Timonium, MD — KatzAbosch, one of the region’s leading certified public accounting, tax and consulting firms, announces that three of the firm’s CPAs – Kristin Bailey, Michael Gentry and Claudia Wolter – have earned the Certified Construction Industry Financial Professional (CCIFP) designation, a distinction that shows individuals have met the highest standards of construction financial management. There are less than 20 CCIFPs in the state of Maryland, and only 700 in the United States.

“Earning the CCIFP designation entails a very rigorous exam, and relatively few certified public accountants hold this professional distinction,” said Mark Cissell, CEO and President of KatzAbosch. “This brings the total number of CCIFPs at our firm to six, which demonstrates the added value and industry insight we are able to provide our clients.”

Kristin Bailey is a manager with KatzAbosch and provides a full range of accounting services for clients including business advisory services, tax planning, and accounting and tax services for closely-held businesses and individuals. She is a member of the Construction Services group.

Michael Gentry, a Shareholder with KatzAbosch, is Co-Chair of the Construction Services Group and has provided accounting and tax services to contractors and construction firms for more than 10 years. In addition, Gentry services closely-held businesses in the distribution, healthcare, and transportation sectors.

Claudia Wolter, a Shareholder with KatzAbosch, serves as Co-Chair of the firm’s Accounting and Auditing Services Group, assists in the quality control management and oversight of the firm and is a member of the Construction Services Group. She recently served as a contributing author of “Construction Accounting,” an in-depth guide to construction financial and accounting issues for attorneys distributed by the American Bar Association.

Timonium, MD — Regional certified public accounting, tax, and consulting firm KatzAbosch announces that Kent Thomas, CPA, CCIFP has been asked to serve as an advisor to the Finance Committee for The Building Congress & Exchange Foundation (BCEF). The Finance Committee oversees BCEF’s investment portfolio and strategies and reports to the Foundation’s Board of Directors. Thomas is just one of three advisors serving in that capacity.

Thomas, a Shareholder with KatzAbosch, joined the firm in 1984. He currently serves as Co- Chair of the Construction and Real Estate Services Group and has provided accounting and tax services to contractors and construction firms for more than 20 years. Thomas holds the prestigious distinction of Certified Construction Industry Financial Professional (CCIFP), a certification held by less than 15 professionals in Maryland and less than 750 professionals in the United States.

The Building Congress & Exchange Foundation is dedicated to improving and promoting the construction industry in the greater Baltimore area. With the belief that education is the best way to foster growth, BCEF has awarded grants to individuals and organizations actively contributing to the construction community. Since its first year of active giving in 1998, the Foundation has awarded grants totaling approximately $425,000 to support the construction industry.

Thomas, who served as President of BCEF in 2004, is an active member of several other professional and civic organizations including the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), Maryland Association of Certified Public Accountants (MACPA), Associated Builders and Contractors, and the Construction Financial Management Association (CFMA).

Timonium, MD — Regional certified public accounting, tax and consulting firm KatzAbosch has been named a “2010 Best Accounting Firms to Work For” winner by Accounting Today Magazine. This annual recognition program, created by Accounting Today and Best Companies Group, is dedicated to finding and recognizing the best employers in the accounting industry across the nation. This is the second consecutive year KatzAbosch has earned this distinction.

One hundred public or privately held U.S. accounting firms in three different categories were recognized – 20 small-sized companies (15-24 employees), 65 medium-sized companies (25-249 employees), and 15 large-sized companies (more than 250 employees). KatzAbosch has been named one of the Best Accounting Firms to Work For in the medium-sized category.

“We are incredibly proud to have received this award for the second year in a row as a result of the glowing responses KatzAbosch received from our personnel who spoke so highly of the firm during the voting process,” said Mark Cissell, KatzAbosch president and CEO. “The fact that our shareholders average an impressive 22 years with the firm is testament to our enduring commitment to providing the necessary support, resources and guidance that our staff needs to excel and succeed.”

Companies from across the country entered the two-part survey process to determine the Best Accounting Firms to Work For. The first part consisted of evaluating each nominated company’s workplace policies, practices, philosophy, systems and demographics. The second part consisted of an employee survey to measure employee engagement and satisfaction. The combined scores determined the top companies and the final ranking. Best Companies Group managed the overall registration, survey and analysis process and determined the final rankings.

Timonium, MD — Regional certified public accounting, tax, and consulting firm KatzAbosch announced that Jane M. Brewer, CPA, MST and Shareholder has been named a member of the Dean’s Advisory Board for University of Baltimore’s Merrick School of Business. The Dean’s Advisory Board is dedicated to the continuing progress of the School of Business and its purpose is to provide a business perspective for the strategic direction of the School and to serve as a sounding board for its plans and programs.

As a board member, Brewer will weigh in on a variety of issues including school programs, recruitment, placement, and the general competitive environment affecting business education. Members also help to improve the visibility and reputation of the School and the University of Baltimore.

Brewer is a graduate of the University of Baltimore where she earned a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Taxation. She has nearly 30 years of experience as a certified public accountant (CPA) and specializes in taxation and planning for partnership and limited liability companies, real estate, multi-state, not-for-profit organizations, individuals and small businesses.

