Withum is proud to share that the Los Angeles Business Journal has named two partners, Chris Passmore and Chester Ventura, to its Leaders of Influence: Thriving in Their 40s list for 2025.
The Los Angeles Business Journal’s Thriving in Their 40s List is an annual editorial feature that spotlights prominent business professionals in the greater Los Angeles area who are in their 40s and excelling—both professionally and civically.
Chris Passmore, partner-in-charge of Withum’s Los Angeles office, is a dynamic business leader and driving force in the Firm’s strategic vision. As an accomplished CPA with nearly 25 years of experience, he specializes in assurance and business consulting for emerging and middle-market companies, with expertise in working with Technology companies, Professional Services, franchised businesses and Employee Benefit Plans. He advises clients on mergers and acquisitions and a variety of complex business situations, leveraging his highly specialized advanced-level certification in 401(k) plan audits.
Chris shares his insights through his podcast, The Social Media CPA, and his involvement with ProVisors and the Association for Corporate Growth, serving as a continued resource for the LA business community. Featured in numerous publications, he is recognized for his professional strength and exceptional client service. Chris was recognized, for the third consecutive year, as a leader on the Los Angeles Business Journal’s 500 list.
Chester Ventura is a trusted advisor and leader with over 25 years of accounting experience, specializing in attestation services for privately held companies. He serves clients in various industries, including Industrial and Consumer Products (ICP) and Employee Benefit Plans, with a focus on advising clients with ERISA Spending Accounts. Chester’s expertise guides clients through overcoming challenges, improving operations and driving growth.
His commitment to the professional growth of his team and the greater LA region’s emerging talent is evident through his active membership with ProVisors and the Association for Corporate Growth. His advisory expertise spans Los Angeles, where he is recognized for his strategic leadership, mentorship and industry achievements. In recent years, Chester was recognized by the Los Angeles Business Journal as Top 100 Accountant and by the LA Times as a Banking & Finance Industry Visionary.
The Thriving in Their 40s list is the Los Angeles Business Journal’s curated showcase of mid-career professionals making notable strides in their fields and communities. Honorees are nominated, editorially vetted and featured for their blend of professional excellence and societal contributions.
The Los Angeles Business Journal honored leaders Thriving in their 40s in its December 15, 2025, edition.
Pat Walsh Pat was recognized for his relentless dedication to elevating Withum’s position as a top 20 advisory, accounting and tax firm. This recognition reflects Pat’s leadership and the Firm’s consistent year-over-year growth and strategic expansions into new markets under his guidance. His commitment and contributions to the profession have earned him numerous accolades, including…
Kimberly Ravenell, tax partner, was recognized for her commitment to client service and mentorship. With more than 30 years of experience advising high-net-worth individuals and closely held businesses, she provides tax planning and compliance guidance. Kim has played a key role in guiding her team and clients through significant industry and regulatory changes while supporting…
Advancing Audit Innovation Sameer has played a key role in advancing Withum’s use of audit technology, helping teams adopt new methodologies, improve efficiency and enhance consistency across engagements. A trusted resource for technology implementation, he has been instrumental in the Firm’s adoption of Caseware Cloud and Dynamic Assurance Solutions (DAS) applications. Driving Firmwide DAS Adoption…
