It is with great pleasure that Belfint, Lyons & Shuman, P.A. (BLS), a certified public accounting and consulting firm with offices in Delaware and Pennsylvania, announces that special congratulations are in order to the following individuals for their leadership promotions.
Valerie C. Middlebrooks, CPA was elected as Shareholder with the firm and as a Director in the Tax & Small Business Department. Val began her career at BLS as a Tax & Small Business Manager in September of 2005. In 2007, Val relocated out of the area but then returned to Delaware. We were thrilled when she returned to the BLS family as a Principal in our Tax & Small Business Department in August 2017. Val’s commitment is demonstrated in the countless hours she dedicates to her clients and the firm. She works to mentor and develop our staff while sharing her technical expertise and business acumen. Additionally, she is well known in the community where she presents on a variety of topics and among her peers for her work in supporting our profession and her personal approach to client relationships. She is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and Delaware Society of Certified Public Accountants (DSCPA) and volunteers with the Fresh Start Scholarship Foundation and the Delaware Center for Justice. Val received her Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Accounting and Marketing from the University of Wisconsin and resides in North Wilmington, Delaware. We are very proud to have Val become an owner of the firm and look forward to her continued leadership and collaboration for many years to come.
Christopher J. Ciminera, CPA, QKA was promoted to Principal in the firm’s Accounting & Auditing Department. Chris celebrated his 14th anniversary at BLS in January. Initially, he assisted clients in both tax and audit, but ultimately found his passion in the firm’s Employee Benefit Plan practice group, where he continues to excel today. He has become a trusted advisor to many Employee Benefit Plan clients and is a recognized expert in the field among his peers and benefit plan professionals. Chris shows a great dedication to building the niche and spends significant time throughout the year helping to develop and train BLS staff. Chris also contributes to the firm and his industry through networking opportunities, authoring blogs and articles, and has received the Qualified 401(k) Administrator credential in addition to his CPA license. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), Delaware Society of Certified Public Accountants (DSCPA), Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA), American Society of Pension Professionals and Actuaries (ASPPA), ASPPA Benefits Council of Greater Philadelphia, Toastmasters International, and the Surfrider Foundation. Chris received his Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from West Chester University and resides in North Wilmington, Delaware.
Jonathan A. Patterson, CPA, CVA was promoted to Principal in the firm’s Tax & Small Business Department. Jon is entering his 13th year at BLS, having started as an intern in January 2008 and becoming a staff accountant in July 2008. Jon has assisted clients throughout many areas of the firm, working closely with many of the firm’s Directors and client groups in several practice areas. He more recently acquired the Certified Valuation Analyst designation and is a key member of the firm’s valuation practice. Jon is an exceptional technician and highly knowledgeable small business practitioner who is not only great in working with his clients and their staff, but is also well known in the community among attorneys and other business groups for his tax and accounting expertise. Jon is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), Delaware Society of Certified Public Accountants (DSCPA), and the National Association of Certified Valuators and Analysts (NACVA). Jon received his Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from the University of Delaware and resides in Hockessin, Delaware.
About Belfint, Lyons & Shuman, P.A.:
Belfint, Lyons & Shuman was founded in 1923 as a small accounting practice whose staff was committed to building long-standing, mutually beneficial relationships with clients and business associates. Today, with 75 professionals, we have become one of the largest and most respected certified public accounting firms in Delaware while never losing sight of our founding commitments. We have a diverse client base and offer services such as: advisory services, assurance, auditing, tax planning & compliance, small business services, litigation support, employee benefit plan audits, succession planning, business & management consulting and corporate services for investment holding companies. Visit our website at www.belfint.com.