Professionals on the Move is a periodic roundup of recent staffing announcements, promotions and recognitions from around the profession.
Bennett Thrasher Announces Four Promotions Across Commercial Tax, Personal Financial Services, and BT Family Office Practices
Bennett Thrasher, a nationally acclaimed full-service accounting and advisory firm, has promoted, effective Jan. 1, four outstanding leaders across its Commercial Tax, Personal Financial Services and BT Family Office practices. These promotions demonstrate Bennett Thrasher’s commitment to recognizing and rewarding talent, fostering growth and delivering five-star client service.
Lorrie Allegra has been promoted from Managing Director to Partner at BT Family Office (BTFO). In this expanded role, she will continue to lead the firm’s family office practice, which supports ultra‑high‑net‑worth families as they navigate the complexities that accompany substantial, multigenerational wealth. As Partner, she will also continue to champion innovation within the practice, leading her team in leveraging automation and emerging technologies to deliver even greater value, efficiency, and insight to clients. Allegra holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting and International Business from American University.
Ben Bowers has been promoted from Senior Manager to Managing Director in Bennett Thrasher’s Personal Financial Services practice. In this role, he will expand the firm’s market presence, foster new client relationships and provide exceptional service to high-net-worth individuals and closely held businesses. Bowers will continue to focus on proactively delivering tax advisory services, staying ahead of evolving tax developments and offering strategic guidance to support informed client decision-making. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration and a Master of Accountancy from the University of Georgia.
Jackie Butcher has been promoted from Senior Manager to Managing Director in Bennett Thrasher’s Commercial Tax practice. Based in the firm’s Denver office, Butcher will lead the delivery of tax compliance and advisory services for a diverse client base, including emerging startups and investment companies. Butcher brings a wealth of expertise working closely with partnership entities and advising high-net-worth individuals to support their strategic objectives, drive growth, and advise on tax-efficient strategies. Butcher holds a Master of Science in Business Administration (Taxation) and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (Finance and Accounting) from the University of Colorado, Boulder.
Michael McCord has been promoted from Senior Manager to Partner in Bennett Thrasher’s Commercial Tax practice. In his new role, he will deliver thoughtful, value-driven solutions for large- and middle-market clients, mentor associates and continue identifying opportunities to accelerate the firm’s growth. McCord has extensive compliance and consulting experience, with expertise in federal and state income tax provisions (ASC 740), federal, international, and multistate tax issues and mergers and acquisitions. His industry background includes manufacturing and distribution, technology, construction and professional services. He holds a Master of Taxation, a Master of Business Administration, and a Bachelor of Business Administration in accounting and finance from Georgia State University.
Brown Plus Announces Team Member Promotions in 2026
Leading accounting and advisory firm, Brown Plus, is proud to announce the following team member promotions, effective January 1, 2026:
Natalie Ciepiela, CPA, was promoted to Tax Manager. She has four years of public accounting experience and specializes in providing tax services to businesses across a variety of industries. Natalie received her Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Grove City College with a minor in International Business. She works with Brown Plus clients and team members remotely.
Katie Voorhies, CPA, was promoted to Audit Manager. She has over four years of public accounting experience providing audit services to for-profit businesses and nonprofit organizations. Katie received her Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Messiah University. She works with Brown Plus clients and team members remotely.
Nate Bashore, CPA, was promoted to Audit Supervisor. He has three years of experience providing audit services to nonprofit organizations and governmental entities. He graduated the Integrated Master of Accounting program with both Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees from Penn State University. He is located at the Brown Plus office in Camp Hill, Pennsylvania.
Madisyn Deller, CPA, MBA, was promoted to Tax Supervisor. She has three years of accounting experience. Madisyn received her Bachelor and Master’s degrees in Accounting from Lebanon Valley College. She is located at the Brown Plus office in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
Margaret Geraci, CPA, was promoted to Audit Supervisor. She has three years of accounting experience. She earned both a Bachelor of Science degree in Business with a concentration in Accounting and an Associate of Science degree in Business Administration from Pennsylvania State University. She also holds a Certification in Enterprise Resource Planning with SAP. Margaret is located at the Brown Plus office in Camp Hill, Pennsylvania.
