Category Archives: Business

Press Releases from the Business World. Announcements, Product releases, Appointments.

Mack International named to 2020 Shortlist for two prestigious awards by Private Asset Management Magazine


We strive to be thought leaders…bringing “best in class” knowledge to each of our consulting assignments.

Private Asset Management magazine (PAM) recently announced Mack International as a shortlist nominee for two prestigious 2020 PAM Awards: “Best Business Consulting Firm for Family Offices” and “Leading Women’s Advocate in Wealth Management.” For over two decades the Private Asset Management Awards have recognized the “best of the best” performers in the private wealth management industry.

Often regarded as the “Oscars” of the U.S. private asset management industry, the highly sought after PAM Awards for over two decades have provided a platform for top investment professionals, wealth advisors, legal firms, consultants and other key service providers operating within the sector, to showcase the incredible achievements they have accomplished. The judging process used an independent panel of industry experts who based their decisions on a mixture of qualitative and quantitative performance indicators to select the finalists.

This is the 8th consecutive nomination for Mack International in the category of Best Business Consulting Firm for Family Offices. “I am very honored to be recognized by PAM. Our executive search and consulting services are highly customized, and our solutions are continuously evolving to remain at the forefront of what is happening in the market,” said Linda Mack. “We strive to be thought leaders who will be considered vanguards, learning from the brightest minds in our industry, as well as those outside our niche, and bringing “best in class” knowledge to each of our consulting assignments. Anticipating what is coming and how to successfully navigate through change and growth is a significant part of our value proposition.”

“Leading Woman’s Advocate” is a category that debuted last year. Linda Mack was the first recipient of the award and has again been shortlisted as a finalist for 2020. It recognizes those who have demonstrated extraordinary mentoring for females seeking leadership roles. “I was thrilled to have accepted this award in 2019,” said Linda. “I thoroughly enjoy and am passionate about being a mentor to women who are starting or continuing to build their own businesses and to those aspiring to leadership roles within Family Offices and the Wealth and Investment Management markets. I appreciate the judges naming me a finalist for the second year in a row.”

Firmly established in a small but crucial niche of the executive search market, Linda Mack is a highly sought-after speaker at family office and family investment conferences on a global basis and is recognized as a thought leader in her field. “We value being at the forefront of our field and continuously do fresh research on our own, sharing our insights and perspectives with families. We all gain from one another’s experiences.”

Ms. Mack has built her career serving family offices, family investment firms and family enterprises: “I love working with families and believe family businesses are the backbone of this country. The prosperity of the U.S. has been built on the vision of enterprising families. Our clients range from first generation wealth creators to multi-generational families of six or more generations. We bring the value of this experience to each assignment. We help families sustain themselves, their legacies and their wealth into future generations by finding the right C-suite leadership who will enable them to achieve their goals and objectives. The market needs an independent firm like Mack International that is genuinely dedicated to help families in finding the right leadership for these critical roles.”

Winning a PAM Award is a true endorsement of praise from the private wealth community to one of its own. A black-tie awards dinner celebrating the top-performing elite of the private wealth community will take place on Thursday, February 6, on Park Avenue in New York City.

About Mack International LLC

Mack International is the premier, a boutique retained executive search and strategic management/human capital consulting firm serving national and international clients in the family office, family business enterprise and the wealth management industries on a national and international basis. Founded in 2002, the firm has achieved an exceptional track record of success as evidenced by its unmatched industry expertise, in-depth market knowledge and unparalleled track record of success. Founder and President, Linda C. Mack has established proprietary methodologies such as the Mack 360© and is credited for having coined the term “expert generalist” in the industry.

About Private Asset Management Magazine

Private Asset Management (PAM) Magazine – the industry publication that exclusively covers the wealth management and family office industry – brings to readers actionable information regarding best business practices, investment management and trust services. It incorporates breaking industry news, people moves, in-depth trend articles and profiles on top multi and single-family offices and wealth management firms. In conjunction with PAM’s monthly breakfast briefings, the magazine advises, educates and fosters a sense of community and peer-to-peer networking opportunities. PAM’s readership includes family offices, private bankers, money managers, high-net-worth units, hedge fund managers, consultants, concierge firms, lawyers and accountants. PAM is published by Pageant Media, a leading provider of business information and insight.

