Clifton Gunderson LLP News

Clifton Gunderson Recognized as Sole Recipient of '2009 Northeastern Wisconsin Employers of Choice' Award

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Media Contact
Sada Kempf, Marketing Senior Associate
(920) 232-2230

OSHKOSH, Wis. – (June 22, 2009) – Clifton Gunderson, ranked as one of the nation’s largest certified public accounting and consulting firms, today announced its Oshkosh, Wis. office has been selected as the sole recipient of the 2009 Northeastern Wisconsin Employers of Choice Award.

“Our goal at Clifton Gunderson is to create an environment our employees want to be a part of by providing excellent opportunities and experiences for career development while working side-by-side with talented professionals serving our growing client base,” said Jerry Stadtmueller, partner in charge of Clifton Gunderson’s Oshkosh and Sheboygan offices. “This is an outstanding achievement for the Oshkosh office, the Wisconsin Client Service Center, and our entire firm. Our employees should be commended and congratulated on their efforts.”

In alignment to the firm’s mission statement “Growth of our people. Growth of our clients. All else follows.®”, Clifton Gunderson’s human resource practices are designed to provide coaching, recognition, career development, and rewards to keep their workforce engaged. Among the Clifton Gunderson employees who responded to the Northeastern Wisconsin Employers of Choice employee survey, 100 percent of them agreed or strongly agreed that they would recommend the organization to others as a good place to work.

Northeastern Wisconsin Employers of Choice was created by HR1 in 2008. HR1 is a partnership created by local human resource professionals to provide employee opinion data and recognize quality employers in the Fox Valley and surrounding areas.

About Clifton Gunderson

Clifton Gunderson, ranked as one of the nation’s largest certified public accounting and consulting firms, provides a wide range of assurance, accounting, tax, and consulting services to clients in a variety of industries. Founded in 1960, Clifton Gunderson has a staff of more than 2,000 professionals serving clients from 45 offices across the country. The firm has been recognized as one of the country’s best places to work.

Clifton Gunderson Awarded Prestigious Alfred P. Sloan Award for Workplace Flexibility and Effectiveness

Fri, 12 Jun 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Media Contact
Amanda Jeffers, Senior Marketing Associate
(520) 790-3500

Achievement Marks Fourth Consecutive Year as Award Winner

PHOENIX, Ariz. (June 12, 2009) - Clifton Gunderson, ranked as one of the nation's largest certified public accounting and consulting firms, today announced its Phoenix, Arizona office has been named a winner of the 2008 Alfred P. Sloan Award for Business Excellence in Workplace Flexibility. The award distinguishes the firm as a leading practitioner of workplace flexibility in Phoenix and across the nation. Clifton Gunderson was recognized with the award on June 11, 2009.

"Our goal at Clifton Gunderson is to create an environment where our employees are provided with the flexibility to maintain a healthy work life balance," said Rick Goldenson, Clifton Gunderson managing partner of the Arizona practice. "Our firm takes great pride in our human resource accomplishments and we are honored to be recognized by The Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, Families and Work Institute, The Institute for a Competitive Workforce of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the Twiga Foundation."

The Alfred P. Sloan Awards for Business Excellence in Workplace Flexibility are part of the When Work Works project, an ongoing initiative of Families and Work Institute, the Institute for a Competitive Workforce (an affiliate of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce), and the Twiga Foundation. Through When Work Works, these partner organizations provide research, resources, and recognition to employers nationwide, and share the results of research on creating effective and flexible workplaces that meet the needs of the 21st century.

The Alfred P. Sloan Awards for Business Excellence in Workplace Flexibility recognize organizations that are striving to find new ways to make work "work" in today's challenging economy. The Sloan Awards honor organizations of all sizes and all types across the country that are using workplace flexibility as a strategy to increase workplace effectiveness and yield positive business results, and to help employees succeed at work and at home.

