Kimberley Tarnakow, CPA

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

Tim Wagner, CCMP

Tim brings 17+ years of experience in creating educational programs that align solutions with the needs of project-based firms within the architecture and engineering (AE) industry. Integrating leading-edge learning methodologies, Tim is responsible for developing a comprehensive and engaging curriculum that meets not only current needs but also anticipates what AE firms will need to know in the future to be successful.

Prior to joining SN, Tim spent several years at Deltek, where his responsibilities included the creation and oversight of virtual and live training workshops for clients in the AE and Government Contracting industries. Additionally, Tim served as a Controller and Director of Finance within the AE industry, gaining front-line experience and a unique perspective that he brings to his role at SN.

Ask Tim about

The time, he was 16 and drove his grandparents from Philadelphia to Detroit.

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

As Director of SN’s Mergers & Acquisitions practice area, Jeff leads the M&A team; partnering with architecture and engineering firms on both the buyer and seller side to strategically position them for greater future success. During his 30-year career, Jeff has gained extensive experience overseeing strategy and operations relative to accounting, financial planning, and analysis. Prior to joining SN, he served in multiple executive leadership roles within the AE industry, 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

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-COVertical 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, 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) and manufacturing 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.