All posts by imreal

Sam Bugarsky named as President & CEO of Wilco.


Sam is not new to Wilco. He most recently served as the President of Retail Stores and then Interim CEO. He has been with the cooperative for over 30 years. When asked about Sam’s impact, Jake Wilson, Wilco’s Marketing Director said, “I’ve been at Wilco for 20 years, and Sam has always been known for his business acumen. He has been the architect of many “firsts.” But it’s his influence on the company’s values and culture that stand out.”

Regarding those firsts, Sam was charged with starting and managing Wilco’s centralized purchasing and distribution department and was instrumental in delivering other advancements, like the store’s first point of sale and live inventory management system. His ideas also extend to the company’s agriculture and community efforts as he initiated Wilco’s FFA Forever program that has raised over $1,000,000 in support of Oregon and Washington FFA.

Sam has led different areas of the business, most notably, he drove the efforts for the first ground up, new Wilco Farm Store and the design of a model store with five signature departments and over 20,000 square feet of retail space. He has championed a customer-focus attitude which has led to success and the core of Wilco’s profitability and returns to farmer-owners. Sam’s focus on steady, sustainable growth have spanned decades, including expansion beyond Oregon and Washington as the cooperative plans to enter California next year.

Sam’s diverse background started in the warehouse loading out feed at the Canby, Oregon store. From there he moved into management of several areas; from the bulk petroleum and propane department, agronomy business (now the west division of Valley Agronomics), transportation and several other administrative support teams.

When asked to expand on Sam’s cultural impact, Jake said, “Sam has always supported constant improvement, finding best practices, and being collaborative yet decisive. He thinks of our frontline team a lot, making sure those who work directly with our customers are factored into all decisions.”

For the past eight years Wilco has been named a Top Workplace in Oregon and Southwest Washington. They are one of six companies to have received the award all eight years; being named the #1 Best Workplace one of those. A common denominator, Sam. He has been a member of Wilco’s Executive Team the entire time.

Outside of the office, you may see Sam out on a run. He has participated in over 50 marathons and half marathons; likely many of those Wilco “firsts” were dreamed up while jogging down the streets of his hometown in West Linn, Oregon.

If Sam’s past performance is any indication of what Wilco’s farmer-owners, customers and team members should expect; the team will have a solid place to work, net income will increase, and relationships between business units and customers will strengthen, because that is what he’s done.

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Nicotine Anonymous World Services supports 12 step recovery from nicotine addiction


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“Freedom from Nicotine Addiction”

The 12-Step fellowship, Nicotine Anonymous (NicA), has grown in 37 years to have over 700 weekly ongoing face-to-face mutual support groups in 32 countries. At meetings members share their experience with a process of recovery from nicotine addiction.

Nicotine Anonymous members also provide several daily phone and internet meetings. This expands the means by which members can connect, especially those in isolated areas or who have limited transportation. In addition, thousands of members use social media to offer support to one another.

Nicotine Anonymous (NicA), is a program of recovery based on universal spiritual principles in order to gain freedom from nicotine in any form. Members can use the program to develop a more fulfilling life beyond the addiction and the potential health hazards of smoking, vaping, or chewing nicotine products.

Health organizations report these nicotine products combined kill millions of people each year–worldwide. Members of the fellowship confirm the research that nicotine is just as addictive as other substance abuse drugs and can be as hard or harder to stop using.

Nicotine Anonymous is about restoring lives. Membership only requires someone have a desire to stop using nicotine. There are no dues or fees and a person can join at any time. Meetings offer ongoing continuous support, not limited to a few sessions. Members can attend for as long as it takes, or as long as they find value. Many members stay long after they gain abstinence from nicotine in order to help struggling newcomers.

Much of Nicotine Anonymous World Services’ extensive recovery literature has been translated by members into 16 languages other than English. Translations of its pamphlets are available to read/purchase on its website: http://www.nicotine-anonymous.org. Books are now available to purchase in Spanish, Russian, and Italian.

Nicotine Anonymous World Services is continuously expanding its resources and extending a warm welcome to reach all those seeking to gain freedom from using nicotine. For further information, contact: info@nicotine-anonymous.org or call 877- TRY-NICA (879-6422).

