Holyoke, MA (January 17, 2024) — Meyers Brothers Kalicka, P.C. welcomes John O’Brien, CPA, ABV; Anne Marie Rome, CPA; Ryan Sabin, CPA; Marilyn Kelleher, JD; Cynthia Wage, CPA, MST; Jeffrey Atkins Jr.; Jonathan Lemoine; Justin Swajkowski; Caitlin Humphrey and Kathleen Macy.
John O’Brien, CPA, ABV
Partner Emeritus
John is a seasoned professional in the field of accounting and taxation, serving as a Partner Emeritus at our firm. With over four decades of experience, John is a trusted advisor to clients seeking expertise in tax-related matters. John’s educational background includes a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a major in accounting from Westejorn New England University, and he furthered his knowledge by obtaining a Master’s degree in Taxation from the University of Hartford. He is also Accredited in Business Valuation by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). A dedicated member of the accounting community, John is affiliated with both Mass CPAs and AICPA, where he actively contributes to the profession.
He embarked on his journey in public accounting in 1974 and has since become a leading figure in the fields of Taxation, Business Valuations, and Litigation Support. Beyond his professional accomplishments, John has a strong commitment to community involvement. He served as the former Chair of the Board of Western New England University and held roles as a former board member and chair of the audit committee at Baystate Health System and Health New England.
Currently, he is a board member of MassMutual Trust Company and the Springfield Museum Association. John’s expertise extends to various service areas, including Taxation, Family & Independent Business consulting, Business Valuation, and facilitating business acquisitions, sales, and mergers. He specializes in the Manufacturing, Wholesale & Distribution industries. When it comes to customer service, John’s approach is unwaveringly client-centric. He is always open to going above and beyond to ensure the highest level of client satisfaction, making him a trusted advisor in the world of accounting and taxation.
Ann Marie Rome, CPA
Senior Manager
Ann Marie brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her role as Senior Manager to the firm, specializing in Taxation and Audit & Assurance services. With a strong educational background and extensive experience, she is a valuable asset to our team. Ann Marie holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, and she is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), demonstrating her commitment to excellence in the field. She is an active member of professional organizations, including Mass CPAs and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA).
Ann Marie’s journey in public accounting began over 40 years ago and she has since built a reputation for her dedication to providing top-notch services in Assurance and Taxation. Her primary focus areas include business and taxation issues for family-owned businesses and their owners, start-up entities, business sales and acquisitions, and strategies for mature companies. She manages a variety of engagements in a wide range of industries. Ann Marie’s dedication to her profession and her commitment to delivering exceptional client service make her an invaluable member of our firm.
Ryan Sabin, CPA
Manager
Ryan is a dedicated Manager, specializing in Taxation, Audit, and Assurance services. With a strong educational background and years of experience, he is a trusted advisor to clients seeking expert financial guidance. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Management with a concentration in Accounting from Westfield State University, a Bachelor of Arts in Economics, and a Master of Science in Accountancy. His commitment to excellence is further demonstrated by his CPA certification. As an active member of professional organizations, Ryan is affiliated with Mass CPAs and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), where he stays connected with the latest industry developments.
Ryan embarked on his career in public accounting in 2009 and has since honed his expertise in Taxation, Audit, and Assurance. His dedication to serving clients is reflected in his extensive experience leading commercial audit and review engagements of private companies, as well as 401(k) audit engagements. In the realm of taxation, Ryan excels in preparing and reviewing a wide range of tax returns, including corporate, partnership, individual, and private foundation returns, with a particular focus on multi-state tax matters. His industry concentrations include Health Care, Real Estate, Manufacturing, and Beer, Wine, and Liquor Retail Stores. Ryan is well-versed in the unique financial challenges and opportunities within these sectors. Ryan’s approach to customer service is rooted in the belief that communication is paramount. He recognizes that good communication is the cornerstone of trust and strong client relationships, making him a valuable asset to our clients who seek clarity and expertise in their financial matters.
Marilyn Kelliher, JD
Senior Manager
Marilyn is a Senior Manager at the firm with a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Westfield State College and a Juris Doctor from Western New England Law School. Her credentials and background demonstrate her dedication to her field. Marilyn is affiliated with several esteemed professional organizations, including the American Bar Association (ABA), the Massachusetts Bar Association (MBA), and the Hampden County Bar Association (HCBA). She brings a unique perspective and years of experience to the firm and her clients.
Cynthia Wage, CPA, MST
Manager
Cynthia is a highly experienced Manager, specializing in Taxation and Audit & Assurance services. Her extensive educational background and years of dedicated practice make her an invaluable asset to our team. Cynthia earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Business with a Major in Accounting from the University of Connecticut, Storrs. She furthered her expertise by obtaining a Master of Science in Taxation from Bentley University in Waltham, MA, showcasing her commitment to continuous learning and professional growth. Her dedication to excellence is further underscored by her CPA certification. As an active member of Mass CPAs and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), Cynthia remains well-connected within the accounting profession and stays informed about industry developments.
