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REDW Attracts Top Talent in New Mexico

Albuquerque, NM — November 17, 2021 — REDW has recently onboarded two outstanding senior-level professionals in the areas of Client Advisory & Accounting Services and Audit & Assurance: Christina Fumagalli, CPA; and Shantelle Turner, CPA, CIA, CFE, respectively. After welcoming several noteworthy professionals this past summer, the firm is clearly maintaining its momentum as one of the largest and fastest-growing certified public accounting and business advisory firms in the Southwest.

The ability to attract top talent in New Mexico bolsters REDW’s own support of local and multi-state companies that benefit by the top-notch business advisory services the firm provides. REDW has not only earned 2021 Top Workplace honors in both New Mexico and Arizona, but has also received Cultural Excellence awards in the areas of Compensation and Formal Training.

Client Advisory & Accounting Services (CAAS)

Cristina Fumagalli, CPA
Outsourced Controller

Cristina Fumagalli helps businesses develop high-performing and competent accounting practices as an Outsourced Controller on REDW’s Client Advisory & Accounting Services team. With over 20 years of financial management experience, Cristina operates as a strategic growth partner to small and mid-size businesses. She has productively guided organizations, at various stages in the business cycle, in the finance, technology, and manufacturing sectors. Cristina is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in New Mexico, and graduated summa cum laude from Furman University in South Carolina with her Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Business Administration.

Audit & Assurance

Shantelle Turner, CPA, CIA, CFE
Internal Audit Manager

As an Internal Audit Manager with REDW’s Audit & Assurance team, Shantelle helps businesses and organizations ensure compliance with laws and regulations, maintain accurate and timely financial reporting, and identify and correct operational lapses before they are discovered in an external audit. With over 10 years of management consulting and auditing experience, Shantelle brings diverse expertise in government, academia, public accounting, and the oil and gas industries to REDW’s clients. Shantelle earned both her Master of Science in Accounting and Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Oklahoma City University and is a CPA, as well as a Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) and Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE).

REDW believes that a career worth pursuing is a dynamic one, filled with opportunities at all levels—and we’re hiring. Visit REDW.com/careers for more information on our Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma and remote opportunities.

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REDW CPA Makes Significant Impact in New Mexico Community

Tamara Beall, CPA, REDW CPAs and Advisors

Tamara Beall, CPA

Albuquerque, NM — October 22, 2021 — Tamara Beall has remained committed to making meaningful impact to the New Mexico community throughout the last decade. Serving on boards for adult literacy programs, women’s empowerment, and working as a life mentor to young teens, she has exemplified REDW values all through her career.

Tamara joined REDW as a Tax Manager in 2019 and has served on the Board of Directors of the New Mexico Society of CPAs (NMSCPA) for several years. She is now in her second tour as President, and current Acting Treasurer, of Read West, an organization focused on supporting parent and family literacy in the Bernalillo and Sandoval Counties in New Mexico. Tamara has also served on the Board of Women to Be, a New Mexican non-profit public health organization serving women around the world, and spent time as a life mentor to teen mothers and children ages 4 to 18.

With much pride, REDW CPAs and Advisors is excited to announce that Tamara has been awarded the Outstanding Member in Community Service Award by the New Mexico Society of CPAs (NMSCPA). The community service award is given to a NMSCPA Member who is distinguished by their outstanding commitment, service and contribution to the New Mexico community. Tamara’s award comes as part of the NMSCPA’s annual Pride in the Profession Luncheon, coming up on November 5 at Sandia Resort and Casino.

As a member of the NMSCPA, Tamara was nominated by her peers and selected by the Awards Committee as 2021’s winner. Her award will be officially granted at the upcoming November luncheon alongside the following NMSCPA members:

  • Miranda M. Jijana – Outstanding Member in Public Practice
  • Ratigan Heenan – Outstanding New Member
  • Belinda C. Melton – Women to Watch, Experienced Leader
  • Chauna King – Women to Watch, Emerging Leader
  • Kharyn L. Cover – Lifetime Achievement Award
  • Stephanie Catasca – Lifetime Achievement Award

The REDW team is proudly celebrating this accomplishment for Tamara, and most of all her consistent and meaningful contributions to the New Mexico community throughout the years.

