Lutz, a Nebraska-based business solutions firm, recently announced 2024 promotions to shareholder, c-suite, and director roles.

SHAREHOLDER

Clarke Beller, CPA, has been promoted to Audit Shareholder. Leading the firm’s construction niche group, he maintains a strong technical knowledge in the industry. In his role, Beller focuses on business consulting for private enterprises while also supervising audits, reviews, and compilations. He is engaged in industry associations, proposals, and training, providing significant value both internally and externally. Clarke is known for his honest and transparent guidance, helping clients with financial statements, tax, ESOP transitions, and other special projects.

Tony DeSantis has been promoted to Data Analytics Shareholder. He has played a pivotal role in the evolution, growth, and success of Lutz’s Data Analytics practice. In his role, DeSantis forms strategic partnerships with businesses by understanding their goals and identifying essential Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). He visualizes these data points in comprehensive reports and then analyzes the information to support informed decision-making. As leader of the firm’s AI champions groups, he remains at the forefront of artificial intelligence advancements, leveraging this expertise to simplify business processes. His ability to communicate complex ideas clearly enhances his effectiveness in guiding clients toward data-driven success.

Justin Korth, CPA, has been promoted to Tax Shareholder. He specializes in tax compliance and consulting for high-net-worth individuals and businesses, focusing on estate and business planning, credits and incentives, and taxpayer representation on IRS matters. Over his eight years at the firm, Justin has led numerous operational and technical initiatives, including guidance and internal process creation for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Employee Retention Credit (ERC) program. In addition, Justin leads Lutz’s international workforce initiative, serves as the Tax Department Head, and is a member of the Tax Policy committee.

Jon Patent, CPA, has been promoted to Tax Shareholder and has worked in and led the Lincoln office since 2018. While managing client relationships across all Lutz services, Jon specializes in tax compliance and consulting for businesses and individuals. He works closely with companies and entrepreneurs to solve complex problems, add value, and support clients in furthering their success. He is active in the construction and real estate groups and participates in many local community activities in Lincoln. Patent is heavily involved in business development and well-respected by clients and colleagues, serving as a primary client experience leader on many engagements.

C-SUITE

Merrick Aurora has been promoted to Chief Marketing Officer. For the past ten years, Merrick has provided marketing solutions that support and enhance Lutz’s growth initiatives, goals, and brand. She leads the marketing team and oversees the development and implementation of the firm's internal and external brand strategy. Playing a pivotal role in fostering cross-divisional collaboration, she also works closely with firm leadership to enhance the client experience. Merrick's strengths lie in her ability to align the firm's vision with specific objectives and her talent for simplifying complex concepts and generating strategic ideas.

DIRECTOR

Laurie Cradick has been promoted to Talent Director. She excels in cultivating client relationships and driving business development. Laurie specializes in helping businesses identify and secure the best long-term talent to achieve their goals. Across various industries, she works in close collaboration with clients, dedicating herself to a deep understanding of each organization's unique needs and culture. Not only does Laure ensure the talent she helps place meets job requirements, but also integrates seamlessly into the company, fostering long-term success for both the new hire and the organization.

Will Lanik, CPA, has been promoted to Audit Director. He exemplifies strong leadership in our audit and assurance practice, including expertise in employee benefit plan audits. Accredited in business valuation, Will also assists the M&A division to help clients understand their business’s worth and plan for ownership transitions. In addition, he serves as a key member of the construction niche team, making significant contributions to its record growth. Will leads with a team approach, focusing on developing employees and contributing to client success, ensuring both achieve their goals.

Mark Otte has been promoted to M&A Director. With years of experience in valuation and consulting, Mark has been crucial in providing estate and corporate planning services and litigation support. He also leads sell-side and healthcare-specific M&A engagements, leveraging his skills in financial statement analysis, financial modeling, market research, and negotiating transactions. By prioritizing the specific needs of each client, he facilitates smooth business transitions and simplifies complex processes to deliver successful results.

Robby Renshaw has been promoted to Director of Human Resources. She has become a trusted HR resource, excelling in employee relations and retention initiatives, as well as leading campus recruiting and experienced hiring efforts during the past seven years at Lutz. In her role, she manages the recruiting team, bringing in top talent to all of Lutz’s divisions that align with the firm’s values and goals. Under her leadership, the intern program has significantly expanded, providing valuable opportunities for young professionals and creating a robust talent pipeline for the firm. Her professional yet personal approach, combined with her strategic problem-solving skills make her a valuable part of the team.

Curt Topf has been promoted to Business Development Director. He brings 24 years of sales experience, including 15 years in technical sales within the MSP industry. Overseeing the firm's sales activities and performance, Curt focuses on identifying and pursuing new business opportunities while maintaining strong relationships with existing clients. He has played a key role in improving the firm’s sales processes. With a dedication to helping clients succeed, he takes great pride in seeing the positive impact of Lutz's solutions on their businesses. Curt excels at aligning Lutz's offerings with each client's unique needs, ensuring they receive tailored strategies that drive growth and success.

Neil Wardyn has been promoted to Business Development Director. With over 23 years of industry experience, Neil has strengthened the firm’s presence in Grand Island and contributed to the growth of the Tech division across central Nebraska. As an account manager for IT clients, he focuses on bringing new business to the firm. He is responsible for designing short-term and long-term technology strategies for clients, as well as offering support in resolving technology-related issues. His ability to meet client needs and cultivate strong relationships has been instrumental to his success.

Aimee Werner has been promoted to M&A Director. She has extensive experience in audit and transaction advisory services (TAS) spanning multiple different industries including manufacturing and distribution, service industries, and many others. As a leader of the firm’s transaction advisory services offering, she provides financial due diligence, quality of earnings assessments, working capital consulting, adjusted EBITDA, and purchase price evaluations for both sell-side and buy-side clients. Aimee values the opportunity to learn about various businesses and industries while fostering strong relationships with clients to ensure their success throughout the transaction process.