Team

Chris Nelson, CPA

Chris Nelson is a seasoned finance executive and CPA with extensive experience in business development, tax strategy, and financial operations. Chris has worked closely with major clients on complex financial strategies, including compliance, real estate transactions, mergers and acquisitions, and ASC 740 tax provisions. He has spearheaded federal, state, and local tax compliance initiatives, while leading day-to-day accounting and consulting operations. Known for fostering a high-performance culture, Chris implemented systems to improve team efficiency and coached internal staff to excel in dynamic business environments.

Previously, Chris served as Vice President of Finance, Accounting, and Tax at KBS (Kellermeyer Bergensons Services, LLC), a $750 million private equity-owned janitorial service provider employing over 20,000 people. During his tenure, Chris managed the company’s financial audit conducted by KPMG and led operational integrations for acquired businesses. He played a key role in optimizing EBITDA by leveraging sale-buyback strategies under new lease accounting rules and successfully completed a multi-year IRS audit with zero deficiencies.

Craig V. Castanos CPA/CFP

Craig has over 30 years of Public Accounting experience serving clients in a variety of industries.  His expertise lies in providing a wide range of accounting, tax planning, financial planning and management advisory services to meet the special needs of individuals and owners of small businesses. Craig represents small to medium sized closely-held business and investment entities as well as high net-worth individuals. Craig has also been a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) for over 25 years. Therefore in addition to handling your tax needs, he is available to look at the “big picture” and offer a “one stop shop” for you and assist you in identifying and meeting your financial planning goals such as providing for a comfortable retirement, wealth management, education planning and cash flow planning. He is also very proactive with providing our clients tax planning services in order to take advantage of the creative tax reduction strategies available to you and to prevent any surprises at April 15.

Kelly A. Carmona, CPA

Certified Public Accountant with over 30 years of experience working within CPA firms and with private clientele. Specialization in tax and accounting for individuals and small to medium size businesses at all levels within a public accounting firm.

Michael Kwasnowski, CPA

Certified Public Accountant with over 30 years of experience working within CPA firms and private industry.  Specialization in tax and accounting for individuals and small to medium size businesses at all levels within a public accounting firm.

Tom Murrell, CPA

Tom is a practicing CPA.  In addition to being a tax professional, Tom currently handles the financial duties of several small businesses.  He is also the accountant for some local nonprofits and on the board of several of them.  Tom and his wife Kathleen, an artist, live in Bay Park.  They have twin boys; one resides in Tokyo with his family and the other is a general manager in the hospitality business in San Diego.  Tom enjoys sports and is an avid golfer.

Richard Smith, CPA

Richard Smith, CPA, is an experienced financial professional specializing in tax return review and preparation, per diem services, tax planning, compliance, accounting, and financial statement preparation. With a robust career spanning roles such as CFO of R.A. Lotter Financial Group, where he managed all accounting and finance operations, and Tax Senior Supervisor at Kramer, Olsen Accountancy Corp, Richard brings expertise in client relations, budgeting, trust, and multi-state tax returns. In addition, he has operated his own tax firm, offering comprehensive tax, accounting, and business consulting services. A graduate of Dartmouth with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting, Richard is committed to delivering exceptional service and insights to his clients.

Jessica A. Dupee, CPA

Certified Public Accountant with over 10 years’ experience. Specialization in tax and accounting for individuals and small to medium size businesses at all levels within a public accounting firm.

Pricilla Trebotich, Office Administrator Assistant

Pricilla has over 15 years in the accounting and office administrative industry.  She was our office administrator for the 2015 -2017 tax seasons.  After a short time away overseas, she has returned to support our administrative team.  She holds an Associates degree in Accounting.

Kacy Lane, Office Administrator

Kacy is a new addition to our team this year. She comes to us with a background in early education after receiving her degree from Loyola Marymount University. Kacy has a client-centered approach to problem solving, an ability to work in a fast-paced environment, and is extremely organized and diligent.