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

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.

Tom Hyde

As Principal Technical Consultant on the SN Power BI team, Tom leverages his over 20 years of data analytics experience to solve problems and drive growth for companies nationally. A believer in the power of information, Tom helps firms leverage their data to gain real-time insight, increased productivity, and competitive advantage.

Connect with Tom to create a Power BI strategy that considers your goals and enables you to make better, informed decisions for a more successful future.

Kevin Hebblethwaite, FSMPS, CPSM

Kevin built his extensive career on a love for building connections between people, processes, and technology. With a specialized focus in the architecture and engineering (AE) industry, he has deep knowledge of the nuances of professional services firms. As Business Development Director, Kevin communicates the SN story with firms nationally, manages the client experience, and connects clients to services and solutions that position them to be future-ready.

Education

  • Bachelor’s, Business Administration from Furman University
  • Leadership Advancement Program Certificate from University of Maryland – Robert H. Smith School of Business

Professional Highlights

  • Society of Marketing Professional Services, Fellow
  • Former President, Society of Marketing Professional Services

Ask kevin about

The 13 Essential Rudiments.

Jeff Adams, 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 Highlights

  • Certified M&A Advisor (CM&AA)

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

Michelle Dent

Michelle provides tactical workforce services to clients by leveraging SN’s forward thinking approach, anticipating client needs and remaining relevant with marketplace challenges. With specialized focus in the area of talent acquisition, Michelle partners with clients to discover and place talent that align with their needs today and contribute to a future-ready workforce.

Prior to joining SN, Michelle served in human resources roles where she was able to hone her workforce skills including evaluating client policies and practices, providing recommendations to meet workplace needs and ensuring compliance with Federal, State and/or Local legislation, and assisting clients with the implementation of HRIS systems, reporting, tools etc.

 

Kate Allen, PE, MBA

Kate’s 25 years of experience in the Architecture and Engineering industry includes leadership roles as a Consultant, Principal-in-Charge, and National Engineering Director. Her primary focus is on helping clients with transition strategies including ownership transition and mergers and acquisitions. Kate applies a “lead with people” approach as she partners with firms to successfully anticipate and prepare for their future. 

Education

  • B.A. in Psychology from University of Colorado Denver
  • B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from University of Colorado Denver
  • MBA, General Business and Finance from University of Denver – Daniels College of Business

Professional and Community Highlights

  • ACEC-COVertical Design Committee member and sustaining member 
  • A3LC Liaison Committee member 

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

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.