Member News

(Rocky Hill, CT) – The Connecticut Society of CPAs (CTCPA) will honor 15 outstanding women at the CTCPA Women’s Awards event on Tuesday, January 20, 2026 from 7:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the TPC River Highlands. Awardees will be honored in three categories: Experienced Leaders, Emerging Leaders, and Aspiring CPAs. This is the seventh year the CTCPA has honored outstanding females in the profession.

Gene Turley, CPA, MS, of CPA Consulting Services in Manchester, joined Marie Kulesza, Professor and Accounting Department Chair at Central Connecticut State University, and Tara Vakil, Assistant Professor of Accounting at the University of Connecticut, for a career exploration panel at Manchester High School.

This second-annual list of America’s Top 200 CPAs includes those from assorted specializations and from across the country. The CPAs selected have all distinguished themselves through success at their firms, the advancement of their profession and by giving back to their communities, and each survived a review process that involved the research, evaluation and rating of this year’s all-star, public practicing CPAs through nominations, direct outreach, recommendations and editorial review. But ultimately, each CPA earned the Forbes’ editorial imprimatur through trust.

CTCPA Executive Director and CEO Bonnie Stewart and others were featured on the cover of the 'Hartford Business Journal' for an article on the new CPA pathways to licensure.

Jeffrey Solomon, Managing Director and Audit Practice Leader at CBIZ, was selected as one of the first-ever inductees to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Connecticut's Finest Hall of Fame. Jeff is a member of organization’s Connecticut's Finest Volunteer Leadership Team, was a New Haven's Finest honoree in 2013, and has been involved with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation for almost 15 years.

CTCPA member Jon Sahlin has built a unique career that combines his expertise as a CPA with a commitment to the Deaf community. From providing financial guidance in American Sign Language (ASL) to creating events and programs that empower deaf individuals, Jon embodies how a CPA career can combine professional expertise with personal purpose.

HarperWhitfield P.C., with offices in Farmington and Weatogue (Simsbury), announced that Norbert Jurkiewicz of Farmington has joined the firm as a supervisor. Norbert brings more than 12 years of diverse public accounting experience spanning tax, audit, fiduciary services, and client advisory support. Prior to joining HarperWhitfield, he worked as a Senior Associate and Supervisor in Glastonbury, where he led engagements for a wide variety of clients including software companies, engineering firms, medical practices, and government contractors.

Kask & Company LLC, Certified Public Accountants and Business Advisors, announces its new office location at 12 National Drive in Glastonbury, Connecticut. Kask & Company CPAs, previously known as Borgida & Company CPAs, is led by managing partner and industry veteran James Kask, CPA, CGMA. Kask’s previous leadership roles include Senior Partner at CPA firms Haggett Longobardi and CohnReznick.

SRC Certified Public Accountants, PC, located in Glastonbury , CT, a trusted provider of accounting, tax, and advisory services, is proud to announce its 50th anniversary, marking half a century of dedication to helping clients achieve their financial goals.

There’s a new IRS Senior Stakeholder Liaison in town! (Well, new to CTCPA members, anyway.) Yolanda Durant has actually been with the Internal Revenue Service since 2012, with a resume that runs the gamut of responsibilities: Senior Individual Taxpayer Advisory Specialist, Tax Compliance Officer, Intake Advocate for the Taxpayer Advocate Department, Customer Service, and Collection Representative.

Paul N. Iannone, JD, CPA, MST and Danny A. Pannese, MST, CPA/ABV/CFF, CVA, CSEP, both Associate Professors in the Jack Welch College of Business & Technology at Sacred Heart University, published “When the Audit Goes Beyond the Audit: An Interview with James Mastracchio, Esq.” for the March/April 2025 issue of the Journal of Taxation.

KPMG LLP recently celebrated its Community Impact Day, a nationwide day of service that provides employees of all levels flexible and meaningful ways to come together both in-person and virtually to serve our communities. In Greenwich, KPMG volunteers spent the morning at the Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich (Camp Simmons) leading activities like field games, a paint war, book readings, and more with campers ages 5-12.

MahoneySabol, a regional certified public accounting firm based in Glastonbury, announced the promotion of Casey O’Brien, CPA to Partner. O’Brien brings nearly two decades of public accounting experience to his new leadership role.

MahoneySabol, a regional certified public accounting firm based in Glastonbury, announced the appointment of Crystal Germanese as a Partner in the firm's Tax Department. With over 20 years of experience working closely with privately held businesses and their owners, Germanese combines deep technical knowledge with a personalized approach to navigating complex tax matters. She brings a wealth of experience and a strong commitment to client care to her new role.

The partners of Glastonbury accounting firm Nicola Yester & Company, P.C. are pleased to announce their newest partner, Angelina Mancarella. Angelina merged with the firm in 2025 as part of a merger with Paquette Mancarella & Company LLC, and focuses her practice on providing tax and accounting services to businesses in a wide variety of industries, including construction, manufacturing, and other professional services.

Nicola, Yester & Co., P.C. in Glastonbury announced that Paquette Mancarella & Company, LLC, a Rocky Hill-based CPA firm specializing in accounting services, tax planning, and tax compliance for individuals and small businesses, has merged with the 39-year old company. The combined firm will have 25 employees and includes seven partners in their Glastonbury office under the continued name Nicola Yester & Company, P.C. Angelina Mancarella will be a partner and brings her staff with her.