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HVAC Consulting Announces 2020 Expansion


HVAC Consulting is now offering its services in 17 new states, bringing the overall coverage area total to 48 states and the District of Columbia.

“Our clients have often requested a further expansion of our services to other areas in the U.S.,” says Katie Stephens, VP of Business Development. “We have now fulfilled this request, but we have been careful to approach our expansion methodically through extensive vetting and training to ensure our high-quality service is never compromised”.

According to Jason Rankin, President & CEO, “We know that fast service is a top priority when it comes to HVAC claims – this is why we have increased our presence to the entire contiguous U.S. and over 90% of the population.”

HVAC Consulting provides evaluations of HVAC systems for insurance companies, third party administrators and independent adjusting firms. The company performs onsite diagnostics of equipment to determine cause of loss, repair or replacement recommendations and recommended settlement evaluations.

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AssuredPartners Acquires Star and Shield Insurance Services


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Star and Shield Insurance Services believes in providing Insurance with a Cause. This belief aligns with our vision and operations at AssuredPartners and we look forward to our new partnership,” stated AssuredPartners President and COO Tom Riley.

AssuredPartners, Inc. is pleased to announce the acquisition of Star & Shield Insurance Services located in Tallahassee, FL. The team of 11 will remain under the operational leadership of Frank Russo and Allyson Olver, in addition, the agency currently reports $2 million in annualized revenues.

Star & Shield Insurance Services is devoted to delivering a wide array of competitive insurance options to First Responders, their families, friends and neighbors. With over 10 years of experience, Star and Shield is dedicated to supporting and engaging with public safety personnel.

“We are excited about the partnership with Star & Shield Insurance Services in a great marketplace,” stated AssuredPartners Regional President Jack Suber. “AssuredPartners is committed to protecting those who protect and serve in the communities that we live. This partnership will deliver innovative products while providing best-in-class asset protection and unparalleled service to clients on a national level.”

Star and Shield Insurance Services believes in providing Insurance with a Cause. “This belief aligns with our vision and operations at AssuredPartners and we look forward to our new partnership,” stated AssuredPartners President and COO Tom Riley. “It is a pleasure to have the team join AssuredPartners as we increase our presence in the Florida marketplace. We welcome the dedicated staff and clients of Star and Shield Insurance Services to AssuredPartners.”

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Travel Insured International Awarded 2019 BBB Community Care Award


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Travel Insured International (TII), a leading travel insurance provider located in Glastonbury, CT, is the winner of the Connecticut Better Business Bureau’s 2019 Community Care Award. This is the third year that Travel Insured has received this accomplishment! The award recognizes one organization each year that demonstrates a strong dedication to community service. Included with the award will be $1,000 to donate to a worthy charity of TII’s choice. This year Travel Insured chose Hands on Hartford, a social service nonprofit organization that serves Hartford’s neediest residents in the areas of food, housing, and health.

Giving back to the community is a core principle for Travel Insured, and its parent company, Crum & Forster. Travel Insured operates as a family that tries to make a difference in the lives of those in need. In past years, TII’s outreach has included the American Cancer Society, the American Liver Foundation, St. Jude’s Research Hospital, and Connecticut Children’s Medical Center. In 2019, employees handmade 80 blankets for Soldiers’ Angels, a military-focused charity that serves veterans and injured soldiers and delivered them in person to the West Haven VA hospital.

Travel Insured’s charity program known as Team TII was created in 2011 by Tina Gehris, Vice President of Licensing Account Management. On a quarterly basis, employees are asked to nominate a charity of their choice before being brought to a company-wide vote. Employees are given an opportunity to briefly present their charity of choice and what it means to them. Once a winner is chosen, the charity receives a $500 check from the company.

Travel Insured is thrilled to be recognized for its year-round efforts to help charities. The company will continue on its mission to bring meaning to its principle of “Touch a Life. Make a Difference.”

