January 11, 2023– Withum, a leading advisory and accounting firm, held its annual State of the Firm event on January 10. The event brought team members together in one location from across the globe and also offered a streamed presentation for virtual attendance. This annual meeting was the first Firm event to feature new Managing Partner and CEO Pat Walsh following his transition to the role on January 1. The State of the Firm gave Withum team members an update on Firm operations, goals and future projections, announced the Withum Strength Award winners and unveiled the greatly anticipated Culture Video for 2023.
I was honored to participate in State of the Firm in a new capacity. I believe in the power of putting our people first and helping them find purpose in their roles every day. This event allows us to celebrate extraordinary individuals and teams for their exceptional efforts over the last year and energize our people for the upcoming year. Making sure Withum’s team members feel appreciated for the value they bring to our organization and feel fulfilled in their roles is a priority for me as I begin my tenure as Managing Partner and CEO.
Pat Walsh, CPA
Managing Partner and CEO
As a purpose-driven organization to Be a Catalyst for Growth and Success, those within the Firm live by The Withum Way – 10 tenets that best exemplify the Firm’s culture and approach to each client relationship. Again, this year, Withum bestowed honors to team members who exemplify what it means to live the Withum Way through its annual Strength Award program, recognizing their remarkable efforts in and out of the office. Team members nominate each other for outstanding client service, promising leadership capabilities, exceptional community service efforts, innovative mindsets and more.
“The Strength Award Ceremony is a highlight of the Firm every year,” said Theresa Richardson, Chief Talent Officer. “While we recognize outstanding talent and effort throughout the year through various initiatives, the Strength Awards offer a more prestigious opportunity to celebrate our team members. These individuals go above and beyond professionally and in their communities, acting as leaders and mentors.”
This year Withum coined its inaugural Withum R. Hagaman Jr. Emerging Leader I Strength Award to honor Bill Hagaman’s legacy and leadership during his 42-year career at the Firm. This year’s 2022 Strength Award Winners are:
- Emerging Leader II: Jiji Pappachan, Manager, Bengaluru, India
- William R. Hagaman Jr. Emerging Leader I: Joseph Polanco Jr., Staff II Accountant, East Brunswick, NJ
- Innovative Strength: Luca Panarelli, CPA, MST, Senior Manager, Whippany, NJ
- Ivan C. Brown Withum Way: Tracy LeBlon, Executive Assistant, East Brunswick, NJ
- Leonard H. Smith Strength of Client Service: Daniel Wong, Supervisor, Princeton, NJ
- Marketing Strength: Courtney Easterday, CPA, Manager, Whippany, NJ
- Administrative Strength: Jenny Cangelosi, Payroll Manager, Princeton, NJ
- Community Strength: Susan Meyer, Administrative Assistant, Philadelphia, PA
- Frederick S. Withum Outstanding Achievement: Mark Eckerle, CPA, Advisory Senior Manager, Whippany, NJ
The State of the Firm took place at New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark, NJ, with a live audience of over 1000 team members. Withum’s annual Culture Video kicked off the event, highlighting the former CEO and Managing Partner Bill Hagaman passing the baton to Pat Walsh, along with other leadership transitions within the Firm.
“Our team was so excited to get back in the office to film our culture video this year,” said Rhonda Maraziti, Chief Marketing Officer. “It’s something we all look forward to. Nothing is better than everyone coming together to celebrate our culture as #OneWithum. The firm has significantly grown since we filmed larger groups in the offices pre-pandemic. Seeing our newer team members fully embrace the fun and excitement of what this video is all about is a testament to our connection throughout the Firm. This year’s video was extremely special as we celebrated Bill’s success as CEO and welcomed Pat to the helm. You can feel it all over that the future of Withum remains bright.”
Learn more about Withum’s people-focused culture and watch previous culture videos on Withum’s website. To get an inside look at our 2023 SOTF event, visit Withum’s Facebook page.