Past Young Leaders: Where Are They Now?

Becoming the CFO at Petroleum Products in the Fall of 2010

Just recently I completed the "Dopey Challenge" at Disney World in January of 2019.  It's a series of four races on four consecutive days, progressing from a 5K, 10K, half marathon and finally to a full marathon: 48.6 miles in four days.

I was fortunate to be promoted to the CFO role at Petroleum Products, which I held from 2010 to 2015.  When the company was sold, I converted that role into a VP of Finance role from 2016 to 2019.  As of Feb. 26, 2019, I became the CFO of RKL LLP based in Lancaster.

As the CFO/VP of Finance of Petroleum Products, I had an opportunity to lead the finance department from being privately owned to being owned by a private equity firm. The financial reporting process was much more involved, and we had to build back the finance department as there were only two of us who carried over to the new ownership.  Along the way, I enjoyed being more involved in the operational side of the business. This helped improve the financial reporting process for the company.

There are many people who have had an impact, but the one who was most impactful over the past decade was Bob Bost, former president of Petroleum Products Corp.  Through our relationship, he taught me how to view things from different perspectives and the value of involving and keeping people informed throughout the organization. 

The Annual Chapter Meeting

Obtaining my IFRS Certification and being recognized on the AICPA Certificate Wall of Fame

Seeing my daughter graduate college in Rome, Italy

PICPA Day on the Hill

Becoming President and CEO of Wessel & Company

Raising my three boys with my wife Jenn. Kaden age 11, Gabe age nine, and Cooper age seven.

Both of my parents. They taught me the value of hard work, to build relationships, to be a team player, and to look for the best in everyone.

In 2011, I was promoted to Shareholder at Buckno Lisicky & Company, a firm going into it’s 50th year of serving the Lehigh Valley.

Watching my children grow into beautiful young adults achieving success in their lives.  My son is a graduate of Rutgers University (my alma mater); he is working as a software developer in downtown Allentown where he currently resides.  My daughter is a sophomore at Shippensburg University and is working towards a degree in physical therapy with a minor in gerontology.

I am currently the chairperson of our firm’s personnel committee; I enjoy this role because it gives me the ability to directly assist our younger staff with their career path within the firm.

Starting my own firm, Chad Brzezinski, CPA, PLLC, to provide tax, accounting, and other advisory services to businesses and individuals in multiple states.

My Mom and Dad taught me that there are no shortcuts in life.  As a result, I learned the importance of a good work ethic.  They also stressed the importance of being a good listener.  By listening, I cultivated strong one-on-one relationships with clients and coworkers that positively impacted the workplace and clients.

The Annual Chapter Meeting

The launch of my firm’s ERISA Center of Excellence. Being involved in the creation and content design was an incredible experience. I was able to interact with individuals outside of my industry and department and expand my knowledge in areas that were new to me.

I have run every "Hot Chocolate 15K" in Philadelphia since the inaugural race in 2014.

My last promotion was in July 2016 to regional practice leader for audits of employee benefit plans. This new role allows me the opportunity to travel and interact with my colleagues and clients from other offices.

The Greater Philadelphia Successful Candidates Reception. This is an amazing event celebrating individuals who passed the CPA Exam.

When I was selected for the award, I was pregnant with my first child and was celebrating my 5th wedding anniversary with my wonderful and supportive husband.  I was the corporate accounting manger for Knouse Foods.  In January 2015, I was promoted to assistant treasurer.  In the fall of 2016, I reunited with a former principal from BSSF, and this led me to an opportunity to become a controller at Morefield Communications.  I accepted the position and was promoted to CFO in the fall of 2017.  Being promoted to CFO was the proudest moment of my career.  I have worked hard to earn this designation.

I am proud of the family I have created with my husband.  We have two beautiful and healthy children, Mason nine and Addison six.  My husband Tony and I are celebrating our 15th wedding anniversary this year. Nowadays, that is a MAJOR accomplishment.

In my current position, I help my organization grow each year.  By bringing accounting education to every level of the organization, we are all better at making decisions to move the company forward.  I enjoy showing my co-workers the “behind the scenes” look at how their decisions affect the financials.  When I started at Morefield, this was a black box and only limited information was cascaded throughout the organization.  We now show these financials, and I help everyone to understand the complicated figures.

There have been many influential people in my career. It all started with my mom, and she will always be my biggest supporter.  The CFO of Knouse Foods, Tom DeNisco, also challenged me and helped me develop my skills in private accounting.  As for leadership, Arlene Jennings was the biggest influence.  She was a manager at Knouse Foods and continued to mentor me when I moved to Morefield Communications.  Her experiences helped to teach me how to deal with employees, executive teams, and everyone in an organization.

It has to be the Leadership Conference. Each year I learn information that helps me grow professionally and personally. It is also a great way to reconnect with people I have worked with throughout the years.

Executive Director: Compliance - Market Expansion at JPMorgan Chase & Co., New York, NY

As a leader in the organization, it is my role to look at growth holistically: our people, products, systems, processes, customer base, and regulatory expectations. It takes time, discipline, and a great deal of analysis, but it is key to ensuring the organization's long-term success.