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Interventional Pain Management Specialist Dr. Kaliq Chang with Atlantic Spine Center offers tips on symptoms, causes and prevention of common back pain trigger


Dr. Kaliq Chang

Various risk factors for degenerative disc disease can’t be changed, including getting older and having a family history of the condition. But other risk factors are modifiable, such as obesity; heavy lifting or physical work; smoking; back injury; and sports participation.

It would be logical to assume that degenerative disc disease – one of the most common spine problems in older adults – is actually a disease. However, this progression of changes in spinal discs due to injury, wear and tear, and aging isn’t a disease at all, but a sometimes-preventable condition that can lead to chronic pain, according to Kaliq Chang, MD, of Atlantic Spine Center.

“To understand degenerative disc disease, it’s helpful to understand the spine’s anatomy,” Dr. Chang says. Spinal discs sit between bony vertebrae, enabling us to bend and flex as well as cushioning much of the stress of day-to-day movement on our spines. Gradual changes in any area of the back or neck from degenerative disc disease – often dubbed the “degenerative cascade” – can lead to lost fluid in the discs, torn outer layers, or the growth of nerve fibers.

“All of these changes can result in chronic pain,” explains Dr. Chang, an interventional pain management specialist. “Additionally, other spine problems can occur as disc deterioration continues, including bone spurs, herniated discs and spinal stenosis. When this deterioration is severe, your range of motion can become limited. Knowing symptoms and getting an accurate diagnosis is important to help slow or stop the damage.”

Causes of degenerative disc disease

Various risk factors for degenerative disc disease can’t be changed, including getting older and having a family history of the condition, Dr. Chang notes. But other risk factors are modifiable, such as obesity; heavy lifting or physical work; smoking; back injury; and sports participation.

Quickly identifying the condition can rely on knowing its symptoms, which include pain in the low back, buttocks, thighs or neck; pain that worsens when sitting, bending, lifting or twisting; pain that feels better when walking, changing positions or lying down; periods of severe pain that improves after days or even months; and numbness, weakness or tingling in the legs.

“The chance of developing degenerative disc disease – or a severe case of it – is certainly heightened in those who don’t practice healthy lifestyle measures, such as smoking or gaining excessive weight,” Dr. Chang explains. “Clearly, we can’t eliminate all our risk factors for the condition, but proactively protecting our spine is possible by controlling the risk factors we can.”

Preventing degenerative disc disease

What can you do to help prevent degenerative disc disease? Dr. Chang says these measures include:

  • Drinking water: Consuming plenty of water can help keep discs strong and pliable, also helping you avoid weight gain that could tax your spine.
  • Eating right: Healthy foods such as leafy green veggies, whole grain pastas and breads, fish, nuts and dairy products all help nourish the bones, including spinal vertebrae supporting discs.
  • Scheduling physical activity: Regular exercise contributes to blood and nutrient flow to back muscles, which support the spine and discs. As a bonus, exercise triggers the release of pain-soothing chemicals known as endorphins.


“Treatment options for degenerative disc disease are typically conservative, combining tactics such as physical therapy or steroid injections,” Dr. Chang says. “If these techniques don’t work and pain remains severe, or bowel or bladder function is affected, then surgery may be required for some patients. Talk to your doctor to come up with a plan that best suits your needs.”

Atlantic Spine Center is a nationally recognized leader for endoscopic spine surgery with several locations in NJ and NYC. http://www.atlanticspinecenter.com, http://www.atlanticspinecenter.nyc

Kaliq Chang, MD, is an interventional pain management specialist, double board-certified in interventional pain management and anesthesiology, at Atlantic Spine Center.

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Top Tips That Will Help Drivers Get Better Car Insurance Rates


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“Maintaining a good driving record, is just one of the multiple methods that can help drivers pay less on their car insurance”, said Russell Rabichev, Marketing Director of Internet Marketing Company.

Carinsuranceplan.org has launched a new blog post that presents several methods that can help drivers obtain cheaper car insurance rates.

For more info, please visit https://carinsuranceplan.org/top-tips-that-will-help-you-save-on-car-insurance/.

