FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

It was March 1, 1969. Joe Vanacore, CPA, did the unthinkable at the time. He left the security and reputation of a large accounting firm during tax season to start his own business. With one client, a local restaurant – The Ship Lantern Inn, Vanacore put a stake in the ground to create a different kind of accounting firm based out of a small office in Newburgh, New York. Today, that company – RBT CPAs – celebrates the 55^th anniversary of when it first opened its doors for business.

Now, over 150 team members work out of RBT’s five locations throughout the Hudson Valley and in New York City. It has been recognized as a best place to work; a People’s Choice winner for tax preparation, financial planning, workplace innovation, and best overall employer; an Inside Public Accounting Top 200 Firm; and an Accounting Today top 100 firm to work for and top tax firm.

RBT Managing Partner Mike Tuturro attributes the company’s success to three factors: clients, colleagues, and community. He explains, “We value the trust clients place in us to deliver an exceptional experience marked by professionalism and integrity. We never take that for granted and I believe that’s why most people, businesses, and other organizations that become our clients stay our clients.”

In fact, the company’s very first client – The Ship Lantern Inn (multi-year winner of Best of the Hudson Valley and Ulster County Best Restaurant) – is still a client today. Third-generation owner Mike Foglia says, “I was 12 or 13 working in the restaurant when Joe would come by to review our books. He and my grandfather hit it off right away. My grandfather became a mentor to Joe and in turn Joe became a mentor to me. Next year, The Ship Lantern Inn celebrates its 100^th anniversary and I can honestly say one of the reasons we’re reaching that milestone is the support and guidance we got from RBT CPAs.  They are accountants who demand accountability. They are always straightforward and honest and stress the importance of doing things the right way. When you have the best, there’s no reason to change.”

Today’s leadership at RBT CPAs demands the same from today’s team members. Mike Tuturro explains, “When it comes to colleagues, we really look for a particular type of person to join our team. They have to be smart go getters who will always go above and beyond to deliver exceptional value and results. They have to be willing to learn from the generation before them and then pass on that knowledge and opportunity to the up-and-coming generation. And they have to have the drive to give back and make a difference in the communities where we live and operate. Have no doubt – it is our people who have made us what we are today and who will carry on our legacy well into the future.”

Mike also notes that many of its team members were born, raised, and educated in surrounding communities and have a vested interest in giving back. Out of respect for its Hudson Valley roots, the company has a firm policy to never send work outside the U.S.A. – a tactic used by many firms today to drive profit margins.

Mike says, “We want our clients to be 100% confident that local RBT CPAs team is doing the work and handling their financial information, from start to finish. Plus, we believe hiring local people and keeping jobs in the communities where we operate is simply the right thing to do.”

Over the years, the firm’s name changed a number of times to reflect new partners resulting from acquisitions and internal promotions. Eventually, when the list of names became too much of a mouthful, they landed on RBT CPAs, stemming from the belief that the firm, clients, colleagues, and local communities are Remarkably Better Together.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Visions Human Resource Services, LLC, an affiliate of RBT CPAs, takes great pleasure in announcing that Kelly Caldwell of Saugerties, New York has been named Partner.

Kelly graduated from SUNY Ulster with an associate degree in Individual Studies, earned a Paralegal certificate from Marist College, and received a Certificate in Leadership from The Chamber Foundation, Inc. She also has her certification as a Senior Human Resources (SHRM-SCP) Professional from the Society of Human Resources Management (SHRM). She joined Visions Human Resource Services in 2022.

Kelly is very active in her community, volunteering with several organizations including the Kingston Chapter of the Association of Junior Leagues International and the Kingston Chapter of Kiwanis International. She is also the Mid-Hudson Chapter President for SHRM and a member of SHRM’s New York State Council and Insights Panel.

Kelly is a lifelong Hudson Valley resident. Since 2009, she has lived in Saugerties with her daughter Bailey.

She says, “Being a partner enables me to bring another level of experience and knowledge to client engagements. In addition to specializing in human resources, I now share many of my clients’ concerns and priorities as a business owner. This will make me even more effective at helping business owners with everything related to having employees, so they’re freed up to focus on what they need to do to succeed in the core of their businesses.”

Visions Partner Janet Gianetta says, “I am very pleased and proud for Kelly to be a Partner in Visions HR.  She is a highly skilled, Certified HR professional and is an excellent resource for our clients.”

RBT Managing Partner, Michael Turturro adds, “Congratulations to Kelly! We are thrilled to have Kelly as a Visions HR Partner and know she is going to do great things for our clients and other Hudson Valley businesses in the future.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

RBT CPAs LLP, takes great pleasure in announcing that Kirstyn Cerone, CPA, of Montgomery, New York, has been admitted to the Firm as a Partner.