I started my career in public accounting at Ernst & Young LLP, and the partners played a huge role in shaping my development as a professional. I can name but a few: Bill Kane, Jay Ridder, Marty Connor and Lisa Young all demonstrated a steadfast commitment to integrity, fairness, responsibility, and knowledge of the subject matter that I have taken to heart.

The PICPA Insurance Conference brings together so many good speakers. It's an outstanding event.

Being promoted to principal in my firm

Being a father to my son and daughter

The Annual Meeting.  It's a chance to network and catch up with fellow leaders in the profession who I don’t get a chance to interact with on a daily basis.

This actually happened last year... I was asked to participate in a large fundraiser for one of my clients, Allied Services. It's one of their main fundraisers, Ryan’s Run. When I agreed, I committed myself to personally raising funds for children and adults with disabilities as well as running the 2018 NYC Marathon. 

So I kicked off my campaign by spreading the word and holding several fundraisers.  I also started training hard to complete the marathon.  After several months and many miles later, I completed my first marathon on Nov. 4 in the great NYC.  Not only was that an accomplishment, but I also raised over $12,800 to help children and adults with disabilities.  I am so thankful for the opportunity and the support in changing lives.  While it isn’t a debit and credit accomplishment, it was my career that gave me this opportunity.

I don’t remember what level I was when I received the award, but I am currently a senior manager in audit and not-for-profit tax at Baker Tilly.  I have been recently identified to lead the Hospital and Health System Not-for-Profit Tax Practice for Baker Tilly when Julius Green (PICPA president 2015-2016) retires.

The annual Day at Hershey Park.  It is the light at the end of the tunnel in winter busy season.  As the weather is finally getting warm, I take my family every year and we really enjoy the day.

Being named a partner in my firm. I am very proud in general of the growth my firm has experienced over the last several years.

Although it's hard to select one person who has had an impact on me as a leader, my current partner Kelly Berfield is one who immediately comes to mind.  Kelly has mentored me since I arrived at my firm. Since I started, she has been an inspiration to me about what is possible as a woman in the field of public accounting.

Being awarded tenure at Thiel College, both my employer and alma mater

Passing the CPA Exam. The number of hours that go into preparation and the intensity of the actual exam shouldn’t be taken lightly, and once you’ve achieved those letters after your name it truly means something.

I’m still employed at Thiel College as an associate professor in the Business Administration and Accounting Department. I was recently was given the honor to serve as an associate chair of the department.

In my current role I attend admissions events — visit days, scholarship days, etc. —to help recruit students. I also serve as an advisor to students in the department to help their course selection for the semester and advance their ultimate goal of graduating.

There are two gentlemen, David Miller and Gary Witosky, I currently work with who have mentored me and helped guide my path as not only an educator but as a leader.  They have shown me how to be professional, respectful, and diplomatic, and how to handle difficult situations without compromising my beliefs or integrity.  I attribute much of my success in the classroom  to them. As I navigate my new position as associate chair, I know they’ll be behind me and help me as needed.

I really enjoy attending the Educator’s Conference held in Hershey each year. The speakers are informative and engaging and thoughtfully address the current issues we face as educators.

Co-leading our employee benefit plan services group. It has been an honor, a welcome challenge, and a gratifying process to invest in our team and watch our practice grow. 

In 2017, I advanced to become one of Boyer and Ritter’s 16 principals, one of only three women in the role.

I am a determined problem solver and believe there are no roadblocks but only challenges to overcome. I embrace the importance of collaboration and commit to helping others find pathways to success. By lifting those around me, I am able to strengthen our entire organization. 

My co-practice leader, Kim Williams, is an amazing professional. Collaborating with someone day in and day out who puts mission before ego, communicates well, is ambitious, open-minded, and goal-focused opens up tremendous opportunity in my life. 

I had the opportunity to join Holsinger accounting firm (Wexford) as a manager in November 2014 to strengthen the business valuation/M&A group. I have since been promoted to senior manager.

My knowledge and skill set gave us the ability to take on larger and more complex projects in business valuation, M&A and consulting - leading to growth in other areas as well. I have also taken charge of our annual CPE Day for Friends of the Firm, increasing attendance from 10 to over 120. My role, along with others within the firm, has helped Holsinger grow in standing and reputation in the region.

I’ll mention Tom Krahe, shareholder at Holsinger, for bringing me to the firm and providing the guidance, autonomy, and the resources necessary to be a leader in our business valuation and M&A group and firm in general. An understanding of my strengths (and weaknesses, if any – ha!) allows me to do what I like to do. I’ll also mention Dave Kaplan, shareholder at BDO (formerly Alpern Rosenthal), for being a critical person in my early development and growth and teaching me to recognize my skill set and use it to the best of my ability.

The annual PICPA Leadership Conference; getting to meet people, listen to good speakers. I always make plans for an enjoyable weekend in that area of the state prior to the Monday conference.