Aprio has announced the acquisition of CAVU Advisors, combining the reach of a top-20 business advisory and accounting firm with CAVU’s deep-rooted experience in government contracting — giving clients faster insights, stronger capabilities, and a team that knows their space.
CAVU Advisors, founded in 2005 and based in Columbia, Maryland, has built a reputation as a go-to partner for federal contractors nationwide, with specialized command of Unanet, Deltek, and the operational realities of the federal market. Joining forces with Aprio accelerates what both firms do best: helping keep contractors financially sharp, audit-ready, and positioned to win.
The acquisition reflects Aprio’s broader momentum: scaling the talent, technology, and specialized capabilities that federal contractors need to operate with confidence and compete to win. Clients gain a fully integrated partner spanning accounting, tax, cybersecurity, transaction advisory, wealth, and legal services, backed by a firm that understands the federal marketplace from the inside out.
“Our clients in aerospace, defense, and government need more than an accounting firm; they need a partner who knows their world and can grow with them. CAVU Advisors has spent two decades earning the trust of federal contractors, and that experience, combined with Aprio’s integrated platform, means our clients get more of what they need in one place,” said Richard Kopelman, CEO of Aprio. “We see enormous opportunity ahead, especially across the D.C., Maryland, and Virginia market, and we’re building to meet it.”
“CAVU Advisors has built a strong reputation as a trusted partner to government contractors by staying deeply focused on their needs and delivering consistently high-quality service,” said Susan Beall, CEO of CAVU Advisors. “Aprio’s commitment to investing in industry-focused capabilities and supporting high-performing teams makes this a natural next step for the business and for our clients.”
CAVU Advisors’ growing team of professionals will join Aprio, including President Nicole Trimble, who will become a Partner at Aprio. Chief Sales Officer Mike Kalnasy will also join the firm as a Partner.
“Our priority has always been delivering practical, high-value support to our clients and creating a strong, collaborative culture for our team,” said Nicole Trimble, President of CAVU Advisors and incoming Partner at Aprio. “Joining Aprio allows us to build on that foundation, bringing our clients more resources, broader capabilities, and new opportunities, while continuing to deliver the hands-on service they rely on.”
Aprio’s presence across Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia is now nearly 400 partners and professionals strong. What began with Aprio’s acquisition of Aronson in 2022 has grown into one of the region’s most dynamic advisory platforms, with the additions of Nardone, Pridgeon & Company, P.A., Nextfed, Inc., and O’Connor Consulting Services in 2025. CAVU Advisors is the latest addition to the firm’s growth story, planting Aprio’s flag in Columbia, Maryland, and further cementing its commitment to clients operating in the federal contracting market.
The combination with CAVU Advisors reflects Aprio’s continued momentum in building industry-focused capabilities that help clients navigate complexity and pursue growth. As Aprio expands its national presence and deepens specialization in key sectors, the firm remains focused on delivering integrated solutions that help clients succeed in rapidly evolving markets.
Recent expansion activity includes entering Portland, Oregon; growing the firm’s presence in Denver, adding a local, dedicated State and Local Tax (SALT) team; and the launch of Aprio Global, strengthening the firm’s ability to serve clients with cross-border advisory, tax, and accounting needs in complex, high-growth markets worldwide.
Thanks for reading CPA Practice Advisor!
Subscribe Already registered? Log In
Need more information? Read the FAQs