This spring more than 90 Whittlesey team members came together across Connecticut and Western Massachusetts to take part in the firm’s 15th Annual Community Day, an event dedicated to service and giving back.

This spring, several Connecticut residents graduated from the 2025 class of the Connecticut Professionals' Leadership Academy, a program designed to strengthen leadership skills, develop and build relationships, and create a collaborative professional services community. This landmark program brings together professionals from various industries and backgrounds, including accounting and finance, law, insurance and architecture.

Mark was recognized for his outstanding leadership in shaping the future of business leaders through his inspirational seminars and workforce development.

Greg brings more than 15 years of experience in public accounting, providing tax, accounting, and consulting services to closely held businesses, their owners, and nonprofit entities. His background includes extensive work in industries such as construction, manufacturing, investment advisory, architecture, wholesale distribution, real estate, and professional services.

Danny Pannese, Associate Professor (Accounting and Information Systems) at Sacred Heart University, will be honored with the Connecticut Society of CPA’s Educator of Excellence Award (the “Eddy”) at the CTCPA Recognition Reception on June 10.

After 34 years of service, Michael Solakian, CPA, President of Solakian & Company, LLC, is stepping down from the CTCPA Peer Review Committee. Mike also served on the AICPA Peer Review Board for two three-year terms and continues to practice with specialties in non-profit audits as well as performing peer reviews.

The Southern Connecticut State University (SCSU) School of Business recently recognized CTCPA Honorary Member Mark Zampino with its Exceptional Staff Service Award and the Dean’s Outstanding Leadership Team Award. The School presented the awards at its Annual Awards Ceremony on May 8, 2025.

The Connecticut Society of Certified Public Accountants (CTCPA) has elected and installed its Board of Directors for the 2025-2026 activity year at its Annual Meeting held at the Sheraton Hartford South Hotel in Rocky Hill on May 14.

The Connecticut Society of Certified Public Accountants (CTCPA) honored Mike Maksymiw, Jr., CPA of Aprio Firm Alliance with the 2025 Jack Brooks Leadership Award at the CTCPA Annual Meeting held at the Sheraton Hartford South Hotel in Rocky Hill on May 14.

The Connecticut Society of Certified Public Accountants (CTCPA) honored the recipients of its first-ever CTCPA Impact Award at the CTCPA 2025 Annual Meeting held at the Sheraton Hartford South Hotel in Rocky Hill on May 14.

Forbes recently released the inaugural America’s Best-In-State CPAs list. Created exclusively by Forbes editorial staff, it is a compilation of the finest CPAs active in public practice, culled from a collection of candidates sourced through independent nominations and recognitions from numerous associations of CPAs. Those nominated were rated on a range of weighted criteria, including expertise, innovation, thought leadership, experience, and service to the community and to their profession.

Gitlin & Company has promoted Evan Vold, CPA, MSAT, EA to Partner/Member. He brings more than 15 years of experience in tax representation, preparation, and planning, serving both individuals and business with exceptional professionalism and care. He is dedicated to professional growth and community involvement. He serves as the volunteer Treasurer of his Church and is an active member of his Rotary Club.

Connecticut's accounting profession was well-represented in the Hartford Business Journal's "2025 Power 50," with three CTCPA members making the list: Drew Andrews (Managing Partner and CEO of Whittlesey P.C.), Susan Jackson (Office Managing Partner of KPMG LLP in Hartford), and Melissa Ferrucci (Office Managing Partner of CohnReznick’s Connecticut offices). The “Power 50,” Connecticut’s most influential leaders, was chosen by the Hartford Business Journal’s news team.

We’re delighted to see two CTCPA members honored on the Hartford Business Journal’s “2025 Women in Business” list: - Melissa L. Ferrucci – CohnReznick (Office Managing Partner, Connecticut Offices) - Susan DeRosa Jackson – KPMG LLP (Office Managing Partner, Hartford)

“There’s been a big push from BioCT and other legislative action groups” to support the increase, said Bill Claffey, a tax attorney and partner at accounting firm Fiondella, Milone & LaSaracina LLP. He participated in a panel discussion during the event.

In this role, she will provide tax planning, preparation and accounting services to individual clients as well as businesses in various industries.

SRC, Certified Public Accountants, P.C. is proud to announce two new partners, John W. Luo, CPA and Shawn R. Gessay, CPA, MSAT.

Visconti & Associates, P.C., with offices in East Haven and Venice, Florida, is pleased to announce the admission of Peter Visconti, CPA as a member of the firm in the Assurance Division and Margaret Pittala, CPA as a member of the firm in the Tax and Advisory Division. The firm is now operating as Visconti Pittala & Associates LLC.

Jay Civitollo and Christopher Nardone were both elected partner at CohnReznick LLP, effected February 1, 2025. Both Jay and Christopher work in the Assurance division.

The Innovative CPA Group (ICG) proudly continues its tradition of giving back through a series of impactful volunteer initiatives throughout the holiday season. With a strong commitment to fostering community connections and supporting those in need, ICG remains dedicated to making a positive difference during this time of year.

The Connecticut Society of CPAs (CTCPA) will honor 12 outstanding women at the CTCPA Women’s Awards event on Wednesday, January 15, 2025 from 7:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the TPC River Highlands. Awardees will be honored in three categories: Distinguished Service, Women to Watch, and Aspiring CPAs.

Nicola, Yester & Company, P.C. named Katie Anderson a partner and Kristin Lombardo as staff.