Chris Ricchiuto leads Stambaugh Ness’s Outsourced Accounting & CFO Advisory Services, overseeing the firm’s growing practice that delivers high-impact financial and advisory solutions to architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) firms. With more than 25 years of experience driving business transformation, Chris focuses on helping firms leverage their Deltek Vision, Vantagepoint, and Ajera ERP platforms to strengthen financial operations, improve profitability, and scale for sustainable growth.
Prior to joining Stambaugh Ness, Chris held a leadership role at Forvis Mazars, a top 10 global advisory firm, where he led consulting initiatives and helped organizations navigate complex operational challenges. This background allows him to bridge the gap between enterprise-level strategy and the unique, project-based needs of AEC firms. He has a proven track record of optimizing finance operations and delivering measurable value through enterprise risk management and technology enablement.
Known for his collaborative leadership style, Chris is passionate about developing talent, fostering innovation, and aligning strategy with execution. He plays a key role in shaping go-to-market strategies and ensuring exceptional client service across the firm’s outsourced accounting and CFO advisory offerings. Chris is committed to helping AEC firms build stronger financial foundations and achieve long-term success.
As a Senior M&A Associate at Stambaugh Ness, Andrew brings deep transaction experience and a specialized focus in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry. He supports clients through the full M&A lifecycle, leading critical workstreams and ensuring the quality, accuracy, and defensibility of financial analyses and client deliverables.
Andrew has been involved in more than 20 completed transactions across both buy- and sell-side engagements, representing over $650 million in aggregate deal value. His experience spans roles within a global publicly traded platform and an AEC-focused advisory firm, giving him a well-rounded perspective on all aspects of mergers and acquisitions.
He has extensive expertise in financial modeling, valuation, due diligence, and deal structuring, and regularly collaborates with executive leadership, clients, and external advisors to move transactions forward efficiently. Additionally, Andrew has authored thought leadership on AEC M&A trends and best practices and led educational sessions for firm leaders on navigating the deal process.
Education
- Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Finance from the University of Arkansas
Professional and Community Highlights
- Certified Mergers & Acquisitions Advisor (CM&AA)
In his role as M&A Associate at Stambaugh Ness, Adrian supports the execution of mergers and acquisitions for clients across the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry. He contributes across the full transaction lifecycle, from initial strategic analysis through valuation, due diligence, and integration planning.
Adrian has been involved in over a dozen completed transactions, providing analytical and coordination support for both buy-side and sell-side. His experience includes developing financial models, preparing client-facing materials, evaluating strategic fit, and managing diligence workstreams in collaboration with internal teams and external advisors.
Prior to joining Stambaugh Ness, Adrian worked in M&A roles within both a global engineering firm and an AEC-focused advisory practice, where he gained hands-on experience in transaction execution and industry-specific dynamics.
Education
- Bachelor of Science, Finance from the University of Arkansas
Professional and Community Highlights
- Certified Mergers & Acquisitions Advisor (CM&AA)
Jordan Mest is a talent acquisition strategist at Stambaugh Ness (SN), where he specializes in connecting elite professionals with roles across accounting, tax, consulting, and advisory services.
At SN, Jordan works closely with practice leaders to translate business strategy into targeted hiring initiatives that support growth, innovation, and the firm’s vision as a Destination of Talent. Through his work, Jordan helps SN build high-performing teams to support clients nationally in the architecture, engineering, and construction industry.
Passionate about connecting professionals with opportunities where they can grow and make meaningful contributions, Jordan is known for his transparent, candidate-first approach to recruiting. By prioritizing communication, alignment, and cultural fit, he ensures that every professional who engages with SN experiences the firm’s culture of collaboration and commitment to growth from the very first conversation.
Prior to joining Stambaugh Ness, Jordan led talent acquisition efforts for global organizations, where he was instrumental in scaling teams during periods of rapid evolution. His deep roots in the professional services industry include tenure at national accounting and advisory firms, where he specialized in full-cycle recruiting for tax, consulting, and niche advisory roles.
Interested in joining our team? View Current Openings.
