Professionals on the Move is a periodic roundup of staffing announcements, new hires, promotions, awards and other noteworthy events, from around the accounting space.
BRG Welcomes Former PCAOB Chief Auditor Barbara Vanich to Financial Institution Advisory Practice
BRG recently announced former Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) Chief Auditor Barbara Vanich has joined the firm’s Financial Institution Advisory practice as a managing director in its Washington, DC office.
A certified public accountant with more than 30 years of experience, Vanich will advise clients on accounting and auditing matters, drawing on her deep expertise in internal controls and corporate governance. She spent more than 17 years at the PCAOB, where she led the Office of the Chief Auditor, overseeing the organization’s standard-setting activities and serving as the Board’s principal adviser on auditing and related professional standards. She worked closely with Board members, regulators, investors, audit committees and other stakeholders to advance audit quality.
Vanich held a series of senior leadership positions at the PCAOB. She served as an auditor at firms of varying sizes, worked in accounting policy at a large issuer and practiced as a consultant. Her experience spans public accounting, industry, consulting and regulation, giving her a broad perspective on today’s financial reporting and governance priorities.
Vanich earned a B.Sc. in Accounting from Point Park University and is a Certified Public Accountant.
Gautam Anne Joins Kaufman Rossin as Chief Information Officer
Kaufman Rossin, the largest independent CPA and advisory firm in Florida and one of the top 50 firms in the U.S., recently announced the addition of Gautam Anne as Chief Information Officer (CIO).
Anne brings more than 20 years of experience spanning engineering through C-suite leadership, with expertise in enterprise transformation, post-merger integration, AI-enabled modernization, and cybersecurity. He has worked across the banking, investments, healthcare, technology, manufacturing & distribution, and private equity industries, in both public and high-growth environments. In his new role, Anne will oversee Kaufman Rossin’s technology strategy, driving innovation and operational resilience across the firm.
Anne’s expertise spans AI strategy, automation, cloud, cybersecurity, infrastructure modernization, CRM, ERP, and data platform consolidation. He is known for building and scaling high-performing global technology organizations, having led teams of more than 450 professionals across the U.S., Latin America, and India.
He earned a Master of Science in Computer Science from the University of Bridgeport, completed the International Senior Management Program at HEC Paris, and a Bachelor of Engineering from the University of Chennai as well as receiving AI certifications from Duke University.
Maher Duessel Announces the Promotion of Nikki Walton to Principal
Maher Duessel, a regional accounting firm specializing in services to governments and non-profits, is pleased to announce the promotion of Nikki L. Walton, CPA, to Principal of the firm.
Ms. Walton began her public accounting career in 2009 and joined Maher Duessel in 2016. Ms. Walton directs audit engagements for various governmental entities including intermediate units, municipal authorities, and municipalities. She also leads audit/tax engagements for several non-profit entities including health and human service agencies, arts and humanities organizations, and foundations.
In addition to her dedication to her clients, Ms. Walton serves as Director of Education at Maher Duessel, overseeing the planning and execution of the firm’s internal and external Continuing Professional Education (CPE) seminars. Ms. Walton is a graduate of the University of Toledo with a B.A. in Business Administration.
Friedman + Huey Announces the Promotion of Benjamin Kramer to Chief Technology Officer
Friedman + Huey, a full-service certified public accounting firm, recently announced the promotion of Benjamin “Benji” Kramer, MAS, MIS, to Chief Technology Officer, effective August 1, 2026.
Benji began his career with Friedman + Huey as a tax accountant in 2010. After four years in that role, he transitioned into technology leadership, combining his accounting background, knowledge of tax processes, and passion for innovation to lead the Firm’s IT Services and Tax Technology efforts.
In his new role as Chief Technology Officer, Benji will continue to guide Friedman + Huey’s technology strategy, cybersecurity initiatives, digital infrastructure, and process innovation. His work helps ensure the Firm uses effective, secure, and forward-thinking technology to support its professionals, enhance client service, and create more efficient ways of working.