Car insurance can be expensive for many persons. But without insurance, drivers cannot legally drive on the roads. To save money on car insurance, drivers can follow the next tips:


  • Be a good driver. Insurance companies reward drivers that are not involved in accidents and do not receive tickets. Depending on the insurance companies, drivers must keep their records clean for a period that ranges from three to five years.
  • Maintain a good credit score. Insurance companies claim they found a correlation between a driver’s credit score and the possibility of that driver to fil a claim for damages. For this reason, drivers that have good or excellent credit scores pay less on their insurance premiums.
  • Choose the right vehicle. Vehicles that are cheap to repair or replace have lower insurance rates. Drivers are recommended to purchase slightly used cars that have several safety features already installed.
  • Consider dropping full coverage. If a vehicle value is less than ten full coverage premiums payments, then keeping full coverage makes no sense.
  • Pay the whole policy at once. Drivers will no longer pay for administration fees and will save between 5% to 10% of the total price of the policy.
  • Look for additional discounts. Insurance providers offer multiple discounts to their customers. Drivers should contact their insurance carriers and see for what discounts they are eligible.
  • Check the insurance market periodically. Policyholders should check the insurance market once every six months. Many events can happen in a policyholder’s life in six months. Events, like getting married or moving to a better neighborhood, can have a serious impact on the insurance premiums. That’s why getting online quotes is important.

For additional info, money-saving tips and free car insurance quotes, visit https://carinsuranceplan.org/

Carinsuranceplan.org is an online provider of life, home, health, and auto insurance quotes. This website is unique because it does not simply stick to one kind of insurance provider, but brings the clients the best deals from many different online insurance carriers. In this way, clients have access to offers from multiple carriers all in one place: this website. On this site, customers have access to quotes for insurance plans from various agencies, such as local or nationwide agencies, brand names insurance companies, etc.

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High Wire Networks Names Charles Hughes as Chief Operating Officer


Charles Hughes, Chief Operating Officer at High Wire Networks

“Charles brings extensive experience, outstanding knowledge of the business, zeal for customer satisfaction, and most of all his leadership and a deep commitment to our core values of trust, growth, innovation and quality.”

High Wire Networks, a leading global technical field, professional and cybersecurity services company, announced today that Charles Hughes, an operations management and service delivery expert with more than 20 years of executive experience, has joined the company as Chief Operating Officer.

As COO, Hughes is charged with leading High Wire Networks’ strategic initiatives to improve program management, processes, integration and service delivery.

Hughes comes to High Wire Networks after two years at Acuative as Vice President of Technical Site Services. Previously, he held positions as Director of IT Field Services at Walgreens, Director of Field Services at Intrado-Positron and Director of Field Services at Telsource Corporation. Hughes started his operations management career at Level 3 Communications, rapidly advancing to the position of Director of Network Operations. He is also a veteran and served in the U.S. Army for more than 12 years, being awarded the Bronze Star and Sergeant Morales Leadership Award for his achievements.

“I could not be happier for our customers and teammates that Charles is joining the High Wire Networks’ team,” said Mark Porter, President and CEO at High Wire Networks. “Charles brings extensive experience, outstanding knowledge of the business, zeal for customer satisfaction, and most of all his leadership and a deep commitment to our core values of trust, growth, innovation and quality. We’re thrilled to have him join our leadership team and propel High Wire Networks forward in 2020 and beyond.”

Hughes joined High Wire Networks to capitalize on the opportunity to leverage new technology to modernize service delivery models and take the company’s value proposition to the next level. “I’m eager to get to work with Mark and rest of the High Wire Networks team,” said Hughes. “I am nowhere near the finish line in my career. I want to build a stronger, larger service delivery platform at High Wire Networks that stands out in the industry.”

