Award-Winning Apple Growth Partners Expands Leadership Team

AKRON, Ohio–(BUSINESS WIRE)–#AppleGrowthPartners–Apple Growth Partners (AGP), accounting and business advisory firm, has announced recent appointments to the leadership team.

Audit and Assurance services director Susan Burnoski, CPA, has been promoted to principal. Burnoski joined AGP more than 12 years ago as an audit associate. Burnoski has built her career as an expert in assurance compliance requirements to improve internal processes. Burnoski leads the firm’s auditing team, responsible for scheduling, hiring, onboarding, and management. Burnoski was named a 30 for the Future honoree by the Greater Akron Chamber in 2016, is a 2012 alumna of Torchbearers Akron, a member of the finance committee of Legacy III since 2014, and a CREW Cleveland member. Burnoski served as a trustee with the Akron Symphony and recently transitioned to their Board Alumni Council. She is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Ohio Society of Certified Public Accountants.

Along with the newest principal appointment, the Executive Committee welcomed four new additions to the firm’s guiding board.

• Bob Nemeth, CPA/ABV, CVA, CDFA, CFE, principal – In addition to offering business valuation and litigation support services, Nemeth leads the firm’s forensic accounting specialty. Nemeth is a Certified Fraud Examiner, Certified Divorce Financial Analyst, and Certified Valuation Analyst.
• Jeff Brooks, CPA, CGMA, principal – Brooks specializes in tax and advisory solutions for privately-held businesses, including mergers and acquisitions. Brooks is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Ohio Society of Certified Public Accountants, Akron Tax Club Board, Cascade Capital Corporation and Ohio University School of Accountancy Advisory Council.
• Mark Lapikas, CPA, CGMA, MTax, MBA, principal – Growing up in a blue-collar family inspired Lapikas to specialize in tax and advisory services for manufacturers. Lapikas has helped many small businesses in Northeastern Ohio capitalize on tax savings and incentives while ensuring a well-developed succession plan. Lapikas is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and Ohio Society of Certified Public Accountants.
• John Valle, CPA, MTax, principal – In his tenure with AGP, Valle has established himself as a trusted advisor among many small business owners in Northeastern Ohio. With a specialty in construction and real estate and transportation, Valle provides tax planning and advisory services to help grow local businesses. Valle is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and Ohio Society of Certified Public Accountants.

“With Susan’s appointment to principal and the addition of Bob, Jeff, Mark, and John to the Executive Committee, our firm is poised for continued growth and success,” stated Chuck Mullen, chairman. “Expanding our leadership team to include the diverse backgrounds of these leaders impacts not only our client service offerings but also our internal culture.”

About Apple Growth Partners

Apple Growth Partners is an award-winning accounting and business advisory firm with more than 75 years of helping grow local businesses. With offices in Cleveland, Akron, Canton, and Kent, AGP offers a full range of services including audit and assurance, tax planning and compliance, business valuation, litigation consulting and transactional advisory services. To learn more, visit www.applegrowth.com.

Contacts

Brittany White

330.315.7852

bwhite@applegrowth.com