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REDW’s Hattie Mitchell Appointed to Oklahoma State University Tribal Finance & Accounting Advisory Board

Albuquerque, NM | Phoenix, AZ — September 13, 2021 — REDW LLC, one of the Southwest’s largest and fastest growing certified public accounting and business advisory firms, also nationally recognized as the premier firm serving Tribes and tribal enterprises, is honored to recognize the appointment of Hattie Mitchell to the Oklahoma State University (OSU) Tribal Finance and Accounting Advisory Board.

Hattie Mitchell is a member of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation (PBPN) and will succeed Corrine Wilson, REDW Principal and National Tribal Practice Co-Leader, on the Advisory Board. Wilson was a core proponent and developer of the OSU Tribal Finance and Accounting program, helping it quickly grow into the acclaimed program it is today. Tribal accounting includes elements of both traditional government and for-profit operations with many additional unique challenges.

The nationally recognized OSU Spears School of Business Tribal Financial and Accounting program works to enhance the financial acumen of tribal leaders and tribal employees through virtual and in-person certification programs and conferences. Its Introductory Tribal Finance and Accounting Certificate program won the prestigious 2021 Native American Finance Officers Association (NAFOA) Education Program of the Year award.

In addition to serving on the board, Hattie Mitchell actively teaches workshops and seminars within the many OSU Tribal Finance and Accounting programs. Bolstered by her personal experience, Mitchells’ courses provide deep insights and include leadership training in grant management, structuring internal controls, and provide compliance and taxation guidance.

Hattie Mitchell joined the REDW Phoenix office serving tribes and tribal enterprises following tribal controller and other positions with tribes and organizations throughout the country. Mitchell earned a Bachelors in Business Administration with emphasis in Accounting and Finance from Washburn University in Topeka, Kansas. She is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE). Mitchell was elected Tribal Treasurer of Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation from 2012 through 2016 and currently serves as the Treasurer for the Native American Finance Officers Association (NAFOA) and Treasurer for the Prairie Band Potawatomi Entertainment Corporation.

The team at REDW greatly appreciates the commitment that Corrine Wilson made to develop the OSU Tribal Finance and Accounting program and is excited to continue her legacy with Hattie Mitchell’s service on the Tribal Finance and Accounting Advisory Board. Mitchell’s devoted service to Native American tribes, both directly in her work and through educating the community, help to develop strong financial management and effective decision making.

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News

REDW Wins Top Workplace Awards in BOTH Arizona & New Mexico


Albuquerque, NM | Phoenix, AZ — August 30, 2021 — REDW LLC, one of the Southwest’s largest and fastest growing certified public accounting and business advisory firms, is excited to have been awarded Top Workplace 2021 honors for both the state of Arizona and the state of New Mexico. AZCentral and The Albuquerque Journal also recognized REDW with special Cultural Excellence awards in Compensation and Formal Training categories.

See Current Career Opportunities @REDW

Top Workplace awards are based solely on anonymously gathered employee feedback from science-based survey questions administered by the third party technology company, Energage LLC. The surveys focus on 15 cultural drivers that measure alignment between the employees and employers, confidence in leadership, and their commitment to a strong workplace culture. Organizations are evaluated against industry benchmarks based on Energage’s 15 years of research and data collected from 70,000 organizations and 23 million employee surveys.

“REDW receiving Cultural Excellence awards is particularly encouraging to me,†said Steve Cogan, CPA, REDW Managing Principal. “It’s great to know our team sees the investment REDW puts into sharing our success and developing careers.”

