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REDW LLC, one of the Southwest’s 10 largest certified public accounting and business consulting firms, is pleased to announce that Steve Cogan has been elected managing principal. Steve will succeed Ron Rivera, who has served as firm-wide managing principal for the past 15 years.

“I am both humbled and honored to be chosen by our principal group to lead REDW,†Steve commented. “Following Ron and continuing to honor the legacy of Sanford Rogoff will be a challenging task, but I am looking forward to the opportunity to lead the Firm as we grow together, work together and serve together.â€

The managing principal transition follows a well-coordinated succession planning process. REDW’s governance structure calls for the election of the managing principal every three years. Steve was elected in late 2015; he will assume responsibilities effective May 1, 2016. Ron had previously announced his plan to retire within three to five years.

Steve, who joined REDW in 1992 and became a principal of the Firm in 2000, will continue to work closely with Ron over the next few months to ensure the smooth and seamless transition of responsibilities and continuity in the Firm’s operations and strategic direction. Ron will remain active full-time in the Firm but will devote more time to serving clients, mentoring team members, growing the commercial practice by overseeing the consulting, outsourcing and accounting services, and participating in community service efforts.

During his tenure as managing principal, Ron guided REDW to significant growth, tripling its size by revenues, CPA headcount and total headcount. Under his leadership, the Firm maintained its Southwestern roots while establishing a national profile and opening an office in the Phoenix market. During this stretch, the Firm also became the 115th largest CPA firm by revenue in the nation, and one of the largest in the Southwest. Additionally, REDW was named among the 10 Fastest Growing CPA Firms in the nation in 2010 and 2014, according to Inside Public Accounting (2010) and AccountingToday.com (2014).

“We’ve seen unprecedented change in our profession over the past two decades. Despite some exceptional challenges and volatility in our economy, we were able to remain true to our core values and strategic direction,†Ron stated. “The Firm’s footprint expansion, combined with a strong value-oriented culture, make REDW an increasingly attractive destination for professionals and clients who seek a more efficient, yet sophisticated platform of delivering accounting, audit, tax and a wide range of financial and consulting services, including outsourcing,†Ron continued.

“REDW is a growing, dynamic firm and Steve is poised to continue to carry out our strategic vision and maintain our strong financial and operational position,†Ron added. “The timing is ideal and will best serve the Firm and our clients as we look to the next decade and beyond.â€

Steve will leverage the experience gained through his service as a member of the Firm’s Board of Directors, a senior member of the Audit & Consulting practice, head of the Firm’s Healthcare Industry and Internal Audit practices, and his leadership on a variety of local social service, cultural, industry and economic development boards.

“Ron has done a terrific job, and thanks to his leadership and business acumen, the Firm has grown to a market-leading position, offering diverse, integrated services to organizations and individuals,†Steve said. “It’s an exciting time to begin serving REDW in this new capacity, and I plan to build on Ron’s accomplishments and continue the Firm’s commitment to building trusting relationships based on integrity, accountability and shared values, and by helping our clients and each other succeed.â€

REDW LLC, one of the Southwest’s 10 largest certified public accounting and business consulting firms also known for its long tradition of rewarding team members’ professional achievements and commitment to client service, has promoted eight team members in its Albuquerque, NM office:

Antonio Flores, CPA, MBA, MACC, to Senior Business Software Consultant in REDW’s Albuquerque office.  Antonio specializes in database management, nonprofit accounting software, and Abila MIP Fund Accounting implementations. As an experienced software professional and trainer, he helps individuals from a variety of businesses, tribal governments, and other organizations, implement and ensure they get the most value from their accounting systems and software investments.  He holds a Master of Business Administration in Finance and a Master in Accounting from the University of New Mexico.

Rufino Rodriguez, CPA, to Audit and Consulting Manager in REDW’s Albuquerque office. With over eight years of experience in public accounting, Rufino provides financial, internal control compliance, and operational performance audit and evaluation services to a variety of governmental entities. He holds a Bachelor degree in Accounting from the University of New Mexico. Rufino is a member of the Association of Latino Professionals in Finance and Accounting (ALPFA).

Jonathan Rothweiler, to Audit and Consulting Manager in REDW’s Albuquerque office. Jonathan serves a wide variety of clients in different capacities, including financial and compliance audits, examination of internal controls, and agreed-upon procedures engagements. Jonathan holds a Bachelor degree in Accounting and Finance from the University of New Mexico.