"The When Work Works project was developed in response to decades of research which found that, simply put, work was not ‘working' for many businesses and employees as well as it could be," said Ellen Galinsky, President of Families and Work Institute and co-director of the national When Work Works initiative. "In a time of economic volatility, with increasingly complicated jobs and an aging workforce, the importance of the Sloan Awards is greater than ever as a tool to create workplace flexibility that can benefit employers and employees alike."

Now in its fifth year, the prestigious awards program expanded its application base to organizations nation-wide for the first time in 2009. With the introduction of an "at-large" category and 30 participating communities across the country, any organization in the U.S. was eligible for the award. Applicants were evaluated in a rigorous two-step process, first comparing the employer's application to nationally representative data from Families and Work Institute's National Study of Employers, and then corroborating the employer responses through a survey of employees.

Each of the 2009 Sloan Award winners will also be recognized nationally and will be featured in the 2009 issue of the Guide to Bold New Ideas for Making Work Work, published by Families and Work Institute.

ABOUT WHEN WORK WORKS

When Work Works is a nationwide initiative to bring research on workplace effectiveness and flexibility into community and business practice. It is a project of Families and Work Institute sponsored by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation in partnership with Institute for a Competitive Workforce, an affiliate of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and the Twiga Foundation.

ABOUT FAMILIES AND WORK INSTITUTE

Families and Work Institute (FWI) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan research organization that studies the changing workforce and workplace, the changing family and the changing community. As a preeminent think-tank, FWI is known for being ahead of the curve, identifying emerging issues, and then conducting rigorous research that often challenges common wisdom, provides insight and knowledge, and motivates action. Since the Institute was founded in 1989, its work has focused in three major areas: the workforce/workplace, youth and early childhood. For more information, visit www.familiesandwork.org.

ABOUT THE INSTITUTE FOR A COMPETITIVE WORKFORCE

The Institute for a Competitive Workforce (ICW) is a 501(c)3 affiliate of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and is working to ensure that businesses have access-today and tomorrow-to an educated and skilled workforce. ICW's primary responsibilities for the When Work Works project are to provide support to the communities and connect local initiatives to national Chamber efforts. For more information, visit www.uschamber.com/icw.

ABOUT THE TWIGA FOUNDATION

The Twiga Foundation is dedicated to inspiring, promoting and maintaining a family consciousness at home, in the workplace and in the community. Twiga's primary responsibilities for the When Work Works project are to provide support to the communities,.acting as a liaison to key stakeholders in the When Work Works communities to build a broad local leadership constituency for creating better workplaces that meet the needs of employees, employers and communities. For more information, visit www.twigafoundation.org.

About Clifton Gunderson

Clifton Gunderson, ranked as one of the nation's largest certified public accounting and consulting firms, provides a wide range of assurance, accounting, tax, and consulting services to clients in a variety of industries. Founded in 1960, Clifton Gunderson has a staff of more than 2,000 professionals serving clients from 45 offices across the country. The firm has been recognized as one of the country's best places to work.

Clifton Gunderson Announces Restructure of Executive Team

Thu, 04 Jun 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Media Contact
Jen Dirks, Firmwide Communication Leader
(414) 721-7646

New CBO, CPO, General Counsel and Others Named to Management Team

MILWAUKEE, Wis. (June 4, 2009) – Clifton Gunderson, ranked as one of the nation’s largest certified public accounting and consulting firms, today announced the restructure of its firmwide executive team. The changes are effective June 1, 2009.

The firm announced the naming of a new Chief Business Officer (CBO), Chief Practice Officer (CPO) and General Counsel, Managing Partner of Valuation and Forensic Services and the Firmwide Director of Assurance.