About High Wire Networks

For nearly 20 years, High Wire Networks has been a trusted partner to VARs, MSPs, distributors, integrators, manufacturers and telecom providers by enabling them to minimize overhead while extending delivery capabilities around the world. Our flexible workforce delivers vendor-agnostic technical field, professional and security services in more than 180 countries. Our services include design, installation, configuration and support for unified communications, wired and wireless networks, cabling and infrastructure, and electrical systems. Our new Overwatch Managed Security Platform-as-a-Service enables our partners to deliver comprehensive cybersecurity that’s easy to sell and easy to buy for an affordable monthly subscription. We also offer a variety of on-demand, rapid-response solutions with service levels ranging from two hours to next business day for onsite break-fix and remote technical support. With High Wire Networks, partners Get Work Done. Learn more at http://www.highwirenetworks.com.

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Intelligent.com Announces Best Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Degree Programs for 2020


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Intelligent.com, a trusted resource for online degree rankings and higher education planning, has announced the Top 55 Best Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Degree Programs for 2020. The comprehensive research guide is based on an assessment of 176 accredited colleges and universities in the nation. Each program is evaluated based on curriculum quality, graduation rate, reputation, and post-graduate employment.

The 2020 rankings are calculated through a unique scoring system which includes student engagement, potential return on investment and leading third party evaluations. Intelligent.com analyzed 176 schools, on a scale of 0 to 100, with only 55 making it to the final list. The methodology also uses an algorithm which collects and analyzes multiple rankings into one score to easily compare each university.

Students who pursue any one of these programs can expect to gain employment much quicker in comparison to candidates without a degree. In addition to accessibility and cost, the steady job growth in this market is one of the many reasons Intelligent.com researched and ranked the Top Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Degree Programs. To access the complete ranking, please visit: https://www.intelligent.com/best-online-masters-degree-in-nursing/.

2020 Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Degree Programs featured on Intelligent.com (in alphabetical order):

Augusta University

Benedictine University

Briar Cliff University

Briar Cliff University

California State University, Dominguez Hills

California State University, Fullerton

Cedarville University

Clarkson College

Concordia University, Wisconsin

Delta State University

Duke University

Duquesne University

Duquesne University

Florida State University

Frontier Nursing University

Frostburg State University

George Washington University

Georgetown University

Georgia Southern University

Georgia Southwestern State University

Johns Hopkins University

Johns Hopkins University

Loyola University New Orleans

Medical University of South Carolina

Mercy College

Messiah College

Michigan State University

Nova Southeastern University

Ohio State University

Roberts Wesleyan College

Rush University

Saint Xavier University

Simmons University

Simmons University

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

Spring Arbor University

SUNY Polytechnic Institute

Texas A & M University, Corpus Christi

Texas Tech University

Texas Tech University

University of Alabama, Huntsville

University of Central Florida

University of Central Florida

University of Cincinnati

University of Colorado Denver Anschutz Medical Campus

University of Kansas

University of Louisiana at Lafayette

University of Missouri

University of North Carolina at Greensboro

University of Oklahoma

University of South Carolina

University of Southern California

University of Texas at Tyler

University of Texas Medical Branch

Vanderbilt University

About Intelligent.com

Intelligent.com provides unbiased research to help students make informed decisions about higher education programs. The website offers curated guides which include the best degree programs as well as information about financial aid, internships and even study strategies. With comprehensive, user-friendly guides and hundreds of program rankings, Intelligent.com is a trusted source among students and prospective students. To learn more, please visit https://www.intelligent.com/.

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Heilind Electronics Expands Amphenol Sensor Portfolio with SGX Sensortech


SGX Sensortech Air Quality and Gas Sensors

The addition of SGX Sensortech gives Heilind customers access to a greater variety of air quality and gas sensing solutions.

Heilind Electronics, a premier distributor of electronic components worldwide, has partnered with SGX Sensortech to bring its customers a greater selection of air quality sensors and related solutions. SGX is the latest addition to Heilind’s Amphenol sensor franchise, which includes Amphenol Advanced Sensors, All Sensors, Piher, SSI Technologies and Wilcoxon.

As an authorized distributor for SGX, Heilind is now offering a variety of air quality sensors, gas sensors and evaluation boards designed for industrial safety and air quality monitoring. These products measure over 60 target gases and are equipped with technologies like catalytic beads, electromechanical and infrared capabilities, MEMs pellistors, metal oxide semiconductors and thermal conductivity.