About Travel Insured:

Founded in 1994 by Peter Gehris, Travel Insured International is one of the leading travel insurance providers, offering the highest quality worldwide travel insurance protection for over 20 years. Located in Glastonbury, Connecticut, the company offers an array of travel insurance protection benefits including Emergency Assistance and Evacuation, Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption Protection, Medical Insurance, Baggage Insurance, Airline Ticket Protection, and more. Travel Insured maintains relationships with specialty travel providers and tour operators, as well as provides 24/7 insurance assistance that allows you to travel relaxed, travel secure, and travel insured.

Crum & Forster is a leading national property and casualty insurer, providing specialty and standard commercial lines insurance and reinsurance products through its admitted and surplus lines insurance companies. C&F is one of the oldest insurance companies in the United States, and today has over 2300 employees in nearly 50 locations conducting business through a network of independent agents, brokers and wholesalers from Property to Pet, Cyber to Travel, and almost everything in between. The qualities and capabilities of Crum & Forster demonstrate its philosophy of building long-term partnerships and providing alternative solutions in an ever-changing insurance market. Crum & Forster is a registered trademark of United States Fire Insurance Company.

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Cheap Auto Insurance Basics – Why Credit Score Influences Car Insurance Rates


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“Credit score has become a very important rating for many insurance providers. Improving or keeping the score at Good to Excellent values will only help you save money on auto insurance and provides more benefits to other financial activities” said Russell Rabichev, Marketing Director

Compare-autoinsurance.org has released a new blog post that explains why the credit score is analyzed by companies when determining car insurance premiums.

For more info and free car insurance quotes online, visit https://compare-autoinsurance.org/credit-score-and-insurance-rates/

Amongst the many factors used to create a risk profile for their customers, insurance companies take into consideration credit score. This factors tells the companies how likely are to pay your premiums. Since it is a risk-based business, the ability to repay your debts becomes critical.

There are few states where legislation forces insurance companies not to take in consideration credit score when rating a potential customer. In California, Massachusetts, and Hawaii using credit score as a rating factor is illegal. Otherwise, it will impact the costs. To find out more about how car insurance rates are determined, you can visit http://compare-autoinsurance.org.

Naturally, drivers will poor FICO score will have to pay more for car insurance, in order for the companies to compensate for the increased risk. Also, many companies claim that there is a correlation between credit score and the chances of making a claim. According to them, people with poor credit score are not that capable of handling finances and are more likely to ask for reimbursement when accidents happen. They will even ask money for minor accident which would otherwise be paid from personal finances by responsible persons.

Drivers with poor score, 524 or below, will pay twice or more for car insurance, when compared with a driver of similar profile, but with excellent credit score. Credit score can be improved over time, with each improved tier saving on average 17% on annual premiums.

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.

For more information, please visit http://compare-autoinsurance.org

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Insurance Experts Explain Why Drivers Should Use Online Car Insurance Quotes To Compare Prices


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“Online car insurance quotes are really the best price comparison tools. Just by spending several minutes comparing quotes, you can save hundreds of dollars”, said Russell Rabichev, Marketing Director of Internet Marketing Company.

Compare-autoinsurance.org has released a new blog post that explains the importance of comparing car insurance costs, with the help of quotes!

For more info and free car insurance quotes online, visit https://compare-autoinsurance.org/why-it-is-important-to-compare-auto-insurance-rates/

Car insurance rates vary widely, depending on many factors, such as the research of new automotive technologies, massive recalls or unemployment rates for a particular area. Policyholders should compare prices periodically and see if the current provider still offers competitive prices. Brokerage websites, like http://compare-autoinsurance.org/ allow its users to get multiple quotes and compare them.


