Kim partners with clients in federal and state tax compliance and consulting, working across many industries and entity types. She spends much of her time focusing on the State Advisory Services area, including income tax implications of multi-state entities, sales and use tax consulting, business licenses, and unclaimed property compliance and reporting. Throughout her career, she has assisted clients in mergers and acquisitions, due diligence, and complex entity structures.
Tony Machi, CPA, MBA
With a career spanning over three decades, Tony knows AE deeply, having long served at senior levels within the governmental and financial compliance function of one of the largest engineering firms in the U.S. Known for his consultative approach, Tony adeptly guides clients through complex challenges, offering clear and practical solutions.
A nationally recognized speaker, Tony’s extensive network within the state departments of transportation, AASHTO, and ACEC communities allows him to provide an impartial interpretation of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) across the country. His commitment to clarity, positive outcomes, and improved profitability for AE firms has earned him respect and strong relationships nationwide.
Education
- Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA), Accounting and Finance from Duquesne University
- MBA, Accounting from Duquesne University
Professional and Community Highlights
- Certified Public Accountant, registered in PA and NY
- American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Member
- AASHTO Committee on Internal and External Audit, Presenter
- ACEC/AASHTO Audit Guide Task Force, Member
- ACEC/AASHTO National Compensation Matrix Task Force, Former Member
- ACEC National and State Conference, Presenter
- ACEC TX Leadership Institute, Presenter
- Regularly present for state DOTs
- Duquesne University Accounting Advisory Board, Former External Director
Kevin Hebblethwaite, FSMPS, CPSM
Kevin built his extensive career on a love for building connections between people, processes, and technology. With a specialized focus in the architecture and engineering (AE) industry, he has deep knowledge of the nuances of professional services firms. As Business Development Director, Kevin communicates the SN story with firms nationally, manages the client experience, and connects clients to services and solutions that position them to be future-ready.
Education
- Bachelor’s, Business Administration from Furman University
- Leadership Advancement Program Certificate from University of Maryland – Robert H. Smith School of Business
Professional Highlights
- Society of Marketing Professional Services, Fellow
- Former President, Society of Marketing Professional Services
Ask kevin about
The 13 Essential Rudiments.
Jeff Adams, CPA, CM&AA
With over a decade of experience in the AEC industry, Jeff Adams is a seasoned M&A advisor who helps firms achieve their strategic growth objectives. As Director of SN’s Merger and Acquisitions practice area and Certified M&A Advisor, he leads the M&A team, partnering with architecture, engineering, and construction firms on both the buyer and seller sides to strategically position them for greater future success. Jeff has successfully advised numerous M&A transactions, ensuring smooth and successful transitions for his clients. He also hosts the popular AEC Unscripted: M&A Edition podcast, where he shares insights and best practices with AEC leaders, including executives from ENR Top 500 firms.
During his career, Jeff has gained extensive experience overseeing strategy and operations related to accounting, financial planning, and analysis. Before joining SN, he held an executive leadership role at an engineering firm, where he played a pivotal part in leading his firm through a successful acquisition process.
Education
- Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA), Accounting from Georgia Southern University
- Associate of Science, Business Administration and Management, General from Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College
Professional and Community Highlights
- Mosaic Georgia, Board Member
- Georgia Southern University, Advisory Board Member – Construction Management
Listen to the Latest Episode of AEC Unscripted: M&A Edition
Kate Allen, PE, MBA
Kate’s 25 years of experience in the Architecture and Engineering industry includes leadership roles as a Consultant, Principal-in-Charge, and National Engineering Director. Her primary focus is on helping clients with transition strategies including ownership transition and mergers and acquisitions. Kate applies a “lead with people” approach as she partners with firms to successfully anticipate and prepare for their future.
Education
- B.A. in Psychology from University of Colorado Denver
- B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from University of Colorado Denver
- MBA, General Business and Finance from University of Denver – Daniels College of Business
Professional and Community Highlights
- ACEC-CO, Vertical Design Committee member and sustaining member
- A3LC Liaison Committee member
Scott D. Butcher, FSMPS, CPSM
Scott is an AE industry veteran with 30 years of experience in strategy, marketing, and business development. As a former Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer for a mid-sized engineering firm, Scott brings a unique perspective to his client work, delivering first-hand industry insight and knowledge.
