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
As Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Jason leads SN’s day-to-day operations and works collaboratively with the firm’s board of managers and management team. This role allows Jason to do what he is passionate about – taking a strategic vision and turning it into a reality. To further growth-focused initiatives, Jason leads SN’s execution of core business operations including the continued advancement of internal processes to ensure organizational effectiveness and high-performance teams.
Through his 25 years of experience, including working at a multi-discipline architectural and engineering firms, as well as a leading project-based technology company, Jason has unique insight into how to leverage project management best practices to meet business objectives and secure a competitive advantage.
Education
- Masters of Science degree in Engineering and Program/Project Management from Eastern Michigan University
- Bachelors of Applied Science degree in Engineering Design from Siena Heights University
- Associate in Applied Sciences degree from Owens Community College
Professional & Community Highlights
- ACEC National Annual Convention & Legislative Summit, Presenter
- PSMJ, Project Management Boot Camp, Guest Reviewer
- Successfully managed over 250 multi-discipline AE projects
Jason Recommends You Read
Creating Your Own Destiny by Patrick Snow
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.
In her role, Heather is responsible for aligning our firm’s business objectives with our marketing strategies through targeted campaigns, communications, content, and events designed to deliver the SN story in meaningful and creative ways.
With her glass always half full, Heather loves the challenge of turning possibility into reality. She works closely with our industry and service line leaders to develop and implement their strategic initiatives, with an emphasis on strengthening and elevating our position in the marketplace. In other words, she makes us shine!
Education
- BA degree in English from Shippensburg University
Ask Heather About
The time she breezed past the secret service and introduced herself to a presidential candidate.
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
Phil leads the Stambaugh Ness TechSolutions team, providing technology consulting and implementation to over 800 clients, including the architecture, engineering, manufacturing, governmental, and healthcare industries. Working closely with clients, Phil develops innovative solutions to contribute to the company’s growth and profitability.
Always thinking strategically, Phil frequently performs client technology process assessments to fully understand their current needs and where they want to be in the future.
Phil manages and deploys technology initiatives for clients via ERP, EDI, and CRM, as well as developing and managing all aspects of their technological infrastructure, technology inventory, and staff. His years of experience also include performing IT security audits, intrusion/penetration testing, and long-term strategic planning.
Education
- The Pennsylvania State University
- YTI Career Institute
Ask Phil About
The time gasoline was the drink of choice.
As Chief People and Culture Officer Katie leads Stambaugh Ness’s talent lifecycle through collaboration with the executive team to ensure that our vision and culture are continuously sharpened and nurtured. Katie understands and appreciates the fundamentals of achieving and maintaining a Great Place to Work certification. This includes hands-on experience in driving innovative programs and championing continuous improvements that positively impact our culture.
Applying her extensive human resources background, Katie is responsible for the firm’s strategic talent management through acquiring, training, and retaining top talent at all levels. As a Gallup Certified Strengths Coach, she serves as an ambassador of the CliftonStrengths 34 report. Armed with powerful strengths data, Katie leads the firm in developing initiatives that support the unique talents and strengths of each employee. Additionally, she collaborates with SN employees to implement a strengths-based coaching approach that heightens employee engagement management.
Education
- The SHRM Learning System Certification, Society for Human Resource Management
- Professional Human Resource Management Certification, Villanova University
Professional & Community Highlights
- Leadership Harrisburg Graduate
Ask Katie About the Time
She found herself standing next to The Rock in a Gold’s gym.
With full oversight of our ERISA engagements, Nikki ensures that clients are compliant with Department of Labor requirements. She has a deep working knowledge of plans ranging from 100 to over 10,000 participants and plan assets up to $500 million including 401(k) 403(b), defined benefit, ESOP, health and welfare plans, as well as Form 5500’s. Under her leadership, our firm passed a DOL review of its audit workpapers reflecting a commitment to providing quality service.
Almost choosing a career in engineering, Nikki now has the best of both worlds working closely with our architecture and engineering clients to drive results. Her grasp of the complexities and nuances of the AE industry is an asset to clients. Additionally, Nikki is highly-skilled in Federal Acquisition Regulation Overhead audits (FAR) and leads our larger financial statement audits for engineering clients.
Education
- BS degree in Accounting from Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Professional & Community Highlights
- AICPA Employee Benefit Audit Quality Center, Firm Liaison
- Forty Under 40 Winner, Central PA Business Journal
- Central Pennsylvania’s Top 25 Women of Influence Winner
- International WAGR Syndrome Association, Treasurer
- Main Street Hanover, Volunteer
- Make-A-Wish Foundation, Volunteer
Nikki Recommends This Advice
Accept that you cannot control everything and concentrate on what you can. By doing so, the things you can’t control may not be as bad as you think.
As President and Chief Executive Officer, Steve champions the Stambaugh Ness client experience and is the driving force behind our firm’s strategic marketing and business development initiatives. A big believer of encouraging and supporting the growth and success of employees, Steve led us towards the adoption of a firm-wide strengths-based program. This unique program focuses on developing an individual’s talents and delivers positive benefits for both our employees and our clients.
Understanding the importance of anticipating the needs of our clients, Steve spearheads the development of strategic partner relationships with organizations that provide services that complement our menu of client solutions. Additionally, Steve serves as chief liaison between Stambaugh Ness and the BDO Alliance USA, of which we are an independent member.
Steve also serves as the Managing Partner of Stambaugh Ness TechSolutions, LLC, one of the nation’s leading Deltek Premier Partners and a leading technology consulting firm.
But don’t let the CPA stereotype fool you, if he wasn’t brainstorming innovative ways to meet the needs of clients, Steve would be touring the world as a drummer in a rock band.
Education
- BS degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting, with honors, from West Chester University
Professional & Community Highlights
- Leadership York Graduate
- Leadership Foundations Graduate
- BDO Alliance USA Partners’ Advisory Council
Steve Recommends You Read
Strategy and the Fat Smoker by David Maister
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. 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