Amber Miller, CPA, was promoted to Audit Supervisor. She has four years of experience and specializes in providing audit and review services to governmental entities. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Messiah University. She is located at the Brown Plus office in Camp Hill, Pennsylvania.
Connor Shoop, CPA, was promoted to Audit Supervisor. He has four years of experience providing audit services to clients. Connor received his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Shippensburg University. He is located at the Brown Plus office in Camp Hill, Pennsylvania.
Josie Duong was promoted to Tax Senior Associate. She has over a year of experience in accounting. Josie received her Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting with a minor in Information Sciences and Technology for Accounting from Penn State Harrisburg. She is located at the Brown Plus office in Camp Hill, Pennsylvania.
Karen King, MBA, was promoted to Audit Senior Associate. She has over six years of experience providing payroll, bookkeeping, tax and attest services to businesses and individuals across various industries. Karen earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Penn State University, and she earned her Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a concentration in Strategic Leadership from Elizabethtown College. She is located at the Brown Plus office in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
Alexis Petrides was promoted to Audit Senior Associate. She has two years of experience and specializes in the audits of property and casualty (P&C) insurance companies. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Liberty University. She is located at the Brown Plus office in Camp Hill, Pennsylvania.
Ryan Shultz was promoted to Audit Senior Associate. He has four years of experience in accounting and finance, including work as an Equity Broker, and has earned his Series 7 and 63 certifications. Ryan earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance and Accounting from West Chester University. He is located at the Brown Plus office in Camp Hill, Pennsylvania.
Crissy Dopkowski, SHRM-CP, was promoted to Human Resources (HR) Manager. She’s worked in the HR industry for over 10 years. Crissy earned her Bachelor’s degree in Worksite Health Promotion from East Carolina University and holds the designation of Society of Human Resource Management Certified Professional (SHRM-CP). She is located at the Brown Plus office in Camp Hill, Pennsylvania.
Jeshanah Fox was promoted to Director of Marketing and Strategy. She has over ten years of accounting marketing experience. Jeshanah received her Bachelor of Science degree in English from Penn State University. She is located at the Brown Plus office in Camp Hill, Pennsylvania.
Becca Frye, MBA, was promoted to Assistant Controller. She earned both her Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and her Master of Business Administration from Shippensburg University. Becca is based in the Brown Plus office in Camp Hill, Pennsylvania.
Kayla Juba was promoted to Marketing Manager. She has over seven years of accounting marketing experience. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication/Journalism, with a concentration in public relations, from Shippensburg University. She is located at the Brown Plus office in Camp Hill, Pennsylvania.
Richard Sumida Joins CohnReznick as National Assurance Partner
January 16, 2025 – CohnReznick, a leading professional services firm, recently announced that Richard (Rich) Sumida has joined as a National Assurance Partner specializing in Financial Services. As a key member of the National Assurance leadership team, Sumida will collaborate with engagement teams across the firm to transform complex technical requirements into practical, results-driven solutions that help create value for clients.
Based in New Jersey, Sumida brings more than 27 years of experience driving technical excellence and regulatory insight into the investment management industry and delivering high-impact solutions across hedge funds, private equity, and registered investment companies.
Sumida has extensive expertise in fair value measurement, 1940 Act regulations, custody rule compliance, accounting for crypto assets, professional standards, and complex investment structures.
Prior to joining CohnReznick, Sumida served as managing director in the national office at a Big Four firm, where he co-authored an innovative handbook on investment companies and consulted on complex accounting, audit, and regulatory issues. He has also held leadership roles at a major accounting firm, developing best practices and quality control initiatives for financial services clients.
Sumida holds a bachelor’s degree from Rutgers University and is a Certified Public Accountant in New Jersey and New York.