Todd Craft has been named CBO. In his new role, Craft is a key member of the firm’s executive team and serves as an advisor on decisions that impact the strategic and operational direction of the firm. He provides leadership and direction to the firm’s internal technology, growth strategies and human resource services and initiatives. Craft was named Firmwide Director of Tax Services three years ago where he was responsible for maintaining and promoting the highest standards of excellence for the firm’s tax practice. He joined Clifton Gunderson in 1994 as a tax manager in the firm’s Peoria, Ill. office location. He was quickly promoted to senior tax manager and became partner in 2000.

Anita Ford has been named Chief Practice Officer. In her new role as CPO, Ford is also a key member of the firm’s executive team and serves as an advisor on decisions that impact the strategic and operational direction of the firm. She leads the firm’s client-service strategic initiatives and provides direction to the firmwide directors of Assurance, Tax, EBS, VFS, CGFS and Consulting Services. Ford also provides direction to the firm’s in-house counsel. For the past four years, Ford has served as Firmwide Director of Assurance. She joined Clifton Gunderson in 1992 and quickly progressed to general partner in the firm’s Racine, Wis. office where she was primarily responsible for managing clients in manufacturing, wholesale and international freight forwarding, venture capital, employee benefit plans and not-for-profit.

John Shutkin has been named General Counsel for the firm. In his new role, Shutkin will be responsible for directing and overseeing a wide range of legal matters pertaining to the firm. Prior to joining Clifton Gunderson, Shutkin served as General Counsel at Shearman & Sterling LLP. He also spent 18 years with KPMG International and KPMG LLP in various positions including General Counsel of KPMG International and Deputy General Counsel of KPMG LLP.

Yassir Karam has been promoted to managing partner of our Valuation and Forensic Services (VFS) practice. In his new role, Karam leads the firm’s national VFS group in providing valuation, forensic accounting, transfer pricing, and financial modeling services to a variety of publicly-traded and privately-held companies. Karam has been an instrumental part of the firm’s VFS group for more than a decade when he joined the firm in 1998. He became partner in 2005.

Cathy Schweigel has been named Firmwide Director of Assurance. In her new role, Schweigel will be responsible for maintaining and promoting the highest standards of excellence for the firm’s assurance services. Schweigel joined Clifton Gunderson as partner in November 2006. She has served as partner-in-charge of the Schaumburg, Ill. office providing assurance expertise for audit and review engagement of entities operating in manufacturing, distribution, service industries – including employee benefit plans and insurance.

The firm also announced the approval of 16 new partners for admission to the firm. The 2009 new partners include:

Mark Evans (Albuquerque, New Mexico)
Scot Nelson (Albuquerque, New Mexico)
Michael Drexler (Phoenix, Arizona)
Phil McCollum (Phoenix, Arizona)
Mark Dalbey (Peoria, Illinois)
Mike Setchell (Dixon, Illinois)
Rob Nowak (Oak Brook, Illinois)
Craig Wierson (Des Moines, Iowa)
Art Arbuckle (Indianapolis, Indiana)
Matthew Birkelien (Baltimore, Maryland)
William Early (Baltimore, Maryland)
Jennifer Leary (Baltimore, Maryland)
Thomas Rey (Baltimore, Maryland)
Paul Niedermuller (Greenwood Village, Colorado)
Robert Blodgett (Greenwood Village, Colorado)
Kimberly Anderson (Madison, Wisconsin)

“People are our most valued asset at Clifton Gunderson, and that’s especially true as we celebrate the admission of our newest partners,” said Kris McMasters, CEO. “Our new partners have grown our firm by providing value-added service to our clients every day. They embody all that Clifton Gunderson stands for, and are taking the firm into the next generation with their strategic planning skills and forward thinking. We congratulate all of our new partners for this achievement.”

About Clifton Gunderson

Clifton Gunderson's Linda Martin Honored with YWCA Award

Thu, 04 Jun 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Media Contact
Brittany Korth, Marketing Associate
(309) 495-8769

Peoria, Ill. (June 4, 2009) – Clifton Gunderson, ranked as one of the nation’s largest certified public accounting and consulting firms, today announced Linda Martin, senior manager in the firm’s Peoria office location, has received the 2009 YWCA Leader Luncheon's Edythe A. Cohen Business & Industry Award.

