May 20, 2026 KatzAbosch is proud to announce the appointments of Emily Updegraff, CPA, CFCM, and Katie Fortwengler, CPA, MBA, as Managing Partners of the Firm’s Bel Air and Columbia offices, respectively, effective June 2026. Table of Contents Emily Updegraff Named Managing Partner of KatzAbosch Bel Air Office Emily Updegraff, Shareholder and leader of the Audit and Assurance Department, has been named Managing Partner of KatzAbosch’s Bel Air office. With more than 15 years of experience in audit and assurance services, Emily has built a distinguished career focused on serving clients in the nonprofit and government contracting industries. Her leadership at KatzAbosch has been marked by the implementation of standardized processes, continuous education programs, and technology-forward solutions that have elevated departmental performance and fostered a culture of stability and growth. She succeeds Mark Kelly, who will continue with the Firm in a consulting capacity. Emily serves on the Firm’s Board of Directors, contributing to strategic planning and policy development. In 2025, she was named a MACPA Woman to Watch Honoree—a recognition that honors women who have made significant contributions to the accounting profession through leadership, mentorship, and service. She also serves with the Maryland Zoo’s Emerging Leaders program. “Emily is a highly respected leader within our Firm and in the broader accounting profession and community,” said Terry Grant, KatzAbosch Managing Partner and CEO. “This appointment is a natural reflection of Emily’s stewardship—her commitment to her career as an accountant and advisor.” “I am honored to step into this role and grateful for the trust that comes with it. KatzAbosch is built on relationships—with clients, with colleagues, and with the communities we serve—and I do not take that lightly. I look forward to continuing to invest in our people and in the work we do together, ” said Emily. Katie Fortwengler Named Managing Partner of KatzAbosch Columbia Office Katie Fortwengler, Shareholder, has been named Managing Partner of KatzAbosch’s Columbia office. Katie joined the Firm in 2012 and has spent her career focused on government contracting and small business consulting, with additional depth in employee benefit plan audits, tax and business succession planning, and financial reporting. She is a leader within the Firm’s Government Contracting and 401(k) team—roles in which she has shaped client policy and deepened the Firm’s service capabilities. She succeeds Anita Sheckells, whose contributions to the Columbia office have been instrumental to its growth. Katie shared, “I am grateful for this opportunity and excited for what’s ahead. KatzAbosch has given me a place to grow as an advisor and as a leader, and I look forward to giving that back to the team around me.” Katie is a Board Member of the Howard County Chamber, a member of the emerging Howard County Chamber Foundation, and an active participant in the Fort Meade Alliance. “Katie brings deep technical knowledge and strong community ties to this role,” said Chief Operating Officer Matthew Seipp. “Her leadership of our Government Contracting and 401(k) teams reflects exactly the kind of client-centered, team-first approach we want at the helm of our Columbia office.” KatzAbosch’s Bel Air office serves individuals and organizations throughout Harford County and surrounding communities. The Columbia office serves clients throughout Howard County and the broader Maryland region. In their new roles, both Emily and Katie will provide strategic leadership for their respective offices while continuing to serve clients and advance the Firm’s commitment to excellence. KatzAbosch congratulates Emily and Katie on these well-deserved appointments and celebrates their continued impact on the profession and their communities.