Fuchs Rejoins CohnReznick as Financial Services Audit Partner
January 17, 2026 – CohnReznick, a leading professional services firm, recently announced that Richard Fuchs has rejoined the firm as an audit partner in its Financial Services industry practice. Based in New Jersey, Fuchs has expertise leading assurance engagements for a variety of alternative investment firms including Broker-Dealers, Hedge Funds, Venture Capital, Private Equity, and Special Purpose Acquisition Companies (SPACs).
In his role as audit partner, Fuchs provides a wide range of accounting and audit services to the alternative investment community. He helps clients meet strict reporting and regulatory compliance obligations, including those needed to address SEC and FINRA Rules and Regulations. Fuchs also has experience conducting a range of employee benefit plan audits.
Fuchs most recently served as an assurance partner in the Financial Services practice of a Top 25 firm. Prior to that, he was an Office Managing Partner and Assurance Partner, Financial Services Industry, for another large firm.
Fuchs earned an MBA degree, Professional Accounting, from Rutgers University and a B.S., Psychology, from Sacred Heart University. A Certified Public Accountant, he maintains membership in the New Jersey Society of CPAs, the New York State Society of CPAs, and the AICPA.
Gaymon Joins CohnReznick as Tax Partner Serving Trusts & Estates
CohnReznick, a leading professional services firm, recently announced that Sarah Gaymon has joined as a tax partner focusing on Trusts and Estates services. Based in South Florida, Gaymon has extensive experience guiding high-net-worth families and individuals through the complexities of estate planning.
Gaymon has served a range of high-net-worth individuals, families, and family businesses, providing thorough compliance services along with sophisticated advisory services that help them strategically plan for taxes and wealth transfer. Her expertise includes fiduciary accounting, trust accounting services, domestic taxation of foreign trusts, and year-round income tax planning and preparation and review of a variety of returns, including those for individuals, trusts, gifts, estates, and family-owned entities.
With more than 13 years of tax planning and consulting experience serving high-net-worth families and individuals, Gaymon most recently served as Director of Tax Services, Trusts & Estates for a South Florida advisory and CPA firm. She began her public accounting career as a high-net-worth individual tax accountant for a Big Four firm.
Gaymon earned M.S., Taxation Accounting and B.S. Accounting degrees from St John’s University – Peter J. Tobin College of Business.
Ramirez, Kammerer, and VanLiew Promoted to Directors of Blue & Co., LLC
Blue & Co., LLC recently announced the promotion of Ruben Ramirez, Lee Kammerer, and Chad VanLiew to Director effective January 1, 2026.
Ruben Ramirez, CPA/ABV/PFS, MSF
Ruben Ramirez is a Director in Blue & Co.’s Detroit office, where he serves as a key member of the firm’s Manufacturing Services Leadership Team. He works closely with manufacturers and distributors to navigate industry-specific financial and operational challenges, providing insights that help businesses strengthen their position and plan for long-term success.
Ruben holds a bachelor’s in business finance from Wayne State University and a Master of Science in finance from Walsh College. He is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) with specialized credentials as an Accredited in Business Valuation (ABV) and Personal Financial Specialist (PFS). He holds the designation of Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA) from the Exit Planning Institute.
Lee Kammerer, CPA, MAcc
Lee Kammerer, CPA, MAcc is a Director at Blue & Co. with over 25 years of public accounting experience providing accounting and auditing services to closely held companies, not-for-profit organizations, and employee benefit plans. He has served a broad range of businesses including manufacturers, distributors, real estate developers, contractors and technology companies.
Lee is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Ohio Society of Certified Public Accountants. He is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and holds a Master of Accountancy. Lee is a graduate of the University of Cincinnati with a bachelor’s in accounting.
Chad VanLiew, CPA
Chad VanLiew is a Director at Blue & Co. and a member of the firm’s Manufacturing Services Leadership Team, bringing more than a decade of experience as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) to help businesses strengthen financial performance and plan for long-term success.
A graduate of Indiana University with a Bachelor of Science in accounting and finance, Chad is an active member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the Indiana CPA Society. Chad is also a member of Blue’s Audit and Accounting Quality Control committee.
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