This award is given annually to honor a woman who exhibits leadership in local business, a not-for-profit organization, or a governmental body. Martin was selected from 23 nominees to receive this award during a luncheon held Wednesday, May 13th at the Hotel Pere Marquette.

Martin has been employed by Clifton Gunderson since 1991 and has more than 30 years of experience. She specializes in tax consulting and planning for individuals, closely held businesses and not-for-profit organizations. Martin is a graduate of University of Illinois with a bachelor’s degree in management. She is Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Estate Planning Council, and the Illinois CPA Society where she is currently the chairperson of the Business Tax Committee and a 2007 recipient of the Women to Watch Award.

“Linda has been an involved and effective leader for the Illinois CPA Society and the accounting profession for the past 15 years,” said Jennifer Schultz, CPA, Illinois CPA Society Vice President, Member Services and Education. “Linda has been active in the development of tax education programs for the Illinois CPA Society, currently serves as an officer of the Society’s Central Chapter and chair of the Society’s Business Taxation Committee, and received the AICPA/Illinois CPA Society’s 2007 annual “Women to Watch” award, recognizing her significant contributions to the accounting profession, her organization, and the development of women leaders. Linda Martin is truly an outstanding leader and role model.”

In addition to her professional affiliations, Martin also serves as a board member and past president of the Susan G. Komen Memorial Affiliate of Peoria, a board member for the Mental Health Association of Illinois Valley and a member of the Blessed Sacrament Finance Board. She is a board member of Peoria Women in Leadership and past Secretary for the American Association of University Women in Morton.

“Linda’s strengths professionally and in the not-for-profit areas more than qualify her for this prestigious award. She has the rare quality of astute leadership ability blended with genuine altruism,” said Linda Washkun, Susan G. Komen Peoria Race for the Cure Founder. “Linda is able to see through a challenge, design a plan, motivate those around her and arrive at a positive place. She is a visionary volunteer leader who places steadfast focus on the objective of the mission. Obvious to all who know and have worked with Linda is that she is tenaciously goal oriented. But there is much more to her story: intense loyalty, sense of fun, willingness to try something new, bright attitude, delightful curiosity, enterprising nature and devotion both in her career and in the community.”

About Clifton Gunderson

Clifton Gunderson Names Robert J. Nowak, Jr., CPA, MST, as New Partner of Firm

Tue, 02 Jun 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Media Contact:
Christine DeGraf
(630) 368-3638

OAK BROOK, Ill. (June 2, 2009) - Clifton Gunderson, ranked as one of the nation's largest certified public accounting and consulting firms, today announced Robert J. Nowak Jr., CPA, MST, has been named partner of the firm. Nowak joins 16 new partners recently admitted to the firm.

"Admission to the partnership is achieved by Clifton Gunderson employees who demonstrate hard work, determination, and continued support of the firm, client service center, and office initiatives. Above all, they must exemplify the highest standards of work and serve our firm and clients with integrity," said Steve Meindl, Managing Partner, Greater Chicagoland Client Service Center. "We congratulate Robert on this well deserved promotion."

Nowak began his career with Clifton Gunderson as a Senior Manager in 2005. He has over 14 years experience in taxation related to transactional analysis, due diligence, mergers and acquisitions, IRS dispute resolution and tax consulting. Nowak specializes in serving clients in the construction and tax-exempt industries where he is a regular speaker and author on issues impacting these areas. He is a member of The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Illinois CPA Society, National Association of Home Builders, Home Builders Association of Greater Chicagoland and the Chicago Building Congress.