Brewer has been the recipient of several distinguished awards throughout her professional career, including “Woman in Business Champion” by the Small Business Administration in 2006; “YWCA Leadership Award” by the YWCA of Central Maryland in 2004; “Top 100 Women in Maryland Circle of Excellence” by The Daily Record in 1997, 1999 and 2002; “Woman of the Year” by the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) in 2001; “Accountant Advocate of the Year” by the State of Maryland Small Business Administration in 1997; and “Rotarian of the Year” by the Rotary Club of Towsontowne from 1990-1991.

She is an active member of several other professional and civic organizations including the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants; Maryland Association of Certified Public Accountants; Commercial Real Estate Women (Crew) Baltimore Chapter; National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO); Charter Member of the Rotary Club of Towsontowne; Network 2000; Maryland Highway Safety Foundation; and North Lake Improvement Association.

Regional accounting and consulting firm KatzAbosch announced that Michael J. Agetstein, CPA, PFS, has joined the firm as Chair of the Tax Department.

Timonium, MD — Regional certified public accounting, tax, and consulting firm KatzAbosch today announced that Anita M. Sheckells, CPA, CCIFP and Shareholder, has been named Treasurer of the Howard County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.

Sheckells joined KatzAbosch in 1984 and serves as the firm’s Co-Chair of the Audit and Accounting Services Group and is past-Chair of the firm’s Construction and Real Estate Services Group. She holds the prestigious distinction of Certified Construction Industry Financial Professional (CCIFP), a certification held by less than 15 professionals in Maryland and less than 600 professionals in the United States. Anita specializes in special accounting issues, bonding and banking issues and providing services to construction and real estate industries.

Sheckells has been the recipient of several distinguished awards and professional designations including “Comeback Chapter of the Year 2008,” Construction Financial Management Association (CFMA); Maryland’s Top 100 Women, The Daily Record, 2006; “Smart CPA,” Baltimore SmartCEO Magazine; and “Leader in the Workplace” and “Special Leader
Professions,” YWCA Greater Baltimore.

She is a member of several other professional and civic organizations including Construction Financial Management Association, Board Member and past President; Associated Builders and Contractors, past Chair of Events Committee; Building Congress & Exchange; Maryland Association of Certified Public Accountants (MACPA), past Chair of Construction Accounting Committee; Women President’s Organization; American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA); University of Baltimore, past Accounting Advisory Board Member; Boy Scouts, Merit Badge Counselor. Additionally, as past Chair of the MACPA’s ConstructionAccounting Committee Anita organized two of the annual construction conferences.

Sheckells received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting from the University of Baltimore.

YWCA Greater Baltimore recognizes outstanding women leaders for their professional accomplishments and contributions to the Greater Baltimore community’s business and civic life at 7th Annual Leader Lunch 2010

Timonium, MD — Regional certified public accounting, tax and consulting firm KatzAbosch today announced that Arlene R. Ciroula, Chief Operating Officer, was honored with the YWCA Greater Baltimore Special Leader Award at the 7th Annual Leader Lunch 2010.

Arlene has been recognized for her leadership, spirit of innovation and community commitment. YWCA’s Leader Lunch is an annual event honoring women and their work. Awardees exemplify the YWCA’s ideal of women in leadership, promoting vibrant workplaces and sustaining our community.

“It is an honor to be included among such a distinguished group of businesswomen who have dedicated so much of themselves to their profession and community,” said Arlene R. Ciroula, Chief Operating Officer for KatzAbosch. “I look forward to continuing my civic commitment to the Greater Baltimore community.”

At KatzAbosch, Ciroula is responsible for effectively growing the organization, ensuring both financial strength and operating efficiency of the firm, providing leadership and management and making sure that the firm has the proper controls set in place for administrative and reporting procedures.

In addition to being honored for outstanding leadership by the YWCA Greater Baltimore, Ciroula has been the recipient of several distinguished awards including Practical Accountant Magazine’s “Practice Innovation Award” in 2005 and 2007, and the CPA Practice Management Forum, Association for Accounting Administration’s “ACE Award” in 2006.

She is a member of several professional and civic organizations and serves as President of the Association of Accounting Administrators, Baltimore Chapter; American Institute of Certified Public Accountants; and Association for Accounting Marketing. Arlene is a staunch supporter of literacy programs for adults and children and serves on the Board of Directors for Baltimore Reads, a non-profit organization that teaches adults literacy skills.

Timonium, MD — Regional certified public accounting, tax, and consulting firm KatzAbosch today announced that Jane M. Brewer, CPA, MST and Shareholder has been named a member of the Board of Directors for Maryland Highway Safety Foundation, a non-profit organization that was founded as the result of a team of concerned business, civic and community leaders committed to reducing motor vehicle crash-related deaths and educating the public on safer driving practices.

Maryland Highway Safety Foundation’s mission is to educate motorists, prevent collisions and save lives.

Brewer has nearly 30 years of experience as a certified public accountant (CPA) and specializes in taxation and planning for partnership and limited liability companies, real estate, multi-state, not-for-profit organizations, individuals and small businesses. At KatzAbosch, Brewer serves as Chair of the firm’s Partnership/LLC/Real Estate/Construction Tax Group.