  • Getting online quotes is recommended before purchasing a car or switching insurance companies. As mentioned before, the market is influenced by multiple factors beyond the policyholder’s control. But there are several factors which will help drivers get better rates. Selecting the coverage amount, coverage type and deductible levels, for example, will help drivers modify the costs. And using online quotes will help them simulate the costs.
  • Online costs will help drivers find coverage for special needs or special situations. For example, online quotes will help drivers to find non-standard carriers. Clients can find companies specialized in insuring only military personnel or insuring only vintage and classic cars. When dealing with specialized non-standard carriers, comparing quotes become really important. The price difference between 2 specialized carriers can be really high.
  • It is possible to get quotes from multiple car insurance companies in a single results page. This is the main advantage of using brokerage websites. This removes the need of repeating the task of filling in a questionnaire on multiple insurance websites. Moreover, the user will be able to compare prices faster and easier.


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.

For more information, please visit http://compare-autoinsurance.org/

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Ten Ways To Get Cheap Car Insurance Premiums In 2020


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“With some minor driving habit changes and smart choices, any driver can pay cheaper car insurance”, said Russell Rabichev, Marketing Director of Internet Marketing Company.

Compare-autoinsurance.org has released a new blog post that presents multiple ways of getting cheaper car insurance

For more info and free car insurance quotes, visit https://compare-autoinsurance.org/10-ways-in-which-a-driver-can-save-for-car-insurance/

Car insurance costs can reach several thousand dollars per year, depending on the provider, risk profile and coverage options. Insurance rates are determined after analyzing multiple risk factors. Some of these factors are under policyholder’s control. Find out more and get free quotes from http://compare-autoinsurance.org.


  • Purchase multiple insurance services from the same company. This technique is called “bundling” and will help drivers save money.. Companies with great financial power will ask if the policyholder would like to get more insurance services from them. A person can easily bundle car insurance with homeowners/renters/condo insurance and save big. When completing online questionnaires, the user is asked if he owns the home/apartment where he/she lives. If the user owns it, he will be provided with a bundle option. In some cases, a person can save as much as 20% simply by bundling coverage.
  • Purchase multi-vehicle plans and ask for discounts. Covering multiple vehicles under the same insurer will also be financially rewarding. Multi-vehicle plans also provide a discount. The value of the discount is directly proportional to the number of insured vehicles. However, there is a maximum number of cars that can be insured by the same company. The maximum number is usually five.
  • Set higher deductibles to comprehensive and collision coverage. The usually recommended value is $500, for both comprehensive and collision coverage. However, the policyholder can choose higher values and lower the overall premiums. Use online quotes to adjust deductibles and see how much money can be saved.
  • Do not keep full coverage on older vehicles. If the car is older than 10 years, keeping full coverage is likely to make the owner overpay. Since a car’s value diminishes over time, keeping full coverage for cars older than 5-6 years is likely a financial mistake. Visit Kelly Blue Book and check the current value of the car. If it is very low, drop full coverage.
  • Keep a clean driving record, in order to be considered a safe driver. Whenever a person tries to obtain online quotes, he will be asked for claims and traffic violations in the recent 3-5 years. Traffic violations and accidents will not only increase premiums but can also determine a carrier to consider a client “high-risk” driver and eventually, drop him.
  • Consider a car’s safety rating before buying it. Do not let car insurance be an after-thought and check the average costs before purchasing a car. Generally, companies prefer insuring safer cars Look for annual crash-test ratings and NHTSA safety rankings. Lots of new models are fitted with latest sensors and accident prevention systems. A safe car is cheaper and easier to insure. Medium-sized family cars are usually really safe and cheap to insure, being mass-produced – that means that there are plenty affordable spare parts.
  • Install extra safety and anti-theft devices. Investing in car’s safety will be greatly appreciated by insurance companies. Drivers can qualify for several discounts. Furthermore, installing car recovery systems will lower the comprehensive component of the premium.
  • Enroll and graduate a defensive driving course. Insurance companies can offer or suggest a defensive driving course. The client will improve his driving skills and will get a discount. Many online questionnaires ask drivers (especially the young ones) if they have participated in courses provided by the local DMV or they are willing to participate in defensive driving classes. Drivers can also get discounts for enrolling and graduating “refresher courses”.
  • Use online car insurance quotes to periodically check the insurance market. It is recommended to get car insurance quotes at least once every 6 months and check the average premiums costs. Being permanently aware of the average costs will help drivers to avoid overpaying. Some insurance companies practice a marketing tactic called “price optimization”. Basically, they rely on drivers to stay with a single company and not check the market. Loyal drivers are “rewarded” with more expensive premiums.
  • Pay for the whole coverage period in advance. Paying-in-full will help drivers save around 10% on their insurance. Get online quotes and see how much it can be saved by paying for everything in advance.