"People are our most valued asset at Clifton Gunderson, and that's especially true as we celebrate the admission of our newest partners," said Kris McMasters, CEO. "Our new partners have grown our firm by providing value-added service to our clients every day. They embody all that Clifton Gunderson stands for, and are taking the firm into the next generation with their strategic planning skills and forward thinking. We congratulate Robert and all of our new partners for this achievement."

Nowak is a graduate of Northern Illinois University with a bachelor of science in accountancy and has a masters of taxation from DePaul University. He is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and a Master of Taxation (MST).

About Clifton Gunderson

Clifton Gunderson Relocates Firm Headquarters to Milwaukee

Mon, 01 Jun 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Media Contact
Jen Dirks, Firmwide Communication Leader
(414) 721-7646

Firm Becomes Only National CPA Firm Headquartered in Milwaukee

MILWAUKEE, Wis. (June 1, 2009) - Clifton Gunderson, ranked as one of the nation's largest certified public accounting and consulting firms, today announced the relocation of its firm headquarters from Peoria, Ill. to Milwaukee, Wis. The announcement means Clifton Gunderson becomes the first national Certified Public Accounting firm to be headquartered in Milwaukee and the only national CPA firm headquartered in all of Wisconsin.

"Our decision to move firm headquarters to Milwaukee brings together firm resources and provides additional opportunities to build on our firm's tremendous strengths and continue to create opportunities for growth," said Ted Hart, managing partner for Clifton Gunderson's Wisconsin offices. "Milwaukee has a very robust and diverse business community and we are honored to join the hundreds of other companies already headquartered in this great city."

Clifton Gunderson has been serving the Milwaukee-area community since 1984. During its 25 year history, the office has grown to nearly 130 professionals. The firm continues to provide a wide range of assurance, accounting, tax, financial planning and technology solutions to more than 2,500 clients. The firm has client-serving locations throughout Wisconsin including: Madison, Marshfield, Oshkosh, Sheboygan, Sparta, Stevens Point and Tomah. Including Wisconsin, the firm has a strong national presence serving clients in 45 offices across the country with a staff of more than 2,000 professionals.

"We have developed a solid reputation with our Milwaukee-area clients as a firm of choice," said Mark Williams, partner-in-charge of Clifton Gunderson's Milwaukee and Madison offices. "We are confident our decision to relocate firm headquarters to Milwaukee will further enhance that reputation and our commitment to our clients and to our prospective clients."

The decision also parallels the succession of the firm's new CEO, Krista McMasters, whose new role became effective today. McMasters becomes the fourth CEO in Clifton Gunderson's nearly 50 year history. She also becomes the first and only female to serve as CEO among the nation's top 25 certified public accounting firms in the history of the profession. She has a 30 year history with the firm having joined as an associate accountant in 1978. She was admitted as a partner in 1985, became Director of Assurance Services in 1989, and most recently served as Chief Practice Officer.

"Milwaukee is a vibrant city, rich in culture and history, and locating our firm headquarters here reinforces our commitment to Wisconsin and to our local clients." said McMasters. "This decision will allow us to better support and meet the needs of our Milwaukee-area clients while continuing to provide the high level of quality and service they have come to expect from us."

McMasters added, the decision will not have any immediate or long-term impact on the operations of the Peoria practice office.

"We are thrilled to welcome Clifton Gunderson to the list of great companies already headquartered in Milwaukee," said Jim Paetsch, director of corporate expansion and relocation for the Milwaukee 7. "The mission of the Milwaukee 7 is to attract, retain and grow diverse business and talent - and we are excited to add Clifton Gunderson's name under the ‘win column' for the Milwaukee region."

About Clifton Gunderson

Clifton Gunderson Names Matthew Birkelien and Thomas Rey as New Partners of the Firm

Mon, 01 Jun 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Media Contact
Kelly O'Connor, Marketing Associate
(301) 931-2050

TIMONIUM, Md. (June 1, 2009) - Clifton Gunderson, ranked as one of the nation's largest certified public accounting and consulting firms, today announced Matthew Birkelien, CPA and Thomas Rey, CPA have been named partners in the firm effective June 1, 2009. They join 14 other new partners recently admitted to the firm.