Scott is a sought-after national speaker who has presented for numerous industry organizations including ACEC, AIA, ASCE, NCSEA, PSMJ, ROG, SDA, SMPS, and USGBC. A prolific writer, Scott has authored 15 books and written numerous ebooks, white papers, and blogs, including his Marketropolis blog for Engineering News-Record. He is a past president of the SMPS Foundation, an AEC research-focused nonprofit organization, and has served on the national board of directors for the Society for Marketing Professional Services (SMPS). In addition to being a Fellow of SMPS, Scott is also a Certified Professional Services Marketer.
Prior to joining Stambaugh Ness, Scott was the owner/principal of Aecumen, LLC, a firm providing consulting, facilitation, and training for AEC companies.
Education
- BS degree in Marketing from The Pennsylvania State University
- Certificate in Professional Photography from the New York Institute of Photography
Professional Highlights
- National AE Industry Presenter
- Society of Marketing Professional Services, Fellow
- SMPS Foundation, Former Trustee and President
- Forty Under 40, Central Penn Business Journal
- Outstanding Alumnus of the Year, Leadership York
Community Highlights
- Sitting Vice President of Marketing and Development for the Northern Central Railway, a nonprofit excursion railroad in southern York County. (Formerly known as Steam Into History.)
- Former President and Director of Historic York, Inc.
- Former Director of the York County Convention & Visitors Bureau
- Former Director of the American Red Cross – York County Chapter
- Former Secretary and Director of Leadership York
- Former Vice President and Director of Main Street York
- Former Task Force Member for William C. Goodridge Freedom House & Underground Railroad Museum
Brad Wilson, CMA, MBA
Brad’s 30+ year career spent working with architecture and engineering (AE) firms includes his most recent role as Partner with TWO CPAs & Consultants, Inc., as well as being a Consultant with PSMJ Resources for 17 years. Additionally, after serving as an outsourced CFO and controller for numerous firms, Brad has deep firsthand knowledge of how to develop and execute successful finance and accounting practices in the AE industry.
Highly skilled at translating accounting terms and best practices into a language his AE clients can easily understand and act on, Brad has a strong track record for helping firms improve profitability, transition ownership, and successfully execute mergers and acquisitions. With enthusiasm and passion, Brad approaches each client relationship holistically, with a focus on understanding overall operations, personal lifestyle goals, and the firm’s future view.
Education
- BS degree in Economics from The Ohio State University
- MBA and Law degrees from Capital University
Professional & Community Highlights
- Certified Management Accountant (CMA)
Ask Brad About
The night he spent with a movie star.
Becky Carlson, CPA, ABV
As an accredited business valuator, Becky’s expertise crosses across many industries with a specialized focus on the architecture and engineering (AE) industries. She understands that the most crucial elements involved in any firm valuation are the employees. This lead-with-people approach can enhance the value of a company and position it for greater success.
In her previous roles, as a Partner with TWO CPAs & Consultants, Inc. and a Consultant at PSMJ Resources, Becky developed highly focused and refined skills in the areas of valuations, ownership transitions, mergers and acquisitions, and fractional CFO consulting services. For Becky, every project involves getting to know the client well and filling in the financial gaps. She views each assignment uniquely and includes industry commentary, as well as benchmarking data that is highly usable and relevant to the client.
Her love of numbers means Becky leaves no stone unturned in her pursuit of helping to strengthen the big-picture strategies for growth and prosperity. If a financial model can be built to solve a financial question, she will design it.
Education
- BS degree in Finance from Michigan State University
- BS degree in Accounting from Franklin University
Professional & Community Highlights
- Accredited in Business Valuation (ABV)
- QuickBooks ProAdvisor
Ask Becky About
The time she served a root beer float to a rock star.
Karen J. Poist, CPA
As Managing Director of SN’s State Advisory Practice Area, Karen applies her significant taxation expertise to guide clients through the increasingly complex SALT environment, including tax consulting, compliance, and resolution.
Over her 30+ years working in the accounting industry, Karen has developed a deep working knowledge of corporate taxation, including a specialized focus on state and local sales and use tax, state and local income tax, audit representation, tax planning, consulting, due diligence, and mergers and acquisitions.
Karen enjoys serving clients in a wide range of industries and is passionate about providing clients with solutions that help them achieve their goals.
Education
- BS degree in Accounting from State University of New York College at Fredonia
Professional & Community Highlights
- Alabama Society of Certified Public Accountants, Member, and State Taxation and Legislation Committee Chair
- American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Member
- Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants, State Tax Committee Member
- Recognized as one of Alabama’s Top Talent CPAs, Business Alabama Magazine
Ask Karen About
The coincidence that occurred regarding the World Series winners in 2016 and 2018.
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