Lisa Lee

Lisa is a highly experienced finance and accounting director with extensive knowledge of all functions of an accounting department including payroll, accounts payable, billing, and preparation of financial statements. Coupled with her proficiency in accounting software, Lisa delivers a highly-specialized client experience that elevates the overall accounting function of a firm while helping them reach their goals.

Collaborating with clients, Lisa provides solutions to strengthen critical accounting operations, including timely month-end close and financial reporting. In particular, Lisa has deep working knowledge of project-based industries including architecture and engineering.

Education

  • York College of Pennsylvania

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 ProfessionalDeltek Ajera Project Accountant Foundation EmblemDeltek Ajera Financial Foundation Emblem

 

 

Heather Zecher

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.

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

Phil Keeney

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.

Katie Bochniak

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.

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

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 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.

Nikki M. Hoffman, CPA

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.

Steven L. Hake, CPA

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 W. Welker, CPA, CIA

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