Included in Heilind’s stock of SGX products are multi-function natural gas modules. These devices feature SGX-patented MEMs pellistor sensors that allow for low-power operation on standard AA batteries. The modules utilize LEDs and audible alarms that not only serve as alerts, but also transmit data during potential gas leakages. Heilind is also offering custom configurations for many of its SGX sensor solutions.

“We are pleased to add SGX to our rapidly growing Amphenol sensor portfolio,” said Alan Clapp, Vice President, Heilind Electronics. “With over 50 years of experience in the air quality sensor market, SGX provides our customers with the innovation, safety and reliability they need for their applications.”

SGX products are used in numerous applications, including oil and gas, utilities, petrochemical facilities, forensic science, steelworks, commercial buildings, automotive systems, mining and consumer electronics.

Visit Heilind’s website for more information on Amphenol SGX Sensortech solutions.

About Heilind Electronics

Heilind Electronics, Inc. (http://www.heilind.com) is one of the world’s leading distributors of connectors, relays, sensors, switches, thermal management and circuit protection products, terminal blocks, wire and cable, wiring accessories and insulation and identification products. Founded in 1974, Heilind has locations throughout the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Germany, Singapore, Hong Kong and China. Follow Heilind on Facebook at facebook.com/Heilind and on Twitter at twitter.com/Heilind.

About SGX Sensortech

SGX Sensortech is a leader in the air quality sensor market, with innovative solutions that offer high performance, robustness and cost-effectiveness. SGX’s wide range of gas sensors utilize catalytic, infrared, metal oxide, electrochemical and other advanced technologies. The company also provides flammable and toxic gas solutions for automotive and industrial air quality applications.

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Excellence in Connecticut’s Healthcare Industry Recognized with Health Care Heroes Awards


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“We are fortunate to have so many great providers shaping our local healthcare sector,” Joe Zwiebel, publisher, Hartford Business Journal, said.

Connecticut is home to a growing healthcare industry that is consistently recognized for its innovations and excellence in patient care. On December 12th, Hartford Business Journal will recognize eight individuals and organizations who are upholding that standard of excellence at the Health Care Heroes Awards at the Hartford Marriott.

“We are fortunate to have so many great providers shaping our local healthcare sector,” Joe Zwiebel, publisher, Hartford Business Journal, said. “This year’s honorees exemplify what it means to be a hero in the healthcare industry, and we are delighted to recognize their achievements.”

The 2019 Health Care Heroes honorees are:

  • Advancement in Healthcare-Innovation: Dr. John Pelegano, Chief of Pediatrics, Hospital for Special Care
  • Advancements in Healthcare-Prevention: UConn Health’s Connecticut EMS Statewide Opioid Reporting Directive
  • Community Service-Advocacy/Policy: Patricia Baker, President & CEO, Connecticut Health Foundation
  • Corporate Achievement-Innovation: Hartford Hospital’s Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation or ECMO Team, led by Dr. Jason Gluck
  • Healthcare Staff: Katie Joly, Program Manager, Gaylord Sports Association, Gaylord Specialty Healthcare
  • Nurse: Shawnna Scirpo, Nursing Director, The Hospital of Central Connecticut Emergency Department
  • Physician: Dr. Daniel Gerardi, Chief of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, St. Francis Hospital and Medical Center/Trinity Health
  • Volunteer: Brad Cole, Executive Director/All-Hazards Psychological Trauma Responder, K9 First Responders

In addition to recognizing the above honorees, the event will feature a keynote address by Gary Mendell, Founder & CEO, Shatterproof. Mendell founded Shatterproof, a national nonprofit dedicated to combatting addiction, after losing his own son to addiction.

The 2019 Health Care Heroes Awards are presented by Hartford Business Journal. Trinity Health of New England, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care and Comcast Business are presenting sponsors for the event. Hartford HealthCare and The Next Street are event sponsors. Event partners included Hartford Marriott, Rider Productions, J. Fiereck Photography and Co-Communications.

To purchase tickets for the event, visit https://www.hartfordbusiness.com/.