Kirstyn has been with the Firm since 2013, when she graduated Mount Saint Mary College with an Accounting degree and subsequently earned an MBA. Kirstyn works out of the Client Advisory Services Department in the Newburgh office. She is also Treasurer for the Business Council of Greater Montgomery and on the parent advisory board at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia for the spina bifida program. Kirstyn grew up in Montgomery, where she now resides with her husband Dave and son David.

Of her new role, Kirstyn says, “I am most excited about being able to play a leadership role in advancing the firm by helping our clients and my team develop, grow, and succeed.”

Managing Partner, Michael Turturro adds, “Kirstyn is one of the most genuine people you’ll ever meet. She is whole heartedly committed to treating her clients and team the way she wants to be treated and to going above and beyond to help them succeed. RBT is lucky to have her as a Partner and we can’t wait to see the amazing things she is going to do in the years ahead.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

RBT CPAs LLP, takes great pleasure in announcing that Chris Seger, CPA, of Montgomery, New York, has been admitted to the Firm as a Partner.

Chris graduated from Coastal Carolina University with a bachelor’s degree in Accounting in 2014 and a master’s degree in Accounting with a focus on taxation in 2015. He joined RBT CPAs in 2015 as a member of the Client Advisory Services team in Newburgh, and earned his CPA in 2016.

Chris strives to make a difference in the local community. He is a board member of the New York State Society of CPAs Mid-Hudson Chapter and Walden Rotary member. Chris is also treasurer and a board member of Independent Living, Inc., which advocates and strives to provide the highest quality of life for all.

Chris was born in Lake Katrine and grew up in New Paltz. After moving south for college, he returned to the Hudson Valley, building a home in Montgomery with his wife Katrina and his children Harlow and Grayson. In his spare time, Chris enjoys working on home projects and cars.

He says, “RBT is a wonderful place to work. The firm is very client focused and makes client relationships the main priority. It is our goal to get to know our clients and support them in ways that allow us to see their businesses grow.”

Managing Partner, Michael Turturro adds, “Chris has a tremendous amount of energy and enthusiasm, which he puts into everything he does. I look forward to watching him grow as a leader and major contributor to our clients’ and company’s success.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

RBT CPAs LLP, takes great pleasure in announcing that Kurtis Nordahl, CPA, of Modena, New York, has been admitted to the Firm as a Partner.

Kurtis has a bachelor’s degree in math, a bachelor’s degree in accounting and an MBA from SUNY New Paltz. He joined RBT in Client Advisory Services in the Newburgh office in 2012 and earned his CPA in 2014. Kurtis is currently treasurer of the local Southern Ulster Rotary. He also serves as treasurer for ARC of the Greater Hudson Valley and is on the finance committee for the Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan.

Kurtis grew up in the Hudson Valley, where his father ran a small business and his two sons – Zakary and Lukas – currently attend the same school district he and his wife Ashley did growing up. In his free time, he enjoys long distance running and cross-country skiing, as well as being an active and involved dad.

He is excited to begin his new role at RBT and says, “We’re innovative. We listen to our clients and team members and try to implement change when we can. I also believe in our commitment to quality. You can get taxes done anywhere, but we really care about the work and getting it done right.”

Managing Partner, Michael Turturro adds, “Kurtis keeps his eye on the prize and works tirelessly to achieve what he sets his mind to. He will undoubtedly deliver a lot of value to our company, clients, and team in the years ahead.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

RBT CPAs LLP, takes great pleasure in announcing that Nicholas Watkins, CPA, of New Windsor, New York, has been admitted to the Firm as a Partner.

Nick graduated from SUNY New Paltz with an Accounting degree in 2013 and joined RBT CPAs’ Tax Department in the Newburgh office in 2015. Nick is on the local Board for the New York State Society of CPAs, serves as the group’s Secretary, and chairs the NextGen Committee. He is also President of the Mid-Hudson Bowling Association responsible for promoting the sport of bowling through leagues, tournaments, and fundraisers.

Nick grew up in the Hudson Valley. An avid bowler, you’ll likely find him at the lanes at least once a week or watching or attending a New York sporting event as a huge Mets, Jets, and Rangers fan.  On becoming partner, Nick says, “A lot of people have helped me get to where I am, and I want to do the same for others – to help them get to the next level in their career.”

Managing Partner, Michael Turturro adds, “Nick is a focused, thoughtful, and tenacious professional who continuously delivers value to our team, clients, and firm. He is a welcome addition to our partnership. We know there are great things ahead for Nick and RBT.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

RBT CPAs LLP, takes great pleasure in announcing that Rebecca Reynolds, CPA, of Highland, New York, has been admitted to the Firm as a Partner.

Rebecca has been with the Firm’s Audit Department in Newburgh since 2014, when she graduated Mount Saint Mary College with an Accounting degree and subsequently earned an MBA. Rebecca is on the SUNY Orange Foundation Board, as well as the Board of Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley where she also serves as an Audit Committee chair. She has been volunteering with the United Way of Orange-Dutchess for more than eight years.