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.

For more information, please visit http://compare-autoinsurance.org/.

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Cornerstone Research Names Yesim C. Richardson President


“At this stage in our history, we believe splitting the CEO and president responsibilities ensures the most effective leadership structure for our future.” – Rahul Guha, Cornerstone Research CEO

Cornerstone Research, a leading provider of economic and financial consulting and expert testimony, announced today that Yesim C. Richardson has been appointed president of the firm, effective Jan. 1.

Formerly a senior vice president, Richardson will share leadership with Chief Executive Officer Rahul Guha, whose tenure also began Jan. 1. Richardson and Guha jointly succeed Michael E. Burton, who served as CEO and president from July 2014 through December 2019.

Richardson is a respected leader and mentor, with consulting and management experience that spans nearly two decades. She served as head of Cornerstone Research’s financial institutions practice, one of the firm’s largest, and consults on high-stakes litigation involving the performance and valuation of portfolios, securities and financial institutions. Richardson also works with clients in energy, telecommunications, high tech, and pharmaceuticals, among others.

Prior to joining Cornerstone Research, Richardson taught economics at Boston University and Bilkent University in Turkey. She holds doctorate and master’s degrees from Boston University and an undergraduate degree from Bogazici University in Istanbul, Turkey.

In addition to her consulting work, Richardson is a member of Cornerstone Research’s board of directors, and has played active roles on several of the firm’s governance committees. As president, she will oversee the firm’s service delivery and talent strategies. Richardson will continue to consult with clients and support experts on litigation matters.

“Previously, the CEO and president positions were combined and held by the same individual,” Guha said. “At this stage in our history, we believe splitting the CEO and president responsibilities ensures the most effective leadership structure for our future. Yesim was elected after a meticulous succession planning process that recognized her many talents as a skilled leader, valued colleague, and trusted mentor. I have every confidence that she will be a superb president.”

“Cornerstone Research has always lived its values,” Richardson said. “Since our founding, we have been guided by our commitment to deliver top-quality work to our clients, provide exceptional support to our experts, and develop pathways to leadership for our outstanding staff. Now, we have enhanced the way we run the firm to support this commitment even more fully. I am proud and grateful to partner with Rahul as we look ahead to the continued growth and success of this extraordinary company.”

Richardson is based in Cornerstone Research’s Boston office; Guha is based in Chicago. Burton will continue with the firm as a senior vice president, based in Washington.

About Cornerstone Research

Cornerstone Research provides economic and financial consulting and expert testimony in all phases of complex litigation and regulatory proceedings. The firm works with an extensive network of prominent faculty and industry practitioners to identify the best-qualified expert for each assignment. Cornerstone Research has earned a reputation for consistent high quality and effectiveness by delivering rigorous, state-of-the-art analysis for over 30 years. The firm has more than 700 staff and offices in Boston, Chicago, London, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Silicon Valley, and Washington.

http://www.cornerstone.com

Twitter: @Cornerstone_Res

Facebook: @CornerstoneResearchInc

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Novogradac Promotes Six Principals Across Country to Partner


“I am excited to announce that Abby, Elaine, Erica, Miao, Tabitha and Tom have been promoted to partner,” said Michael J. Novogradac, managing partner of Novogradac. “Each partner brings with them varied skills and knowledge that will help the enterprise continue to serve its clients.”

National accounting and consulting enterprise Novogradac elevated Elaine Chang and Miao Xue of the San Francisco office; Abby Cohen of the metro Washington, D.C., office; Thomas Fantin of the Dover, Ohio, office; Erica Giessler of the Walnut Creek, Calif., office; and Tabitha Jones of the metro Atlanta office to partner. Novogradac, which specializes in affordable housing, community development, historic preservation, renewable energy and opportunity zones, has 64 partners in more than 25 cities nationwide.    

