Robert E. Jones, CPA, CPCM

Robert brings significant experience working with small and mid-sized businesses to achieve government contract accounting compliance. Prior to joining SN, Robert served as the founder and President of Left Brain Professionals, an accounting and advisory firm serving the compliance needs of government contractors.

Robert’s deep understanding of how to navigate the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) and Cost Accounting Standards (CAS) ensures that clients receive unparalleled guidance in achieving and maintaining compliance.

Robert is adept at crafting tailored solutions to meet the unique needs of each client, including strategic planning, cost and pricing models, financial analysis, negotiation strategies, regulatory compliance, and the design and implementation of DCAA-compliant ERP and accounting systems.

Additionally, he is a national presenter and author, sharing innovative approaches to profitability and compliance.

Education

  • BA degree in Accounting from Queens University of Charlotte
  • MS, Accountancy from College of Charleston

Professional Highlights

  • Certified Professional Contracts Manager (CPCM)
  • Certified Federal Contracts Manager (CFCM)
  • Certified Commercial Contracts Manager (CCCM)
  • National Contract Management Association (NCMA) Fellow
  • NCMA National Achievement Award Recipient
  • NCMA Top Professional Under 40 in Contract Management Award Recipient

Sean O’Connell

As Managing Director, Sean provides high-level leadership and guidance to SN’s Deltek Vision and Vantagepoint sales and consulting teams. With 25 years of comprehensive experience in Deltek software and services leadership, Sean is perfectly positioned to drive growth and enhance the SN client experience.

Prior to joining SN, Sean served as Vice President of Sales at Deltek, where he was responsible for sales execution within Deltek’s extensive portfolio of 5,000+ government contract and professional services customers in North America. Sean’s wealth of experience within the technology and AE industries, combined with his results-driven approach, helps elevate SN’s collaboration with project-based firms nationally to maximize overall profitability and productivity.

Kevin Kline, CPA

In his role, Kevin leads SN’s rapidly growing national assurance practices and develops strategies to accelerate digital transformation within those areas. This commitment to future-forward thinking provides clients with a technology-driven audit process that produces a smarter, more accurate, insightful, and streamlined audit experience.

With more than 20 years of accounting industry experience, Kevin has extensive auditing, accounting, and consulting knowledge. Before joining SN, Kevin honed his skills, serving in leadership roles that included directing the commercial audit practice of a large regional public accounting firm and several years in the audit practice of a National and a Big 4 firm.

Don’t worry; even an assurance expert like Kevin enjoys extra-curricular activities, including hiking and keeping up with his alma mater’s football team, “We Are”!

Education

  • BS degree in Accounting from Pennsylvania State University

Professional & Community Highlights

  • AICPA & PICPA member
  • Harrisburg Regional Chamber and CREDC, Board Member, Audit Committee
  • Humane Society of the Harrisburg Area, Board Treasurer, Audit Committee
  • Forty Under 40 Winner, Central PA Business Journal

Kevin’s Favorite Book

The Checklist Manifesto by Atul Gawande

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.

Matthew Polatsek

As Director of Cybersecurity, Matt applies two decades of experience helping businesses solve complex cyber challenges and proactively protecting their most valuable data.

Matt collaborates with firms to anticipate risk and deliver effective tools to prevent breaches, secure information, and avoid lost revenue.

His leadership in the security environment includes specialized expertise in cyber threat intelligence, assessment and risk analysis, strategic and tactical network defense, cyber security engineering, and incident response.

Jeff Adams, CPA, CM&AA

With over a decade of experience in the AEC industry, Jeff Adams is a seasoned M&A advisor who helps firms achieve their strategic growth objectives. As Director of SN’s Merger and Acquisitions practice area and Certified M&A Advisor, he leads the M&A team, partnering with architecture, engineering, and construction firms on both the buyer and seller sides to strategically position them for greater future success. Jeff has successfully advised numerous M&A transactions, ensuring smooth and successful transitions for his clients. He also hosts the popular AEC Unscripted: M&A Edition podcast, where he shares insights and best practices with AEC leaders, including executives from ENR Top 500 firms.

During his career, Jeff has gained extensive experience overseeing strategy and operations related to accounting, financial planning, and analysis. Before joining SN, he held an executive leadership role at an engineering firm, 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

Listen to the Latest Episode of AEC Unscripted: M&A Edition

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 and 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

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)  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.