Lorie Carr, CPA, to Senior Tax Accountant in REDW’s Albuquerque office. She has more than 13 years of experience in tax compliance, technical review and consulting, and auditing. She is a member of the New Mexico Society of Certified Public Accountants, and holds a Bachelor of Linguistics degree from the University of Michigan.

Jen Choi, MBA, to Tax Accountant in REDW’s Albuquerque office. With over three years of public accounting experience and a year at the New Mexico Taxation and Revenue, Tax Fraud Investigation Department (TFID), Jen provides financial and federal compliance audit services to many of the Firm’s tax clients. She holds a Master of Business Administration in Accounting and Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of New Mexico.

Leslie Jiron, to Senior Tax Accountant in REDW’s Albuquerque office. Prior to joining REDW, Leslie served as a Controller for a design firm in Albuquerque, and she brings five years of diverse tax and public accounting experience to the job. Leslie holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Accounting from the University of New Mexico.

Caitlin Locke, CPA, to Senior Tax Accountant in REDW’s Albuquerque office. Caitlin is experienced in tax preparation for nonprofit, corporate, partnership, and individual clients. Before joining the Firm’s tax department, she worked at REDW Stanley Financial Advisors, LLC, the wealth management arm and a subsidiary of REDW LLC. Caitlin holds a Masters of Accounting and Bachelors of Business Administration from the University of New Mexico.

James Ortiz, MSA, to Senior Tax Manager in REDW’s Albuquerque office. With over nine years of experience specializing exclusively in the State and Local Tax (SALT) arena, both in a public accounting role and as a SALT specialist for an international clothing retailer, James has dealt with sales and use tax compliance for every state in the USA and Canada. In addition, James spent four years working at the New Mexico Taxation & Revenue Department in a variety of roles, including serving as an auditor in the Audit & Compliance Division. James holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the University of New Mexico and Masters of Science in Accountancy from the University of Phoenix.

REDW LLC, one of the Southwest’s 10 largest certified public accounting and business consulting firms, is pleased to announce the addition of five new team members to its Albuquerque and Phoenix Offices.

Ryan Hart, CPA, PFS, CFP® joined the Tax department in the Phoenix office in November 2015 as Senior Accountant.   He joins us most recently from Hart & Associates, LLC, an advisory firm he founded in 2011where he offered clients financial planning and tax consulting services. His professional expertise includes tax planning, estate planning and fiduciary tax preparation. Ryan holds two bachelor degrees, a Bachelor of Science in Accountancy, including a Certificate in Public Accounting, and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (Business Economics) both from Northern Arizona University. He is an active member of the Arizona Society of Certified Public Accountant (ASCPA), the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) and Scottsdale Airpark Rotary Club.

Jeffery Bridgens, CPA, joined the Audit and Consulting department in the Phoenix office in October 2015 as a Senior Audit Manager. He has 14 years of professional experience in manufacturing/distribution, retail, not-for-profit, higher education, employee benefit plans and government agencies. Jeff holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Oregon and is a member of the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA).

Pauline Tang joined the Audit and Consulting department in the Phoenix office in December 2015 as an Audit Associate. She is a CPA candidate (FAR BEC passed) and has two years of diverse tax and public accounting experience, most recently from an accounting firm where she provided consulting services related to risk assessment and pre-audit preparation. Pauline holds a Master of Accountancy from Arizona State University, and a Bachelor of Management from Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing, China.

Valerie Livingston joined the Audit and Consulting department in the Albuquerque office in January 2016 as an Accounting Specialist. She has nearly 10 years of experience working for leading national consulting firms where she provided accounting services as a program analyst and comptroller to clients in the public school, local government, and aerospace industries. Valerie holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Devry University in Irving, Texas. She is currently pursuing her Masters in Accounting.

REDW LLC, one of the Southwest’s 10 largest certified public accounting and business consulting firms, is pleased to announce the promotions of Robert Latimer as Chief Trading Officer and Daniel Yu as Chief Investment Officer at REDW Stanley Financial Advisors, LLC (REDW Stanley), an SEC registered subsidiary of REDW LLC, also based in Albuquerque.

“We are pleased to have Robert and Daniel as committed leaders and advisers to all of us,†said Ginny Stanley, Principal and head of REDW Stanley, the Wealth Management arm of REDW. “Their dedication to our finance team expands our depth of expertise in the investment area, which will no doubt serve as a key factor in the Firm’s commitment to client service and growth,†noted Stanley.