“I am excited to announce that Abby, Elaine, Erica, Miao, Tabitha and Tom have been promoted to partner,” said Michael J. Novogradac, managing partner of Novogradac. “Each partner brings with them varied skills and knowledge that will help the enterprise continue to serve its clients.”

Chang has experience in affordable housing and community development, including new markets tax credit (NMTC) and low-income housing tax credit (LIHTC) transactions. She has worked extensively on financial statement audits, tax return preparation, final cost certification audits and NMTC allocation applications. Additionally, she is experienced in providing attestation services via issuance of agreed-upon procedure reports to ascertain whether a qualified active low-income community business meets the requirements pursuant to the NMTC program, whether a NMTC allocatee meets the operating income distribution test to its owners, and whether a NMTC allocatee meets the substantially all test. Chang has contributed articles to various publications, including the monthly Novogradac Journal of Tax Credits. She received a bachelor’s degree in finance from Walsh College in Michigan. Chang is licensed in California as a certified public accountant.

Cohen works in the valuation consulting, market research and government services division of Novogradac. She has extensive experience performing market feasibility studies, appraisals, rent comparability studies and consulting services for a broad cross-section of clients in the LIHTC industry, including developers, lenders, syndicators and state agencies. She also works extensively in the historic tax credit (HTC) and NMTC industries, preparing reasonableness opinions related to the IRS Revenue Procedure 2014-12 safe-harbor ruling. Cohen received a bachelor’s degree from Pennsylvania State University and is a frequent speaker at various industry events. She is a designated member of the National Council of Housing Market Analysts. Cohen is licensed as a certified general appraiser in Maryland, New Jersey, North Carolina and South Carolina.

Fantin performs audit, tax and consulting services related to the NMTC, HTC and renewable energy tax credits (RETCs), as well as the opportunity zones (OZ) incentive. He regularly works with community development entities, qualified active low-income community businesses and developers of real estate and renewable energy projects. He also helps oversee the company’s employee benefit plan audit practice. Before joining Novogradac, Fantin was an associate director with a regional certified public accounting firm in Ohio. He has extensive experience serving the accounting and business advisory needs of companies in various industries, including brokers and dealers in securities, restaurants, manufacturing and distribution. Fantin’s experience includes providing audit, tax, accounting and mergers and acquisitions services, including buy and sell side financial due diligence, working capital analyses, and service organization controls engagements. He frequently speaks at industry conferences and seminars on topics related to NMTCs and HTCs. Fantin received his bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Akron. He is a licensed certified public accountant in Ohio.

Giessler provides various services within the real estate industry, including audit, tax, cost certifications, agreed-upon procedures and consulting for clients who own, operate or invest in market-rate properties, as well as properties that use LIHTCs. Her expertise include audit and attest standards and she leads Novogradac’s quality control group. Giessler earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and her master’s degree in accounting from San Francisco State University. Giessler is licensed in California as a certified public accountant.

Jones specializes in audit and tax services for real estate transactions. Jones has extensive experience with affordable housing transactions and specializes in LIHTCs. She works extensively with equity sponsors in equity fund audit and tax consulting, as well as affordable housing developments, including those subject to the auditing requirements of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and nonprofit organizations, including those subject to Government Auditing Standards and Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards. Jones has provided accounting, financial statement audits, tax preparation, and cost certification audits for numerous organizations in the affordable housing industry. She received her bachelor’s degree in business administration with an emphasis in accounting from North Georgia College and State University and is a member of the American Institute of CPAs. Jones is licensed in Georgia as a certified public accountant.

Xue has broad experience in tax compliance. She also provides extensive financial modeling and consulting services to members of the LIHTC, RETC, HTC, NMTC and commercial real estate industries. She is known for her strong technical skills in complicated partnership transactions in real estate and renewable energy areas. Xue received a master’s degree in accounting from San Francisco State University and is licensed in California as a certified public accountant.

About Novogradac

Novogradac recently celebrated its 30th year in business, having opened in 1989 and has grown to more than 750 employees and partners with offices in more than 25 cities. Tax, audit and consulting specialty practice areas for Novogradac include affordable housing, opportunity zones, community development, historic rehabilitation and renewable energy.

