News May 4, 2026

Forbes Names Thirteen Withum Leaders to Its Best-In-State CPAs List

Leaders Recognized for Service Excellence

Withum is proud to share that Forbes has named thirteen Firm leaders to its 2026 America’s Best-In-State CPAs list. Now in its second year, the list recognizes accomplished accounting professionals nationwide for their leadership, expertise and industry impact.

Withum’s representation reflects the Firm’s collective power of people, reinforcing its position as a leading national advisory, tax and audit firm. From the East to the West Coast and representing a broad cross-section of services and industries, the Withum advisors listed reflect diverse expertise and leadership styles, united by a shared commitment to client and community service.

Withum’s 2026 Best-In-State CPAs

New Jersey

Pat Walsh was recognized for his professional leadership and philanthropic impact, including establishing the Edward Walsh ’87 Endowed Scholarship Fund and helping launch Withum’s CPA Pathways Apprenticeship program to advance access to careers in the accounting profession.

Bill Hagaman earned recognition for his transformative leadership at Withum, guiding the Firm’s significant growth, as well as for his philanthropy, including board service with the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce and the establishment of the First-Generation Student Endowed Scholarship at Stockton University.

Brad Caruso was recognized for his professional achievements and public service, including thought leadership in nonprofit accounting, hosting Withum’s Civic Warrior podcast, and serving as Vice President/2^nd Lieutenant of the Montgomery Township Volunteer Firefighter Department.

Ed Mendlowitz was honored for advancing the next generation of accountants through teaching as an adjunct professor and for his broader industry influence, including recognition on Accounting Today’s Top 100 Most Influential People in Accounting list and authorship of 30 books.

Ed O’Connell received recognition for his guidance across the Firm’s growing practice areas and his servant leadership through board service with Global Lyme Alliance, Tech United and Rider University. He was also named to Forbes’ 2025 Top 200 CPAs in America list.

Jim Bourke was honored for his past leadership roles with the AICPA and NJCPA, and for his ongoing influence in the profession, including recurring recognition on Accounting Today’s Top 100 Most Influential People in Accounting list for his expertise in accounting technology.

Vincent Reilly was recognized for his professional and community impact, earning the NJCPA Ovation Impact Award and serving as a volunteer Emergency Medical Technician with the Mendham Township First Aid Squad.

New York

Nadia Matthie earned recognition for her leadership, serving as Chair of Pace University’s Career Opportunities in the Accounting Profession program, Board Treasurer of Yonkers Community Action Program and an active member of the National Association of Black Accountants.

Philip Antico was recognized for his industry impact through thought leadership, including his service on the NYSSCPA’s Stockbrokerage Committee technical hotline team and his frequent speaking engagements with the Foundation for Accounting Education.

Anthony Venette received recognition for his thought leadership and professional engagement, including involvement with leading industry organizations and being named to Forbes’ America’s Top CPAs for Valuations list.

California

Chris Passmore was recognized for his leadership in advancing key Firm initiatives, his involvement with the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation, and his podcast, The Social Media CPA.

Emily Egkan earned recognition for her leadership in professional development, including her role within the Firm’s Women of Withum team member resource group, board service with CalCPA’s Orange County/Long Beach Chapter and mentorship efforts within her community.

Florida

Russell Goldberg was recognized for innovative leadership and community stewardship, including participation in the Thomson Reuters AI Coalition, board service with the Jewish Pavilion of Central Florida, induction into the UCF Hall of Fame and recognition on Forbes’ 2025 Top 200 CPAs in America list.

Walsh, Hagaman, Bourke, Caruso, Passmore and Mendlowitz appeared on the inaugural America’s Best-In-State CPAs list in 2025. To see the full list of honorees from across the country, visit Forbes.

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