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 spans many industries, with a specialized focus on architecture and engineering (AE).  She understands that the most crucial element in any firm valuation is the employees. This lead-with-people approach can enhance a company’s value 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 valuations, ownership transitions, mergers and acquisitions, and fractional CFO consulting. 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 highly usable, relevant benchmarking data for the client.

Her love of numbers means Becky leaves no stone unturned in her pursuit of strengthening 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

Jason Jaworski

As 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

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.