Brewer has been the recipient of several distinguished awards throughout her professional career, including “Woman in Business Champion” by the Small Business Administration in 2006; “YWCA Leadership Award” by the YWCA of Central Maryland in 2004; “Top 100 Women in Maryland Circle of Excellence” by The Daily Record in 1997, 1999 and 2002; “Woman of the Year” by the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) in 2001; “Accountant Advocate of the Year” by the State of Maryland Small Business Administration in 1997; and “Rotarian of the Year” by the Rotary Club of Towsontowne from 1990-1991.

She is an active member of several other professional and civic organizations including the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants; Maryland Association of Certified Public Accountants and served as Chair of the State Tax Committee; Commercial Real Estate Women (Crew) Baltimore Chapter; National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) and served as past-President; Charter Member of the Rotary Club of Towsontowne and serves as Treasurer and served as past-President; Tuesday Girls Networking Group and North Lake Improvement Association and serves as Treasurer.

Brewer received a Bachelor of Science degree and Master of Science in Taxation degree from the University of Baltimore.

Maryland Highway Safety Foundation Board of Directors include Katie O’Malley, Honorary Chair, First Lady of Maryland; Fred Mirmiran, Founding Chairman, President of Johnson, Mirmiran & Thompson; M. Kent Krabbe, Co-Chairman, Executive Director of Maryland Automobile Insurance Fund; Warren Green, Co-Chairman, President & CEO of LifeBridge
Health; Atwood “Woody” Collins, President, M&T Bank; Mark Furst, President & Chief Executive Officer, United Way of Central Maryland; Bill Hellmann, Partner Emeritus, RK&K; Burton Jackson, Director of Fleet Services, Baltimore Gas & Electric; Hal Kassoff, Senior Vice President, Parsons & Brinckerhoff; John Kuo, Administrator, Motor Vehicle Administration; Julie Mercer, Chief Marketing & Development Officer, American Red Cross, Central Maryland Chapter; Terry Neimeyer, President & CEO, KCI Technologies, Inc.; David H. Nevins, President, Nevins & Associates; Marshall Paul, Partner, Saul Ewing LLP; Neil Pedersen, Administrator, State Highway Administration; Shelton Rhodes, Ph.D., Dean of the School of Business & Leadership, Stevenson University; Jeffrey A. Rivest, President & CEO, University of Maryland Medical Center; Scott Shellenberger, State’s Attorney for Baltimore County, State’s Attorney’s Office; Beverley K. Swaim-Staley, Secretary of Transportation, Department of Transportation; Ken Ulman, Howard County Executive; Frank Waesche, Partner, Wallace Montgomery & Associates LLP.

Timonium, MD — Regional accounting, tax and consulting firm KatzAbosch announced today that Alvin D. Katz, CPA and Co-Founder of the firm, was honored at the 12th Annual American Red Cross, Central Maryland Chapter’s “Hometown Heroes” awards breakfast in the “Gift of Life” category on Friday, March 19, 2010 at Martin’s West in Baltimore, Md.

The American Red Cross, Central Maryland Chapter honors Central Marylanders who have displayed extraordinary acts of bravery, courage, kindness and community service and who embody a spirit of humanitarianism at the annual “Hometown Heroes” awards breakfast. Honorees of the “Gift of Life” category are recognized for providing significant amounts of blood or components throughout the years.

“It is an honor to be included among such a distinguished group of Marylanders who have dedicated so much of themselves to the community,” said Alvin D. Katz, Co-Founder of KatzAbosch. “As a blood platelet donor, it is especially rewarding to know that I am helping others that are in need. I encourage everyone to consider donating blood to the American Red Cross, or get involved with the Central Maryland Chapter, and make a difference in someone’s life.”

Katz has been the recipient of several distinguished awards throughout his professional career, including the “2004 Innovator of the Year” by Maryland Daily Record, “Maryland’s Top 50 CPAs” by Baltimore SmartCEO Magazine in 2004, and “1985 Man of the Year” by Beth Israel Congregation.

“Alvin’s selflessness as a nearly 20 year blood platelet donor, commitment to the community and steadfast leadership are an inspiration to everyone at KatzAbosch and is why he is most deserving of this prestigious honor,” said Mark Cissell, President and CEO of KatzAbosch.

Bel Air, MD — Regional accounting, tax and consulting firm KatzAbosch today announced Amie Stielper was named Treasurer of the Board of Directors for the Harford Ballet Company.

In her new role as Treasurer, Amie will advise the Harford Ballet Company in all financial matters in support of its mission to share its creative resources and talents with the community through high caliber, professional performances and programs designed to educate, enrich, and entertain.

Amie serves as a Supervisor with KatzAbosch and is a member of the Small Business and Medical Practice Services Group departments. Her areas of specialization include not-for-profit and partnership taxation.

Amie is a dedicated member of several other professional organizations including the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Maryland Association of Certified Public Accountants and Tomorrow’s CPA.

Amie earned a Bachelor of Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting from Loyola University Maryland.