Robert Latimer, MBA, AIF® provides investment analysis, portfolio management and wealth management services to a wide range of clients. In addition, Robert has specialized training and experience in fraud and forensic accounting. A registered investment advisor, Robert holds the Series 65 securities license. Robert completed his MBA in Finance at the University of New Mexico, and his Bachelor degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in Economics at the George Washington University, Washington, D.C.

Daniel Yu, CFA® joined the firm in 2013. He has 18 years of investment experience and oversees the Firm’s strategic investment research and the financial planning team. His extensive experience includes 13 years as a research director at a national investment firm that spanned traditional and alternative investment strategies. Daniel earned a Bachelor degree in Business Administration with a major in Finance from the University of Richmond, VA.

REDW LLC, one of the Southwest’s 10 largest certified public accounting and business consulting firms, is pleased to announce that Stephen T. Harris, CPA, will receive the Arizona Society of Certified Public Accountants (ASCPA) Life Member Award.  He will be the only accounting professional to receive this prestigious honor in 2016. The award recognizes members of the Society who have distinguished themselves by rendering valuable service to the accounting profession.

This year, Harris is the 57th Life Member. He has been an ASCPA member for over 25 years, and is well respected in the organization and in other professional communities. On May 19, 2016, ASCPA will present the award at the Annual Meeting and Award Luncheon at the Arizona Biltmore Resort.

“We are thrilled to see Steve recognized for his contributions to the CPA profession,†said Mike Allen, REDW Principal and Head of the Firm’s Audit and Consulting practice. “Throughout his career, he has demonstrated exemplary commitment to integrity, technical competence, and diversity in the profession while inspiring peers and younger accountants alike to take an active leadership role in safeguarding the duties and core values of the profession,†Allen added.

Since joining the ASCPA almost 30 years ago, Harris has also volunteered his time and expertise through service on other professional organizations, including the Technical Committee, the Arizona State Board of Accountancy (ASBA) Audit and Accounting Standards Committee, and the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA).

REDW LLC, one of the largest and most respected certified public accounting and business consulting firms in the Southwest, is pleased to announce the promotion of three dedicated and talented team members to Principal: Anthony Gerlach in REDW’s Phoenix office; Mustafa Kamal in the firm’s Albuquerque office; and Paul Madrid at REDW Stanley Financial Advisors LLC, a subsidiary of REDW LLC, also based in Albuquerque.

“We are delighted to welcome these outstanding individuals to the Principal group,†said Ron Rivera, REDW’s Managing Principal. “This promotion recognizes not only their achievements but also their deep commitment to our clients, our profession and to the high standards of excellence for which our firm is known. As important, it demonstrates our commitment to smooth succession and confidence in the future growth of the Firm,†added Rivera.

“Tony is a highly valued member of our Audit & Consulting team, particularly for the close and trusted relationships he has built working with Native American tribes,†said Mike Allen, REDW Principal and head of the firm’s Audit & Consulting department. “Throughout his career, Tony has been committed to helping tribal entities strengthen their internal controls and establish sound financial management,†added Allen.

“Kamal has played a significant role in making REDW’s Business Software Solutions a thriving practice within the firm and throughout the Southwest,†said Carol Cochran, fellow REDW Principal and former head of the firm’s Business Software Solutions group. “Kamal has become a well-respected professional in the industry—and his clients appreciate the knowledge, insight, and wit he brings to every engagement,†added Cochran.

“Paul Madrid’s rapid advancement to firm Principal is due, not only to the intellect and sound judgement he demonstrates daily, but especially to the exceptional service he provides to clients,†said Ginny Stanley, Principal and head of REDW Stanley Financial Advisors LLC (REDW Stanley), the Wealth Management arm of REDW. “In addition to attending to the needs of his clients, Paul also devotes considerable time and energy to holding seminars for students and the general public on a variety of investment topics,†noted Stanley.

Anthony Gerlach, CPA has more than 15 years of experience in public accounting and specializes in conducting audits of tribal governments, tribal casinos and other business enterprises of Native American tribes. Tony has particular expertise in performing tribal government Single Audits and audits of Class II and Class III tribal casinos, as well as broad industry experience that includes farming, hospitality, retail, construction, and state and local governments. Prior to joining REDW, Tony served as a senior manager at Miller, Allen & Co., P.C., one of the most prominent CPA firms in Arizona, which merged with REDW in November 2012. During his 13 years at Miller, Allen, Tony worked his way from staff-level auditor to senior manager, developing expertise in accounting, financial reporting, employee benefit and retirement plan audits, and Single Audits for a wide range of clients, including tribal governments, casinos and other business enterprises; municipalities and counties; utilities; higher education and school districts; and nonprofit organizations.