Areas of Expertise
- Talent acquisition strategy for professional services firms
- Recruiting for accounting, tax, consulting, and advisory roles
- Recruiting in fully remote work environments
Vedha is a Certified Public Accountant with two decades of experience in tax accounting, advising businesses on complex tax matters and strategic compliance. Throughout her career, she has supported clients across a wide range of tax engagements, including federal and state income tax planning, compliance, and advisory services designed to support long-term business goals.
As a Senior Manager, Vedha focuses on serving firms within the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry. She brings a deep understanding of the unique tax considerations facing AEC firms, including project-based revenue, and industry-specific regulations. Vedha translates complex tax issues into clear, actionable guidance that helps firms manage risk and improve financial outcomes.
Jose works with project-based firms to transform their Deltek Vision and Vantagepoint, data from static numbers into actionable, strategic insight. With more than 25 years of technology experience, he brings deep expertise in SSRS reporting, SQL automation, data migrations, and ETL processes. Jose helps firms harness their data as a true competitive advantage, supporting smarter decisions, improved performance, and long-term growth.
Professional Highlights
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
Nick brings more than 20 years of experience to his role, including 18 years at a national CPA firm serving clients across a broad range of industries. Known for delivering first-class client service, he has advised organizations of all sizes — from family-owned businesses to large publicly traded companies. Nick also has deep experience supporting clients through mergers and acquisitions, helping them navigate complex transactions with clarity and confidence.
In addition, Nick has extensive experience overseeing employee benefit plan audits and spent five years managing SEC reporting for a large publicly traded company in Pennsylvania, further strengthening his expertise in public company compliance and reporting.
Education
- BS degree in Accounting and Finance from Albright College
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
Kristi Weierbach, Ph.D., SPHR, SHRM-SCP
As Managing Director of Workforce Advisory at Stambaugh Ness, Kristi Weierbach helps AEC firms navigate complex workforce issues that impact performance and growth. She works with organizations facing hiring shortages, turnover, unclear job structures, and inconsistent HR practices, guiding them toward solutions that make their workplaces more effective and resilient.
Kristi’s work centers on taking the often-messy parts of AEC firms, including people and culture, and elevating them to strategic drivers of performance. She leads projects in compensation analysis by helping firms understand competitive pay, build a pay band structure, and help handling outliers or compression issues. Kristi also helps develop a job architecture framework that provides career paths, giving employees clarity and helping firms grow in a structured way.
Her work includes helping AEC firms with strategies for finding and keeping talent, aligning performance with strategic initiatives or priorities, and creating incentive programs that not only reward employees but help drive the behaviors needed to achieve desired results. She also supports clients with HR risk and compliance, reducing exposure to costly issues before they arise. Across all areas, her goal is simple: help AEC firms find, keep, and support the people who keep their projects moving.
In addition to her client work, Kristi is an active blogger and frequent presenter, sharing insights on workforce trends and the changing needs of the AEC industry. She combines deep and strategic HR expertise with a grounded, approachable style that helps leaders feel confident and supported through every stage of their business lifecycle.
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.
Aaron Brasslett joins Stambaugh Ness as a CFO Advisor on the Outsourced Accounting Advisory team. He brings nearly three decades of executive financial leadership experience within the Architecture and Engineering (AE) industry. Leveraging his deep, firsthand experience as a former Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President, Aaron provides high-impact financial strategy and guidance to C-suite executives and stakeholders.
Aaron empowers firms to achieve financial clarity, optimize performance, and confidently pursue growth. His expertise includes strategic guidance on budgeting, forecasting, and capital allocation. He has a proven track record of enhancing financial reporting through tools like Power BI dashboards. Aaron’s practice focuses on guiding firms through critical financial milestones, including M&A activity, valuation, deal structure, and ownership transition planning. He is also proficient with ERP systems, including Deltek, having led a successful transition from Deltek Vision to Vantagepoint.
Aaron’s approach is grounded in being a transformative leader, uniquely positioned to help clients reduce risk and enhance profitability.
Ready to accelerate your firm’s financial success with an AE industry expert? Don’t settle for just growing; unlock your full potential with SN’s Outsourced/Fractional CFO services.