RBT CPA’s Carolyn Bell, CPA, Admitted to the Partnership

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

RBT CPAs LLP takes great pleasure in announcing that Carolyn Bell, CPA, of Arlington, New York, has been admitted to the firm as a partner.

Carolyn graduated from Mount Saint Mary College in 2011, joining RBT’s Client Advisory team in the Newburgh office in 2013 after initially working as an administrative assistant for the firm. Since joining RBT, Carolyn has obtained her CPA and transitioned to the Poughkeepsie office. Carolyn serves as a board member for the Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce and a committee member for the Women’s Leadership Alliance.

Carolyn was born and raised in New Windsor, New York, moving to Arlington in 2020. On becoming partner, she says “Being a trusted advisor to my clients is one of the most rewarding aspects of my career. I truly value each and every one of my client relationships. With our experience, knowledge and incredibly talented team, I look forward to RBT’s continued growth and success.”

Managing Partner, Michael Turturro adds, “We’re thrilled to welcome Carolyn to our partner group. Carolyn is an example of dedication to professional growth as well as commitment to clients. We look forward to seeing her thrive as a partner at RBT.”

RBT CPA’s Nicole Gilmartin, CPA, Admitted to the Partnership

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

RBT CPAs LLP takes great pleasure in announcing that Nicole Gilmartin, CPA, of Wappingers Falls, New York, has been admitted to the firm as a partner.

Nicole graduated from SUNY New Paltz in 2016 with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. Nicole began at RBT as an intern, joining the Client Advisory team after graduation. Since joining RBT, Nicole has obtained her CPA and earned an MBA in Public Accountancy from SUNY New Paltz.

Nicole is passionate about engaging with her local community. She serves on a number of local committees including The Chamber Foundation Professional Development Programming Committee, the Hudson Valley Young Professionals Professional Development and Education Committee, the New York State Society of CPA’s Next Gen Committee, and the Angels of Light Angels of Rock Event Committee. She has also been a mentor for the Leadership Dutchess program ever since graduating from the program in 2020.

Nicole’s passion for community service started seven years ago when she first became involved with United Way of the Dutchess-Orange Region. Nicole has volunteered with United Way since that time, serving as the Employee Campaign Manager for the workplace campaign at RBT CPAs, a member of the Emerging Leaders Committee, and a member of the Women United Planning Committee.

Nicole is a lifelong resident of Dutchess County, New York. On her new role as partner, she says “I am excited to become a partner at RBT, where the values of high-quality service, strong relationships, and a deep commitment to the community align with my own. I look forward to growing alongside my team and clients and building lasting relationships.”

Managing Partner, Michael Turturro adds, “Nicole is a very welcome addition to our partner group. Nicole has been an integral member of our Client Advisory team, bringing with her a commitment to quality service and a passion for supporting the local community. We congratulate her on her new role as partner at RBT and look forward to all the amazing work she will do.”

RBT CPAs, LLP has offices located at 11 Racquet Road, Newburgh, NY; 2678 South Road Suite 101, Poughkeepsie, NY; 51 Sullivan Street PO Box 209, Wurtsboro, NY; 590 Madison Avenue 21st Floor, New York, NY; Lake Katrine 2215 Route 9W, Lake Katrine, NY; and Hudson 4071 Route 9, Hudson, NY. We provide accounting, auditing, tax, and business consulting services to clients in the greater Hudson Valley, as well as in other areas of New York State, Connecticut, and New Jersey.

Local CPA Firm Celebrates 55 Years of Being Remarkably Better Together

Local CPA Firm Celebrates 55 Years of Being Remarkably Better Together

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 55th 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 100th 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.

Visions Human Resource Services, LLC’s Kelly Caldwell, Admitted to the Partnership

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Kelly M. Caldwell, SHRM-SCP

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.”

RBT CPA’s Kirstyn Cerone, CPA, Admitted to the Partnership

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Kirstyn P. Cerone, CPA, MBA

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.”

RBT CPA’s Chris Seger, CPA, Admitted to the Partnership

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Christopher J. Seger, CPA, MAcc

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.”

RBT CPA’s Kurtis Nordahl, CPA, Admitted to the Partnership

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Kurtis M. Nordahl, CPA, MBA

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.”

RBT CPA’s Nicholas Watkins, CPA, Admitted to the Partnership

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Nicholas A. Watkins, CPA, MBA

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.”

RBT CPA’s Rebecca Reynolds, CPA, Admitted to the Partnership

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Rebecca J. Reynolds, CPA, MBA

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!”

RBT CPA’s Thomas Zupan, CPA, Admitted to the Partnership

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thomas J. Zupan, CPA, MBA

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.”