“Our entrepreneurial culture means adapting to the changing business climate and to employee suggestions for continuously improving training, coaching, and benefits. A strong purpose and values based culture combined with learning and leadership development are essential to growing careers and serving our clients and community.â€

Research by Energage found that companies who win Top Workplace awards have employees that are 3.5 times more likely to strongly agree that their workplaces do things efficiently and well, are 25% more likely to describe their work cultures as being quality and impactful, and have more than double the rate of engaged employees compared with average organizations.

Mike Allen, CPA, Principal-in-Charge of the REDW Phoenix office believes that the firm’s commitment to purpose-driven values is a strong factor in winning the Top Workplace Awards for both Arizona and New Mexico.

“At REDW, we listen to our team. We listen to each other. We value every opinion and recognize that we’re stronger because of it. Serving our clients with integrity and intention is essential and we have that same level of respect and involvement within our team, which in turn enables us to better serve our clients.â€

REDW wishes to thank their staff for their commitment to excellence and participation in the Top Workplace survey. Receiving their honest and valuable insight is a cornerstone for continual improvement at REDW.

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REDW Ranks 28th in New Mexico Top Private Companies List

Albuquerque, NM — August 27, 2021 — REDW LLC, a top 200 accounting and advisory firm and New Mexico’s largest locally owned accounting and business advisory firm, has been recognized once again as one of New Mexico’s Top Private Companies, advancing 9 spots this year to #28.

Each year, Albuquerque Business First honors the area’s top private companies via its New Mexico Top Private Companies list. The annual rankings are compiled through a survey sent to New Mexico businesses which asks businesses to provide their revenue for the latest fiscal year. Respondents are then ranked based on revenue amounts.

To make the Top Private Companies list for 2021, businesses had to record a minimum of $5 million in total revenue for 2020. Albuquerque Business First maintains that the list represents a unique look at the most successful and fastest growing businesses in New Mexico.

“We are honored to be ranked amongst some of New Mexico’s most successful and fastest growing businesses,†said Steve Cogan, REDW Managing Principal. “Building a successful business in any year is an outstanding achievement, but growing and succeeding during a pandemic is truly an accomplishment. I’m tremendously proud of our dedicated team and our firm’s focus on making a difference,†said Cogan. “REDW began here more than 65 years ago and is built on integrity, accountability and respect. We are proud to be a home-grown, locally-owned firm and are focused on continuing to do our part to strengthen the New Mexico economy.â€

Today, REDW has grown to support more than 125 jobs in New Mexico. Leaders in the firm prioritize relationships and dedicate time to take care of their valued employees, clients and the community at large. Although listed as a top private company by revenue, REDW is also proud of its legacy of community service. Many REDW leaders and team members provide support to local non-profits and are involved in hands-on work within the community.

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REDW to Host its Annual Tribal Finance & Leadership Conference in the Heart of Indian Country

Update on September 23,2021: Out of an abundance of caution, we have made the difficult decision to postpone the 2021 REDW Tribal Finance and Leadership Conference that was set to take place on November 3-4. Learn more.


August 20, 2021 — Albuquerque, NM — REDW LLC, a top 200 accounting and advisory firm, also recognized as the premier firm serving Indian Country, is excited to welcome back Native American finance and business professionals to its Tribal Finance & Leadership Conference on November 3-4, 2021 at River Spirit Casino Resort, a tribally-owned property of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation. The annual Conference, now in its 12th year, will celebrate “A Time for Gathering Together†and feature the resilience and power of Native American communities in battling the pandemic, all while keeping the health and safety of everyone involved a top priority.

The annual Conference, now in its 12th year, will celebrate “A Time for Gathering Togetherâ€

“Our communities serve as a role model for what can be accomplished when people come together for the greater good,†said Wesley Benally, REDW’s National Tribal Practice Co-Leader and an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation. “It is traditional for Tribes to gather together to celebrate our cultures and renew the strength of our ties and interdependence. The Conference builds on that tradition.â€

The Conference agenda has been carefully designed to address the most pressing issues tribes are currently facing, including timely presentations and interactive sessions on American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) project planning, taxation, effective cash and wealth management, the future of our workforce, remote workplace policies and effective management, cybersecurity, and many other top priority topics, over two days. Tribal leaders, experts and professionals will provide guidance during a number of educational breakout sessions.