"Admission to the partnership is achieved by Clifton Gunderson employees who demonstrate hard work, determination, and continued support of the firm, client service center, and office initiatives. Above all, they must exemplify the highest standards of work and serve our firm and clients with integrity," said Terry Hancock, managing partner, Mid-Atlantic Client Service Center. "We congratulate Matt and Tom on this well deserved promotion."

Based in the firm's Timonium, Maryland office, Birkelien and Rey each graduated with a bachelor's degree in accounting from Salisbury State University. They are leaders in the Mid-Atlantic Client Service Center's government and commercial practices.

Birkelien began his accounting career in 1996 and joined Clifton Gunderson in 2004 though a merger. He specializes in serving state and local government agencies and financial institutions. Birkelien is an active member of the Maryland Association of Certified Public Accountants, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Maryland and National Financial Managers Society, Maryland and District of Columbia Credit Union Association, Maryland Bankers Association and the Maryland, Pennsylvania and National Government Finance Officer's Association. Additionally, Birkelien is a member of Clifton Gunderson's Risk Assessment Standards Implementation Task Force. He resides in Joppa, Maryland.

Rey launched his career in accounting in 1996 as an associate with Clifton Gunderson. He specializes in serving investment companies, manufacturing and distribution companies and state and local government agencies with an emphasis on defined benefit and deferred compensation plans. Rey is an active member of the Maryland Association of Certified Public Accountants, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, National Association of Government Deferred Compensation Administrators and the Baltimore Waterfront Rotary. He resides in Ellicott City, Maryland.

"People are our most valued asset at Clifton Gunderson, and that's especially true as we celebrate the admission of our newest partners," said Kris McMasters, CEO. "Our new partners have grown our firm by providing value-added service to our clients every day. They embody all that Clifton Gunderson stands for, and are taking the firm into the next generation with their strategic planning skills and forward thinking. We congratulate Matt, Tom and all of our new partners for this achievement."

About Clifton Gunderson

Clifton Gunderson Names Mike Setchell, CPA, as New Partner of Firm

Mon, 01 Jun 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Media Contact
Brittany Korth
(309) 495-8769

DIXON, Ill. (June 1, 2009) - Clifton Gunderson, ranked as one of the nation's largest certified public accounting and consulting firms, today announced Mike Setchell, CPA, has been named partner of the firm. Setchell joins 16 new partners recently admitted to the firm.

"Admission to the partnership is achieved by Clifton Gunderson employees who demonstrate hard work, determination, and continued support of the firm, client service center, and office initiatives. Above all, they must exemplify the highest standards of work and serve our firm and clients with integrity," said Todd Etheridge, Partner-In-Charge, Dixon, Illinois practice. "We congratulate Mike on this well deserved promotion."

Setchell launched his career with Clifton Gunderson in 1998 as an assurance associate and in this time has demonstrated exceptional leadership abilities as well as a strong commitment and dedication to the firm and its clients. With more than 10 years of experience, he specializes in managing various size audits with special emphases on manufacturing, construction, and agribusiness. Setchell also executes tax planning and preparation for corporations, partnerships, and individuals.

"People are our most valued asset at Clifton Gunderson, and that's especially true as we celebrate the admission of our newest partners," said Kris McMasters, CEO. "Our new partners have grown our firm by providing value-added service to our clients every day. They embody all that Clifton Gunderson stands for, and are taking the firm into the next generation with their strategic planning skills and forward thinking. We congratulate Mike and all of our new partners for this achievement."

Setchell is a graduate of Southern Illinois University with a bachelors in accounting and finance. He is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and a member of the AICPA and the Illinois CPA Society.

