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

Steve Snyder, CPA, CCIFP

As Director, Steve brings over 25 years of experience serving architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) firms with tailored audit, review, and compilation services. He also has extensive expertise in auditing employee benefit plans for organizations of all sizes, including plans with more than 20,000 participants. Steve partners with clients to strengthen financial reporting, ensure compliance, and uncover opportunities for efficiency and profitability.

As a U.S. Army veteran, Steve applies a disciplined, solutions-oriented approach to every engagement. Beyond assurance services, he advises on internal controls, cash flow optimization, and strategic planning to help clients achieve sustainable growth. Steve’s approach is to serve as a valued partner who thinks strategically and asks the hard questions that help clients meet their long-term goals. His ability to translate complex financial data into actionable insights makes him a trusted resource for AEC firms seeking operational excellence.

Education

  • BS degree in Accounting from the University of Maryland

Professional & Community Highlights

  • Certified Construction Industry Financial Professional (CCIFP)
  • Leadership York, Board of Directors, Former Treasurer
  • Cultural Alliance of York, Board of Directors, Treasurer

Steve’s Best Advice

Kill them with kindness, it’s contagious.

Jennifer G. Nelson, CPA, MBA

Jennifer brings more than 25 years of public accounting experience and deep institutional knowledge of Stambaugh Ness to her role as Chief Financial Officer. A longtime leader within the firm, she has played an integral role in guiding its growth, operations, and strategic direction.

As a member of Stambaugh Ness’s Management Committee, Jen has been actively involved in firm leadership, financial oversight, and long-range planning. Her career progression within the firm gives her a comprehensive understanding of its business model, culture, and the evolving demands of a growth oriented professional services firm.

With a strong foundation as a CPA, Jen brings technical rigor and practical judgment to financial decision-making, ensuring disciplined stewardship and sustainable growth. As CFO, she leverages her leadership experience and institutional insight to support the firm’s long-term success.

Education

  • MBA with a concentration in Accounting from The University of Pittsburgh
  • BS degree in Health Policy and Administration from The Pennsylvania State University

Professional & Community Highlights

  • Leadership York, Graduate, and former Treasurer
  • Presenter for World Trade Center, Central PA
  • Presenter for MANTEC
  • Women & Minority Business Owners Have Many Resources, Published by Central Penn Business Journal

Jennifer Recommends This Advice

Life is Short – so buy the shoes, drink the wine and eat the dessert.