Keynote speaker and consultant Priya Parker, acclaimed author of The Art of Gathering, will open the Conference and speak to its main theme. Founder and executive director of IllumiNative and an enrolled member of the Pawnee Nation of Oklahoma, Crystal Echo Hawk, will end with a dynamic and inspirational session on how to create new strategies and investment to catalyze transformational change for and by Native Americans.

Chris Tyhurst, REDW Principal and Conference Co-Chair, said: “We are grateful that our clients and other Native professionals came through the worst of pandemic challenges with grace and dignity. While keeping attendee health and safety a top priority, we offer the Conference as way to counteract the isolation of 2020, as we reconnect and rebuild in 2021 and beyond.â€

Victor Flores, REDW’s new Director of Oklahoma Tribal Services, added: “Following the highly successful opening of our Oklahoma office in late 2020, it is especially gratifying to be able to bring the REDW Tribal Conference to the state for the first time in 11 years. We’re working diligently to ensure we deliver a memorable conference experience, so I can’t wait to welcome and connect with many of my long-time colleagues and respected tribal leaders.â€

Tribal council members, tribal finance and HR leaders, compliance and investment officers, tribal attorneys and other professionals in tribal leadership roles are encouraged to attend. Attendees are eligible to earn CPE credit. Those interested in attending the conference can register now at Registration – REDW 2021 Tribal Finance and Leadership Conference (cvent.com).

For questions or for more information about the Conference, please contact Carla Salizzoni at 505-998-3248 or marketing@redw.com.

For additional educational opportunities, please visit REDW Events.

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REDW Wealth Ranked in Top 150 Leading CPA Financial Planners by Accounting Today

August 13, 2021 — Albuquerque, NM | Phoenix, AZ — REDW Wealth LLC, a SEC-registered investment advisory firm subsidiary of REDW LLC, is pleased to announce that it has again received a recognition from the accounting and financial services industry. Accounting Today lists REDW Wealth among the top 150 firms by assets under management in the Top 150 Firms by AUM by Accounting Today.*

For more than 20 years, REDW Wealth has assisted clients with wealth management, investment management and retirement plan advisory. REDW Wealth advisors offer comprehensive planning designed to grow and protect the client.

“2020 was a difficult year, one none of us will soon forget,†said Paul Madrid, Principal and Wealth Management Practice Leader of REDW Wealth. “Working through a world-wide pandemic was unexpected and challenging, but we did not deviate from our mission and continued to focus on our clients’ interests.”

“We may have had to adjust our approach to communicating with our clients – switching from in-person to virtual – but we worked hard to continue tailoring our services to support our clients. This practice is supported firm-wide by both our leadership and our culture and that makes us stand out from others.â€

Accounting Today received submissions from nearly 200 firms for its 15th annual ranking. REDW Wealth is the only firm in New Mexico in the $500-million-plus category.

For more than 20 years, REDW Wealth has successfully advised some of the wealthiest individuals and families in the Southwest, as well as tribal entities, foundations and corporate clients to build and protect their wealth.


*Ranking Disclosure:
Neither REDW Wealth nor its employees pay a fee to Accounting Today in exchange for inclusion in their 2021 ranking, nor was membership in any organization required. Not all advisors applied to be included in Accounting Today’s ranking, nor did REDW Wealth apply for consideration or inclusion. Firms were ranked by assets under management (AUM) and categorized from those that manage under $100 Million (“The Rising Starsâ€), over $100 Million (“The $100M-Plus Clubâ€), over $500 Million (“The $500M-Plus Clubâ€), and those that manage over $1 Billion (“The 1B-Plus Clubâ€). Accounting Today’s ranking is independently granted and does not evaluate the quality of services provided to clients, nor is it indicative of the REDW Wealth’s future performance; it does not represent a client endorsement.