For additional information on Novogradac’s personnel and areas of expertise, visit http://www.novoco.com or call (415) 356-8000. Learn more about these partners at https://www.novoco.com/newpartners2020.

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Novogradac Promotes 12 Managers Across Country to Principal


“I am pleased to announce that Aaron, Austin, Ben, Dayle, David, Erin, Genie, John, Melissa, Michael, Nick and Sean have been promoted to principal,” said Michael J. Novogradac, managing partner of Novogradac.

National accounting and consulting enterprise Novogradac elevated 12 managers to principal–Melissa Chung of the San Francisco office; Sean Collins of the Walnut Creek, Calif., office; Dayle Dalling of the metro Philadelphia office; John DeJovine, Genie Goricki and David Graff of the Cleveland office; Michael Derrickson of the Austin, Texas, office; Ben Fry, Erin Neff, Austin Power and Aaron Sherrard of the Dover, Ohio, office; and Nick Ives of the Andover, Mass., office. Novogradac, which specializes in affordable housing, community development, historic preservation, renewable energy and opportunity zones, has 44 principals in more than 25 cities nationwide.

“I am pleased to announce that Aaron, Austin, Ben, Dayle, David, Erin, Genie, John, Melissa, Michael, Nick and Sean have been promoted to principal,” said Michael J. Novogradac, managing partner of Novogradac. “This growth at the principal level will allow Novogradac to continue to serve its clients’ current and future needs.”

Chung provides audit, tax and consulting services for affordable housing developments, real estate partnerships, and for-profit and nonprofit housing developers in the low-income housing tax credit (LIHTC) industry, other nonprofit organizations and single-family home builders. Chung also has experience with the auditing requirements of U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), OMB Uniform Guidance, CalHFA, HCD, NJHMFA and OHCS. In addition, she serves on the Housing Colorado NOW! Conference and publications committees and is a frequent speaker at various housing conferences and workshops. She received a bachelor’s degree in economics, with a concentration in accounting and a minor in Chinese studies from the University of California, Berkeley. She is licensed in California as a certified public accountant.

Collins has assisted in financing solar, wind and biomass portfolios valued in excess of $300 million, with tax equity and traditional debt, by assisting lenders and investors in their due diligence efforts. He also regularly provides guidance on a consulting basis to clients on a broad range of partnership tax matters and accounting issues under U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), particularly the application of the hypothetical liquidation at book value approach to the equity method of accounting. Collins is licensed in California as a certified public accountant.

Dalling joined Novogradac in 2008. Dalling has extensive experience with affordable housing transactions and specializes in LIHTCs, historic rehabilitation tax credits (HTCs), renewable energy tax credits (RETCs) and new markets tax credits (NMTCs). He also works with equity sponsors in equity fund audit and tax consulting, as well as auditing requirements of HUD and nonprofit organizations. Dalling has worked extensively on financial statement audits, tax return preparation and final cost certification audits for numerous organizations, including nonprofit organizations, small local governments, corporations and individuals. He received his bachelor’s degree in accounting from Brigham Young University-Idaho and is a member of the AICPA. Dalling is licensed in Pennsylvania, Georgia and Idaho as a certified public accountant.

DeJovine specializes in financial statement audits, tax return preparation and final cost certifications while working with numerous real estate investors, syndicators and developers. He has also worked extensively on structuring, business consulting and financial modeling for transactions involving NMTCs, HTCs and LIHTCs. Additionally, DeJovine is a Housing Credit Certified Professional and has taken the lead on several compliance service engagements, primarily focusing on tenant file compliance. DeJovine received a bachelor’s degree in business from Ohio University, a master’s degree in accountancy from Cleveland State University and is licensed in Ohio as a certified public accountant.

Derrickson specializes in audit and tax services for affordable housing real estate partnerships, including those subject to the auditing requirements of HUD, nonprofit organizations and public housing authorities. In addition, he has extensive knowledge in audit consulting services, such as audit preparation and assembly. He received his bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Denver and a master’s degree in accountancy from Texas State University and is licensed as a certified public accountant in Texas.

