About AAFCPAs

AAFCPAs Announces 2026 Promotions

Trusted client relationships are built over time through sound judgment, technical excellence, and a commitment to understanding what matters most to each organization. AAFCPAs’ latest promotions reflect that commitment.

Promotions Announced at AAFCPAs

AAFCPAs recognizes professionals whose contributions have strengthened client relationships, supported colleagues, and helped drive the firm’s continued growth. Among those recognized are two new directors, two new managers, five new supervisors, 12 new seniors, 14 new experienced staff and staff promotions as well as two additional role advancements within both Advisory and Audit, Risk & Compliance (ARC).

“These promotions reflect years of dedication to our clients, our people, and our profession,” said Carla McCall, CPA, CGMA, Managing Partner of AAFCPAs. “Each individual has earned the trust of clients and colleagues through technical excellence, sound judgment, and a commitment to helping organizations move forward with confidence. We are proud to celebrate their accomplishments and excited for the impact they will continue to make.”

Congratulations

New Directors

Keith Kenez and Alison McLaughlin are known for helping clients make informed decisions in complex financial, regulatory, and planning environments. Their work combines technical expertise with a practical understanding of each client’s goals and circumstances.

Keith Kenez, CPA, MBA, MSA

Tax Director | Private Client Services

Keith serves high-net-worth individuals, families, business owners, estates, and trusts facing complex tax, wealth, and succession planning decisions. As a leader in AAFCPAs’ Private Client Services practice, he helps clients evaluate the tax implications of significant financial events, including business transitions, wealth transfers, charitable giving strategies, international reporting requirements, and estate planning opportunities.

A second-career CPA, Keith brings a practical perspective to tax planning and a natural curiosity about the people and goals behind each decision. Clients appreciate his ability to cut through complexity, ask thoughtful questions, and connect technical tax considerations to real-life outcomes. In addition to advising clients, he leads tax technology and transformation initiatives that enhance the client experience. Keith serves as Board Member Emeritus of Bridge Repertory Theater and volunteers with scholarship committees for the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the New England Society of CPAs. He also serves on the AICPA’s LGBTQ+ Initiatives Committee.

Alison M. McLaughlin, CPA, MSA

Director | Audit & Assurance

Ali advises community development financial institutions (CDFIs), community development corporations (CDCs), affordable housing organizations, and human and social service agencies as they navigate complex funding structures, regulatory requirements, and reporting obligations. Within AAFCPAs’ Community & Economic Development and Community Impact & Human Services practices, she helps organizations manage the financial and operational considerations that accompany growth, restricted funding, affordable housing investments, and increasingly complex reporting environments.

Clients value Ali’s ability to understand both the technical requirements and the mission behind their work. She helps organizations translate regulatory and compliance complexities into practical solutions that support informed decision-making and long-term sustainability. A recipient of AAFCPAs’ partnership-nominated Joel Aronson Character Award, Ali is also a mentor, career coach, internal trainer on CDFI and CDC assurance topics, and a member of the firm’s Auditing & Assurance Committee. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her husband and son and embracing whatever adventure the day brings.

Congratulations

New Managers

Clients turn to John Larkin and Stuart Karas for practical guidance, responsive service, and the expertise needed to navigate increasingly complex operational, financial, and technology environments.

John Larkin

Manager | Audit & Assurance

John provides assurance and advisory services to community development financial institutions (CDFIs), Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), behavioral health providers, human and social service organizations, community development corporations (CDCs), and affordable housing developers. As a member of AAFCPAs’ Community & Economic Development practice, he helps organizations navigate complex reporting, compliance, and funding requirements while addressing the operational realities unique to mission-driven organizations.

Clients turn to John for guidance on matters ranging from Uniform Guidance and Massachusetts UFR compliance to affordable housing reporting, tax credit-financed developments, and evolving CDFI lending and allowance methodologies. He is valued for his responsiveness, practical approach, and ability to help organizations work through complex requirements while keeping projects moving forward. Beyond client service, John contributes to AAFCPAs’ Inclusion & Belonging Committee and helps deliver internal training programs focused on planning, compliance, and assurance topics. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his bearded dragon, Rango, and gives golf his best shot.

Stuart Karas

Manager | Systems & Process Optimization

Stuart helps organizations improve operations, strengthen reporting, and make better use of technology to support informed decision-making and sustainable growth. As a member of AAFCPAs’ Technology & Process Advisory practice, he works with clients to evaluate business processes, optimize workflows, select and implement systems, and align technology investments with organizational goals.

Drawing on a background in accounting, finance, and consulting, Stuart understands the practical challenges organizations face during periods of growth, change, and transition. Clients value his ability to connect operational needs with technology solutions, helping them balance immediate priorities with long-term objectives. His experience includes business process improvement initiatives, ERP selection and implementation projects, and technology assessments across finance, HR, and planning functions. Stuart also provides SOC and risk advisory services that help organizations strengthen internal controls, security practices, and overall process effectiveness.

AAFCPAs is also pleased to announce the promotions of the following emerging leaders.

Experienced Professionals

Supervisor/Accounting Manager: 

  • John Carmichael (Audit) 
  • Ulrika Haglund (Audit) 
  • Sean Laughlin (Audit)  
  • Nguyen Duong (Tax)  
  • Gustavo Franck (Outsourced Accounting & Fractional CFO) 

Senior: 

  • Nicolas Bouchard (Audit) 
  • Nicholas Coetzee (Audit) 
  • Marissa Cormier (Audit) 
  • Tyler Flick (Audit) 
  • Jason Henry (Audit) 
  • Caitlin McGrath (Audit) 
  • Kelsey McGuill (Audit) 
  • Renee White (Audit) 
  • Tyler Carlson (Tax) 
  • Chelsea Frasca (Tax) 
  • Samuel Guild (Tax) 
  • Kathryn Harrell (Outsourced Accounting & Fractional CFO)  

Additional Promotions: 

  • Brenna Mellen has been promoted to Operational Controls & IT Security (Advisory) 
  • Jhonkeithz Ramirez has been promoted to IT Audit Senior (Audit, Risk & Compliance) 

Experienced Staff: 

  • Thomas Barbati (Audit) 
  • Nicholas Bouchard (Audit) 
  • Joshua Gelman (Audit) 
  • Jack Griffith (Audit) 
  • Katherine Ickes (Audit) 
  • Ryleigh Jarek (Audit) 
  • Jessica Krische (Audit) 
  • Ian Pearlman (Audit) 
  • Larissa Piessens (Audit) 
  • Blake Simpson (Audit) 
  • Stephanie Sindoni (Audit) 
  • Nick Skaradowski (Audit) 
  • Alyssa Tarabocchia (Audit)  

Staff: 

  • Brigette Ann Trangia (Outsourced Accounting & Fractional CFO) 
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