Rebecca grew up in Ulster County, NY and continues to live in Highland with her husband Chris and their two dogs. Rebecca says, “I am most excited to work on and grow our Audit team in the Poughkeepsie office, where we’re building our practice and establishing a presence in Dutchess County.” She adds, “I think RBT is unique because we have the resources of a large firm thanks to our RSM alliance, but still have a tight knit family culture.”

Managing Partner, Michael Turturro says, “Rebecca is a welcome addition to our partnership team. Her professionalism, energy, and enthusiasm are contagious and will no doubt contribute to her continued success as a team leader and valued client resource. Congratulations, Rebecca!”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

RBT CPAs LLP, takes great pleasure in announcing that Thomas Zupan, CPA, of Highland, New York, has been admitted to the Firm as a Partner.

Tom graduated from Pace University with an MBA in 2014 and four years later earned his CPA license. He joined RBT CPAs right after graduation in the Newburgh office as part of the client services team, specializing in the construction industry.

Tom has been a volunteer member of the Modena Fire Department for 13 years, first as an active firefighter and later as treasurer – a role he still holds today. He was born and raised as part of a large family in Highland in Ulster County, where he currently resides with his wife Heather.  He is an avid golfer, and baseball card collector and seller.

Tom says, “At RBT, our vision and goals are not just to be the compliance accountant who files required paperwork. We want to be the trusted business advisor that clients know they can depend on to add value and help them grow.”

Managing Partner, Michael Turturro adds, “Tom is a hardworking, trustworthy professional who has put a lot of time and effort into getting to know the construction industry so he can best use his education and license to help clients in this vertical succeed. I know we’re going to see a lot of great things from Tom in the years to come.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

RBT CPAs, Inc. and Sickler, Torchia, Allen & Churchill CPAs – both leading accounting, auditing, consulting, and tax firms in the Hudson Valley – have merged their practices effective July 1, 2022, resulting in greater accessibility, depth of knowledge and expertise, state-of-the-art technology, and enhanced services for clients.

The two firms are very similar in size and culture, with each bringing something extra to the table. RBT CPAs’ expertise spans a broader spectrum of industries, while Sickler, Torchia, Allen & Churchill CPAs has a larger presence and reach in Lake Katrine (Ulster) and Hudson (Columbia), as well as the Capital Region, Metropolitan New York areas, and the Berkshires.

“We are really excited about bringing our two firms together to leverage our combined talents and reach to offer even more value to our customers,” said Mike Turturro, Managing Partner & CEO, RBT CPAs. “Customers will continue to receive the personalized services they are accustomed to, while benefiting from the enhanced capabilities our combined organizations can deliver.”

Sickler, Torchia, Allen & Churchill CPAs Managing Partner Craig Sickler said, “Culturally, our two organizations are a very strong fit. We both started and grew up in the Hudson Valley and have been able to retain the personalized service levels often associated with small firms, while offering the know-how and experience of larger firms.”

Michael Torchia, Partner, Sickler, Torchia, Allen & Churchill CPAs, added, “We are really excited about what this merger will mean to our clients, employees, and the communities where we live and operate. Our two organizations truly complement each other and will enable our new combined business to deliver even more value while maintaining the highest levels of personalized service.”

The combined organization will maintain their current locations, staff, fee structures, and client service teams. Mike Turturro said, “Over time, we look forward to bringing our organization’s enhanced capabilities to clients throughout the Hudson Valley and beyond to show why and how our two organizations are better together.”

About RBT CPAs and Sickler, Torchia, Allen & Churchill CPAs: RBT CPAs and Sickler, Torchia, Allen & Churchill CPAs is the Hudson Valley’s largest CPA firm. The company services clients in construction, education, employee benefits, government, health care, manufacturing, and more. The dedicated professional team is committed to providing outstanding, professional, personalized services with the highest levels of integrity. Learn more about its diverse offerings and award-winning service at RBTCPAs.com.

For Media Inquiries Contact:

Erin Blabac
Eblabac@rbtcpas.com
(845) 567-9000 Ext. 269

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

RBT CPAs LLP, takes great pleasure in announcing that Ross Trapani, CPA, of Lagrangeville, New York, has been admitted to the partnership. Ross will officially become a partner on January 1, 2022. He has been with the Firm since October of 2017. Ross is currently working out of the Dutchess office in the Client Service Department. Ross is the Treasurer for two nonprofits, Rebuilding Together Dutchess County and ARC of Dutchess Foundation. He is also on the Professional Development Programming Committee for the Dutchess Chamber Foundation and co-coaches his daughter’s CYO basketball. Ross grew up in Ulster County and now resides in Lagrangeville in Dutchess County with his wife and two young daughters.

Managing Partner, Michael Turturro adds, “Ross has set a wonderful example of hard work and community involvement within this firm.  He has been a great teacher to other employees and a pleasure to work with. We are so very pleased to welcome Ross to our Partner group. Congratulations! Well deserved!”