Fry provides financial statement audits, tax return preparation, final cost certifications and consulting services. Fry has extensive experience working with real estate developers, community development entities, lenders and investors on the structuring and financing of more than $1 billion of NMTC allocation, in addition to structuring and financing the HTC, RETCs and opportunity zones (OZ) transactions. These transactions include preparing financial forecasts that reflect the forecasted sources and uses of cash, net operating income, taxable income, summary of tax benefits available to the investor and estimated tax credits for the deal. He received his bachelor’s degree from Walsh University. Fry is licensed in Ohio as a certified public accountant.

Goricki is primarily involved in accounting, auditing, taxation, consulting and compliance within the NMTC and HTC industries. She also works extensively in NMTC and community development entity certification applications and is a contributor to the monthly Novogradac Journal of Tax Credits. Before joining Novogradac, she had several years of experience with regional CPA firms, providing audit, accounting, tax and business advisory services to investment companies, contractors, health care organizations, small businesses and nonprofit organizations. She received a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Ohio University and is licensed in Ohio as a certified public accountant.

Graff works extensively with real estate lower-tier and fund partnership audits and taxation, as well as various GAAP and program compliance consulting engagements involving NMTC, HTCs, RETCs and the OZ incentive. Additionally, Graff has experience with federal and state historic cost certifications, financial modeling, and agreed-upon procedures engagements involving safe harbor compliance and reporting. He has also assisted with due diligence services on several affordable housing sale/purchase transactions. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Ohio University and is licensed as a certified public accountant in Ohio.

Ives specializes in NMTCs, HTCs, RETCs and LIHTCs. In addition to providing various consulting services, he works extensively on financial statement audits, tax return preparation, final cost certifications, financial forecasts and agreed-upon procedures engagements. Before joining Novogradac, Ives was an accounting manager at U.S. Bank Community Development Corporation. Before that, he was a senior accountant with a regional certified public accounting firm in St. Louis, where he served clients in the manufacturing, construction and real estate industries. Ives received a master’s degree in accounting at Northeastern University and is licensed in Massachusetts and Missouri as a certified public accountant.

Since beginning her career with Novogradac in 2007, Neff has gained an extensive background in real estate partnership audits, federal and state partnership taxation, and compliance matters related to the NMTC, LIHTC and investment tax credit industries. Additionally, Neff works with nonprofit organizations, performing audits of such entities and their federal awards. Neff has participated as a panelist at Novogradac’s NMTC conference workshops and is a regular presenter for the company’s in-house training courses. She is a part-time accounting professor at Kent State University, her alma mater, from which she holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a master’s degree in accounting. She is licensed as a CPA in Ohio.

Power specializes in NMTCs, HTCs and OZ transactions. Power works extensively on financial statement audits, tax return preparation, cost certification audits, compliance reporting and NMTC allocation applications. He has contributed to various publications including the Novogradac Journal of Tax Credits and is a frequent speaker at conferences on topics related to the NMTC and HTC industries. He received a bachelor’s degree in accounting and finance and a master’s degree in business administration from Walsh University. Power is licensed in Ohio as a certified public accountant.

Sherrard has several years of experience in providing tax, audit, forecasting and consulting services to real estate partnerships. Sherrard works with the LIHTC, HTC, tax-exempt bond-financed developments, nonprofits and developments subject to the auditing requirements of HUD. He works with operating partnerships, upper-tier tax credit equity funds, real estate developers and tax credit syndicators. Sherrard received his master’s degree in accountancy and bachelor’s degree in business administration from Bowling Green State University. He is licensed as a certified public accountant in Ohio.

About Novogradac

Novogradac recently celebrated its 30th year in business, having opened in 1989 and has grown to more than 750 employees and partners with offices in more than 25 cities. Tax, audit and consulting specialty practice areas for Novogradac include affordable housing, opportunity zones, community development, historic rehabilitation and renewable energy.

For additional information on Novogradac’s personnel and areas of expertise, visit http://www.novoco.com or call (415) 356-8000.

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