About Clifton Gunderson

Clifton Gunderson Names Mark Dalbey, CPA as New Partner of Firm

Mon, 01 Jun 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Media Contact
Brittany Korth
(309) 495-8769

PEORIA, Ill. (June 1, 2009) - Clifton Gunderson, ranked as one of the nation's largest certified public accounting and consulting firms, today announced Mark M. Dalbey, CPA, has been named partner of the firm. Dalbey joins 16 new partners recently admitted to the firm.

"Admission to the partnership is achieved by Clifton Gunderson employees who demonstrate hard work, determination, and continued support of the firm, client service center, and office initiatives. Above all, they exemplify the highest standards of work and serve our firm and clients with integrity," said John Lehman, Partner-In-Charge, Peoria, Illinois practice. "We congratulate Mark on this well deserved promotion."

Dalbey began his career with Clifton Gunderson in 2007 as a senior manager with the firm's tax team. With more than 12 years of experience, he has extensive knowledge of income tax compliance, consulting, and tax provision services for business industries including manufacturing, construction, transportation, real estate, agribusiness, and technology. Dalbey also works with owner-managed and operated companies as well as publicly traded entities both domestically and internationally.

"People are our most valued asset at Clifton Gunderson, and that's especially true as we celebrate the admission of our newest partners," said Kris McMasters, CEO. "Our new partners have grown our firm by providing value-added service to our clients every day. They embody all that Clifton Gunderson stands for, and are taking the firm into the next generation with their strategic planning skills and forward thinking. We congratulate Mark and all of our new partners for this achievement."

Dalbey is a graduate of Southern Illinois University with a master of accountancy and a bachelor's in accounting. He is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and a member of the AICPA and the Illinois CPA Society.

About Clifton Gunderson

Clifton Gunderson Names Bob Blodgett as New Principal and Paul Niedermuller as New Partner

Mon, 01 Jun 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Media Contact
Megan Salsbury
(303) 265-7855

DENVER, CO. (June 1, 2009) - Clifton Gunderson, ranked as one of the nation's largest certified public accounting and consulting firms, today announced Bob Blodgett has been named principal and Paul Niedermuller, CPA, has been named partner of the firm. Blodgett and Niedermuller join 16 new partners recently admitted to the firm.

"Admission to the partnership is achieved by Clifton Gunderson employees who demonstrate hard work, determination, and continued support of the firm, client service center, and office initiatives. Above all, they must demonstrate commitment to our firm mission statement and values, exemplify the highest standards of work and serve our firm and clients with integrity," said David Laundy, managing partner, Rocky Mountain Client Service Center. "We congratulate Bob and Paul on this well deserved promotion."

Blodgett joined R.S. Wells L.L.C. - a wholly-owned subsidiary of Clifton Gunderson management and consulting services to special districts and other governmental entities in the Rocky Mountain region - in 1995 and has nearly 35 years of experience in managing the planning, development and general government function for diverse and progressive communities. Blodgett has worked in city management and planning for the cities of Dallas and Grand Prairie in Texas and the cities of Lakewood and Aurora in Colorado. Most recently, he has overseen the construction and financial planning of approximately $200 million in public improvements for residential, industrial and commercial special districts. Blodgett holds a bachelor's degree of business administration from the University of Texas at Austin and an MBA from Michigan State University.

Niedermuller joined Clifton Gunderson in 2006. As a certified public accountant in Colorado, he has worked with numerous state and local government and nonprofit audit clients. Niedermuller holds a bachelor's of science degree in business administration with emphasis in Accounting from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Colorado Society of Certified Public Accountants.

"People are our most valued asset at Clifton Gunderson, and that's especially true as we celebrate the admission of our newest partners," said Kris McMasters, CEO. "Our new partners have grown our firm by providing value-added service to our clients every day. They embody all that Clifton Gunderson stands for, and are taking the firm into the next generation with their strategic planning skills and forward thinking. We congratulate Bob and Paul and all of our new partners for this achievement."