Benji manages the Firm’s Innovation Committee, organizes Friedman + Huey’s annual FH Connect conference, and collaborates with team members to expand the technology supporting the Firm’s Client Accounting Services and Virtual Family Office programs. He also works closely with technology vendors to help develop more efficient and user-friendly software. Benji and Friedman + Huey are founding members of the Thomson Reuters GoSystem Tax Customer Advisory Board. He also serves on the National Advisory Panel for SurePrep and the SafeSend Customer Advisory Board, both of which are part of Thomson Reuters.
Gautam Anne joins Kaufman Rossin as Chief Information Officer
Kaufman Rossin, the largest independent CPA and advisory firm in Florida and one of the top 50 firms in the U.S., recently announced the addition of Gautam Anne as Chief Information Officer (CIO).
Anne brings more than 20 years of experience spanning engineering through C-suite leadership, with expertise in enterprise transformation, post-merger integration, AI-enabled modernization, and cybersecurity. He has worked across the banking, investments, healthcare, technology, manufacturing & distribution, and private equity industries, in both public and high-growth environments. In his new role, Anne will oversee Kaufman Rossin’s technology strategy, driving innovation and operational resilience across the firm.
Anne’s expertise spans AI strategy, automation, cloud, cybersecurity, infrastructure modernization, CRM, ERP, and data platform consolidation. He is known for building and scaling high-performing global technology organizations, having led teams of more than 450 professionals across the U.S., Latin America, and India.
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He earned a Master of Science in Computer Science from the University of Bridgeport, completed the International Senior Management Program at HEC Paris, and a Bachelor of Engineering from the University of Chennai as well as receiving AI certifications from Duke University.
Friedman + Huey Announces the Promotion of Kris Sopel to Partner
Friedman + Huey, a full-service certified public accounting firm, recently announced the promotion of Kris Sopel, CPA, MST, to Partner, effective August 1, 2026.
Kris began his career with Friedman + Huey as an intern in 2011 and has continued to grow as a valued advisor and leader within the Firm. He specializes in serving high-net-worth individuals and families, with a focus on investment partnerships, and international tax reporting.
Kris is a leader on Friedman + Huey’s Family Office Services Committee, which helps guide how the Firm serves high-net-worth families with complex financial and tax needs. He also serves as a leader on the Firm’s International Tax Committee. Kris is a member of both the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Illinois CPA Society.
Olga Morduke joins CohnReznick as Tax Partner in Commercial Real Estate
New York, NY
CohnReznick, a leading professional services firm, today announced that Olga Morduke has joined as a Tax Partner in Commercial Real Estate.
Based in Los Angeles, Morduke advises high-net-worth family offices and private investment groups that own, operate, and invest in real estate across diverse asset classes, including multi-family, industrial, retail, office, and hospitality.
Morduke has more than 20 years of experience in real estate tax and family office advisory including a successful track record guiding high-net-worth families, real estate owners, and private investment groups through complex capital transactions, portfolio expansions, and multi-generational wealth preservation strategies.
She earned a M.S. in Taxation from California State University – Northridge and a B.A. from UC Berkeley.
Samson joins CohnReznick as a Tax Partner in Financial Services
CohnReznick, a leading professional services firm, recently announced that Dane Samson has joined the firm as a Tax Partner in Financial Services.
Samson brings more than 25 years of public accounting experience advising clients across the alternative investment industry. His background includes leadership roles at Big 4 and boutique firms where he specialized in serving private equity funds, hedge funds, fund of funds, venture capital funds, management companies, and holding corporations.
Based in CohnReznick’s El Segundo office, Samson will focus on tax planning, consulting, and compliance services for financial services clients. He also brings extensive experience in federal, multi-state, and international taxation, helping organizations navigate increasingly complex tax and regulatory environments.
Throughout his career, Samson has advised a broad range of investment management and alternative investment clients on complex tax matters, helping them address compliance requirements while identifying opportunities to enhance operational and tax efficiency.
Samson earned his B.S. in Business Administration – Accounting at the University of San Francisco.
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