About Hartford Business Journal

Hartford Business Journal is the only audited, subscription-based business publication in Connecticut. Whether it’s market trends, the latest merger news or an update on state government, this award-winning publication is the “must-read” for area business leaders. Hartford Business Journal has a total readership of 31,000 affluent and education business decision makers in the 61 towns that make up Metro Hartford. For more information, please visit https://www.hartfordbusiness.com/ or call 860.236.9998.

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The Main Reasons Why A Driver Can Pay Really Expensive Car Insurance Premiums


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“For many drivers, car insurance is an expensive necessity that is needed to do their daily routines. Luckily, there are many methods that can help anyone save money on car insurance ”, said Russell Rabichev, Marketing Director of Internet Marketing Company.

Compare-autoinsurance.org has launched a new blog post that presents several factors that affect the premiums and how drivers can pay cheaper car insurance

For more info and free car insurance quotes, visit https://compare-autoinsurance.org/why-do-you-pay-so-much-on-car-insurance-premiums/

Car insurance rates have a tendency to rise over time. Besides that, there are several factors that affect the costs of car insurance like higher costs of medical bills, increased prices of newer vehicles, and others.

The most common factors that affect the price of car insurance are the following:


  • Address. The location where a driver is living has a major impact on the price of insurance. Different areas have different insurance rates that are influenced by theft rates, vandalism, traffic congestion, hailstorms, and others. Drivers that live in large cities will pay higher insurance rates than those that live in small rural communities.
  • Driving record. Drivers that have safe driving habits are less likely to be involved in accidents and will pay less on their insurance rates. On the other hand, drivers that have at-fault accidents, speeding tickets, DUI, convictions, and other traffic violations in their driving records will pay much more on their premiums. Furthermore, drivers that have numerous traffic violations will have a hard time finding an insurance company that is willing to sell coverage to them.
  • Gender. Statistics show that male drivers are usually involved in more severe accidents than female drivers and are more likely to die than females. Therefore, insurers will charge more on male drivers (especially young drivers) than female drivers. Drivers that live in Hawaii, Massachusetts, Michigan, Montana, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania, will be relieved knowing that the insurers can’t use the gender in order to determine rates.
  • The type of car. Certain car models have higher claim rates than others. Usually, these types of vehicles are more likely to be involved in accidents or to be stolen. Drivers that own one of these vehicles will pay higher insurance rates. Policyholders that own vehicles that have high safety ratings will manage to save money on car insurance.
  • Credit history. Insurance companies consider that drivers that have a credit score under 600 to be riskier to insure, and for that, they will charge more on their insurance. Drivers that live in California, Hawaii, and Massachusetts are in luck because the local legislation doesn’t allow the insurers to use their credit score to determine insurance rates.

For additional info, money-saving tips and free car insurance quotes, visit https://compare-autoinsurance.org/

Compare-autoinsurance.org is an online provider of life, home, health, and auto insurance quotes. This website is unique because it does not simply stick to one kind of insurance provider, but brings the clients the best deals from many different online insurance carriers. In this way, clients have access to offers from multiple carriers all in one place: this website. On this site, customers have access to quotes for insurance plans from various agencies, such as local or nationwide agencies, brand names insurance companies, etc.

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PKF O’Connor Davies Appoints Thomas Blaney to Regional Head of New England


“I’m proud of the role I’ve played in shaping the direction of the Firm as it’s expanded into new geographic areas and service capabilities and this new position enables me to further focus on advancing the Firm’s reach in this important market,” said Blaney.

PKF O’Connor Davies, LLP, one of the nation’s largest accounting, tax, and advisory firms, announced today it has appointed Thomas Blaney to Regional Head of New England. Blaney currently serves as Partner at the Firm and Director of the Private Foundations Practice. He also leads the Firm’s Governance Committee. In his new role, Blaney will be responsible for financial and operational oversight of all of the Firm’s New England offices while leading our strategic growth initiative and expansion plans from Stamford, CT, to Boston, MA.

“Tom is a proven industry leader and a trusted member of the PKF O’Connor Davies leadership team,” said Kevin J. Keane, Managing Partner. “As we expand our footprint in New England and build out the services and solutions we offer, we need a leader who can ensure that growth matches our culture and our commitment to next-level client service. Tom’s long career with the Firm and his experience in governance and executive leadership make him the perfect choice to oversee this ongoing effort.”

