Kellianne Mayer, CPA, CPCM

Kelli brings unique inside government experience to the AE industry from her nearly 15 years in the federal government, having worked at the Defense Contract Audit Agency and the GSA. She applies this specialized understanding of government requirements that impact firm operations. Kelli specializes in advising engineering firms on FAR cost principles, contract regulatory provisions, and complex government accounting requirements.

Professional Highlights

  • Certified Professional Contract Manager
  • ACEC/AASHTO Task Forces, Member
  • ACEC and State DOT Conference Presenter

Shawna Pace-Powers

Having spent 20+ years in the AEC industry, Shawna has a deep understanding of the nuances of the industry and what it takes to help project managers, accounting departments, and business owners improve processes. Her experience as Senior Principal, Ajera consultant, and Business & Finance Manager makes her a significant asset to the clients she collaborates with.

Certified Ajera ProfessionalDeltek Ajera Project Accountant Foundation EmblemDeltek Ajera Financial Foundation Emblem

Kimberley Tarnakow, CPA

Kim partners with clients in federal and state tax compliance and consulting, working across many industries and entity types.  She spends much of her time focusing on the State Advisory Services area, including income tax implications of multi-state entities, sales and use tax consulting, business licenses, and unclaimed property compliance and reporting. Throughout her career, she has assisted clients in mergers and acquisitions, due diligence, and complex entity structures.

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

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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