Mustafa Kamal, CPA, MBA is a certified Trainer of Abila MIP Fund Accounting Software and Sage Fixed Assets Software who oversees REDW’s thriving Business Software Solutions practice. He has over 15 years of experience providing accounting software solutions and implementation services to clients across a wide range of industries, with a particular emphasis on nonprofit and governmental entities. Kamal joined REDW right out of college as an auditor and worked in the firm’s tax department before finding his niche in 2000, when he moved into REDW’s Business Software group. Bringing a unique combination of professional experience and business acumen as both a CPA and MBA, Kamal has managed over 70 software implementations for various nonprofits, tribal governments and related organizations, to become a leading figure in the community of software solution providers.

Paul Madrid, CFA®, CFP®, AIF® has been committed to providing adept, attentive service to his clients since joining REDW Stanley in 2008. As a Chartered Financial Analyst® (CFA®) charterholder, Certified Financial Planner® (CFP®), and Accredited Investment Fiduciary® (AIF®), his experience ranges from working with individual clients to large institutions with assets over $19 billion. Paul acts as an investment consultant with large government institutions and with Native American tribes by providing support to internal audit services, assistance with investment policies, asset allocation design, and reviews of investment providers. In addition, Paul’s activities include research, investment analysis and portfolio management, providing client service, and conducting seminars for clients, students and the general public. As a Principal and former Chief Investment Officer, Paul is a voting member of the REDW Stanley Investment Committee and helps lead the investment process.

REDW LLC, one of the Southwest’s 10 largest and most respected accounting and business consulting firms, is pleased to announce that Julia Martinez, CPA, has earned the Certified Construction Industry Financial Professional (CCIFP) designation awarded by The Institute of Certified Construction Industry Financial Professionals (ICCIFP). The CCIFP designation demonstrates commitment to excellence in construction industry financial management and dedication to continuing education and quality improvement.

Julia successfully completed stringent examination and joins an elite group of more than 900 professionals who are certified nationwide, and only 68% of them are CPAs. Established in 2003, CCIFP is the only standard to recognize financial professionals with a superior understanding of the industry’s financial opportunities and challenges. To earn the designation, an applicant must serve in a professional financial role for a construction contractor or an accounting and/or financial service provider to the industry and pass a comprehensive exam. To maintain this certification, members are required to complete ongoing continuing education in the field of construction financial management.

“Congratulations to Julia for passing the rigorous Certified Construction Industry Financial Professional exam and gaining her CCIFP designation,†said Mike Allen, REDW Principal and Head of the Audit and Consulting practice. “We appreciate all of her efforts in obtaining the CCIFP designation and her continued commitment to providing specialized expertise to the construction industry.  Equipped with this new designation, Julia can not only continue to provide timely and relevant solutions to our construction clients, but also offer a new level of credibility and competitive edge to the construction industry as whole.â€

Julia is a Senior Audit Associate in REDW’s Audit and Consulting department with over 10 years of experience in public and private accounting services. With a particular focus on the construction and real estate industries, Julia provides financial statement compilation, budgets, cash management, general ledger, and audit preparation services.

REDW LLC, one of the Southwest’s 10 largest certified public accounting and business consulting firms, is pleased to announce Steve Harris, CPA, Principal of the Phoenix office, was recently appointed to the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) Technical Standards Subcommittee for the 2015-2016 term. The role of the subcommittee is to investigate complaints related to technical issues that potentially violate the AICPA’s Code of Professional Conduct.

“I commend Steve for being invited to join this elite and talented group of accounting professionals,†said Mike Allen, Principal and Head of REDW’s Audit and Consulting practice. “Steve’s appointment is a testament to his passion for technical competency and dedication to advancing the field.  “I know he will not only be a strong asset to the AICPA in this role, but also a role model to the entire accounting profession,†Allen added.

Steve has been a member of the AICPA since 1988.  The AICPA Technical Standards Subcommittee is a part of the AICPA’s Professional Ethics Division, a senior committee for auditing and quality control applicable to the performance and issuance of audit and verification of reports for private entities.

Steve has over 30 years of experience performing auditing and tax services, and leads the REDW’s audit practice in the Phoenix office. In addition, he serves on the Arizona State Board of Accountancy’s Auditing and Accounting Standards Committee.  Prior to joining REDW, Steve was a partner at Miller, Allen & Co., P.C., a prominent Phoenix-based CPA firm which merged with REDW LLC in November 2012.