Blaney has more than 35 years of industry experience specializing in the accounting and tax aspects of exempt organizations and has been with the Firm for nearly two decades. In addition to his role as leader of the Firm’s Governance Committee, he served on the Executive Committee for more than 10 years. In his role as Regional Head of New England, he will use this governance and leadership experience to forge strong cultural and operational partnerships with firms joining PKF O’Connor Davies in the New England area. This will include ensuring efficient transitions as well as facilitating collaboration at locations throughout New England and with all of the Firm’s offices.

“I’m proud of the role I’ve played in shaping the direction of the Firm as it’s expanded into new geographic areas and service capabilities and this new position enables me to further focus on advancing the Firm’s reach in this important market,” said Blaney. “I look forward to sharing what makes our Firm the best in the business as we explore new partnerships and opportunities for growth throughout New England.”

Blaney is a recognized thought leader and frequent speaker, author and contributor to events and articles related to private foundations and not-for-profit topics. His work has appeared in The Wall Street Journal, Barron’s and other leading business publications. He is a Certified Fraud Examiner, licensed CPA in the states of Florida, New York and Pennsylvania, and was also appointed to the Panel on the Nonprofit Sector’s “990 PF Reform Advisory Committee.”

In 2015, Blaney received the “Ahead of the Curve” award, which is presented to the CPA who stays ahead of new legislation and trends on behalf of his clients. He is also a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants (NYSSCPA) and American Society of Fraud Examiners. He sits on the boards of several not-for-profits including Exponent Philanthropy, McCaddin McQuirk Foundation and Breezy Point Disaster Relief Fund. Additionally, he is on the Audit & Investment Committee of the Hudson Valley Chapter of the Make-a-Wish Foundation.

PKF O’Connor Davies has 11 offices in five states as it continues to expand through organic growth and acquisitions on the East Coast. It has supported this growth with a strategic combination of promoting from within coupled with tactical external hires.

About PKF O’Connor Davies, LLP

PKF O’Connor Davies, LLP is a full service certified public accounting and advisory firm with a long history of serving clients both domestically and internationally. With roots tracing to 1891, 11 offices in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Maryland and Rhode Island and more than 800 professionals led by over 100 partners, the Firm provides a complete range of accounting, auditing, tax and management advisory services.

PKF O’Connor Davies is a top-ranked firm according to Accounting Today’s 2019 “Top 100 Firms” list and the Firm is also recognized as a “Leader in Audit and Accounting,” a “Pacesetter in Growth” and one of the “Top Firms in the Mid-Atlantic.” In 2019, PKF O’Connor Davies was named one of Vault’s Accounting 50, a ranking of the 50 best accounting employers to work for in North America and ranked among the top 50 most prestigious accounting firms in America in a complementary Vault survey. The Firm is the 12th largest accounting firm in the New York Metropolitan area, according to Crain’s New York Business, and the 10th top accounting firm in New Jersey according to NJBiz’s 2018 rankings.

PKF O’Connor Davies is enrolled in the AICPA Peer Review Program and has central memberships in the Private Companies Practice Section (PCPS), the Employee Benefit Plan Audit Quality Center (EBPAQC), Government Audit Quality Center (GAQC) and Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB).

By consistently delivering proactive, thorough and efficient service, PKF O’Connor Davies has built long-lasting, valuable relationships with its clients. Partners are closely involved in the day-to-day management of engagements, ensuring a high degree of client service and cost effectiveness. The Firm’s seasoned professional staff members employ a team approach to all engagements to provide clients with the utmost quality and timely services aimed at helping them succeed. Continuity of staffing and attention to detail in all client engagements make the Firm stand out among its competitors.

PKF O’Connor Davies is the lead North American representative of the international association of PKF member firms. PKF International is a network of legally independent member firms providing accounting, tax, and business advisory services in over 400 locations in 150 countries around the world. With its tradition, experience and focus on the future, PKF O’Connor Davies is ready to help clients meet today’s ever-changing economic conditions and manage the growing complexities of the regulatory environment. For more information, visit http://www.PKFOD.com.

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