Cynthia began her journey in public accounting in 1982, accumulating decades of experience in both Taxation and Audit & Assurance. Her primary service areas include Assurance, Taxation, and Family & Independent Business consulting, where she provides clients with top-notch guidance and support. She has developed industry concentrations in Construction, Not-for-Profit organizations, and Manufacturing, Wholesale & Distribution, showcasing her versatility and ability to navigate varied industries. Her diverse experience adds depth to her expertise. Cynthia’s approach to customer service is characterized by timely and thoughtful responses to clients’ needs. Her commitment to providing exceptional service ensures that clients receive the attention and expertise they require to achieve their financial goals with confidence and precision.
Jeffrey Atkins, Jr.
Senior Associate
Jeff Atkins is a Senior Associate in the Taxation department, bringing a unique blend of education and hands-on experience to his role. Jeff’s educational journey began at Agawam High School in 1996, followed by semesters at AIC in criminal justice and Westfield State in accounting. He then pursued his Accountants Assistant certificate from the old Salter School in Springfield.
Jeff’s practical experience included internships in the AIC bookkeeping department and a law firm in Springfield that also specialized in individual tax return preparation. In December of 2002, he joined J.M. O’Brien & Company, P.C., where he honed his skills until the MBK acquisition. He is an active member of Mass CPAs and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), staying connected with the accounting profession and keeping up with industry trends. Having started practicing public accounting in 2002, Jeff specializes in Taxation. His approach to customer service is characterized by professionalism, courtesy, quick responsiveness, and clear communication. He prioritizes client satisfaction, ensuring that their needs are addressed promptly and effectively.
Jonathan Lemoine
Associate
Jonathan is an Associate in the Taxation department with a Bachelor of Science in Business Management with a Concentration in Accounting (2017) and a Master of Science in Accounting (2020) from Westfield State University. He is an active member of Mass CPAs and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), demonstrating his commitment to professional development and staying informed about industry trends. Jonathan began his career in public accounting in 2019 and specializes in both Assurance and Taxation. He focuses on industry concentrations in Real Estate and Manufacturing, providing clients with expert financial guidance.
His approach to customer service centers on exceeding expectations. Jonathan believes in building trust and loyalty through empathy, proactive problem-solving, and clear communication. He places a strong emphasis on rapid response times and anticipates potential issues, ensuring a seamless and positive client experience. By treating everyone with respect and kindness and delivering accurate and transparent information, he fosters a supportive environment where clients feel valued and confident. Jonathan’s dedication to exceptional service is evident in every aspect of his work.
Justin Szwajkowski
Associate
Justin is an Associate at the firm, bringing a fresh perspective and a commitment to excellence in the field of Audit and Assurance. Despite his relatively recent entry into public accounting, his educational background and professional affiliations highlight his dedication to the profession. Justin holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Elms College, emphasizing his commitment to building a strong educational foundation. He is an active member of Mass CPAs and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), demonstrating his engagement with the broader accounting community and his desire to stay current with industry trends.
Having commenced his career in public accounting in 2021, Justin specializes in Audit and Assurance services, with a particular focus on Employee Benefit Plan Audits. He has also developed industry concentrations in Not-for-Profit organizations and Real Estate, showcasing his ability to navigate the unique financial landscapes of these sectors.
Justin’s approach to customer service is rooted in clear and timely communication. He strives to find solutions that make the auditing process as smooth and easy as possible for all stakeholders involved, ensuring clients receive the support and transparency they need throughout their engagements with MBK.
Caitlin Humprey
Paraprofessional
Caitlin Humphrey, a dedicated Paraprofessional, and brings her expertise to the Taxation department with a focus on Bookkeeping. She is a member of Mass CPAs and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), underscoring her commitment to professionalism and staying informed about industry developments. Caitlin’s role centers on supporting our clients in the realm of taxation, with a particular emphasis on bookkeeping services. Her contributions contribute to the overall success and effectiveness of our services in these areas.
Kathleen Macy
Administrative Assistant
Kathleen serves as a dedicated Administrative Assistant, bringing a wealth of experience and a commitment to excellent customer service to our firm. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Worcester State University, demonstrating her dedication to her professional development and educational growth. With a background that includes over 25 years as a computer programmer working in the banking & insurance industries,15 years running a small business office and 5 years of bookkeeping, Kathleen’s expertise lies in her meticulous attention to detail. This skill is an asset that ensures efficient and accurate administrative operations. While her role primarily focuses on administrative support, Kathleen’s approach to customer service is rooted in a commitment to understanding each customer’s unique needs.
Her dedication to providing a personalized and attentive service experience makes her an integral part of our team. In addition to her professional endeavors, Kathleen is an active member of the church of Christ that meets in Chicopee, demonstrating her commitment to community involvement and a well-rounded approach to life outside of her administrative responsibilities.