Accounting Today Disclosure:
For our 15th annual ranking of CPA firms by assets under management, we received submissions from almost 200 firms.  Such a large number of firms means, among other things, wide diversity in practice structure and in the information submitted.  In most cases – but not all – firm names are those of the financial planning subsidiary, not the affiliated CPA firm. Firms have reported either their overall chief executive, or the leader of the planning practice.  For simplicity’s sake, we have listed both under “chief executive,†though many bear different titles. In cases where a leader was not identified, we identified the leader of the planning practice from public sources (usually the firm’s website), where available. Many firms gave a date for the AUM figure they submitted; these varied widely, from the date of submission to a recent quarter-end, but in no case was it earlier than year-end 2020. In cases where a planning firm is a subsidiary of a larger CPA firm, reporting practice varies: Some report staff figures for just the subsidiary, some just for the overall CPA firm, and some for both.  In cases where we had a choice, we published figures from just the planning subsidiary. In addition, while most of the chief executives listed lead the planning practice in some cases firms reported the managing partner of the larger CPA firm. Notes: Data provided by Audit Analytics, a premium online intelligence service that delivers audit, regulator and disclosure analysis to the accounting community. Reach them at (508) 476-7007, www.auditanalytics.com, or info@auditanalytics.com.

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REDW Welcomes Texas-Based Attorney George Rendziperis

George W. Rendziperis, JD

Albuquerque, NM — June 30, 2021 — REDW LLC, one of the Southwest’s 10 largest CPA and business advisory firms, is pleased to announce the addition of respected Austin, Texas-based attorney, George Rendziperis.

Rendziperis specializes in state and local taxes concentrating in tax controversy, audit defense, income/franchise nexus determination and merger and acquisition due diligence. He joins the firm as a Tax Principal and will focus his expertise within REDW’s growing state and local tax (SALT) practice to help businesses manage local taxes in their various locales around the U.S.

“We are thrilled to add George as a Tax Principal with our firm,†said James Ortiz, REDW Principal and SALT Practice Leader. “He brings a broad range of experience to our SALT practice. George’s work as both legal counsel and tax consultant is an excellent addition to REDW and will become a valued resource to our esteemed clients.â€

State and local tax, commonly referred to as SALT, is focused on helping businesses manage the burden and discover opportunities for multistate operations. Every state has unique tax codes and regulations; a SALT consultant is familiar with the variances and can help businesses, particularly those in e-commerce, follow proper procedures and protocols.

“REDW is focused on providing our clients with top-tier services,†said Steve Cogan, REDW Managing Principal. “Our growth is strategic and in direct response to our client’s needs.

“Adding diverse and dynamic talent like George provides REDW the expertise necessary to help our clients meet the challenges of a complex and ever-changing business environment.â€

George holds a Juris Doctor, magna cum laude, from the Michigan State University College of Law, an MS in Finance with a concentration in Corporate Finance from Walsh College and a BA in Economics and Management, Political Science with a concentration in Accounting from Albion College. George was admitted as a member of the State Bar of Michigan in 2000 and since 2019 has been a member of the Texas Comptroller Taxpayer Advocacy Group. Prior to joining REDW, George has held positions with leading tax and consulting firms.

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Podcasts

Insight in Indian Country – Equity Securities in 2021

So, what is an equity security? Stock markets in 2020 and 2021 have been interesting, to say the least. Back on the podcast to discuss the essentials and complexities of equity securities are REDW Wealth Senior Investment Manager Rob Elzholz, and Chief Investment Officer Daniel Yu.

REDW LLC is excited to bring you the first season of the Insight in Indian Country Podcast. We hope you’ll listen in!

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Podcasts

Insight in Indian Country – IT Security Risks Affecting Tribes & Their Financial Information


Cyber attacks are increasing around the world. In this episode, REDW Software and Cybersecurity advisors Mustafa Kamal, CPA, MBA, and Jennifer Moreno, CISA, identify IT security risks affecting Tribes and their financial information. If you need to review the basics of IT security, this one is for you!

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