her deep working knowledge of taxation has contributed to the success and profitability of clients in a diverse range of industries.

Education

  • MBA with a concentration in Accounting from The University of Pittsburgh
  • BS degree in Health Policy and Administration from The Pennsylvania State University

Professional & Community Highlights

  • Leadership York, Graduate, and former Treasurer
  • Presenter for World Trade Center, Central PA
  • Presenter for MANTEC
  • Women & Minority Business Owners Have Many Resources, Published by Central Penn Business Journal

Jennifer Recommends This Advice

Life is Short – so buy the shoes, drink the wine and eat the dessert.