Lutz Announces 2024 Shareholder, C-Suite, and Director Promotions

Lutz, a Nebraska-based business solutions firm, has announced its 2024 promotions, including new shareholders, C-suite executives, and directors.

Shareholders:

• Clarke Beller, CPA: Promoted to Audit Shareholder, Beller leads the firm's construction niche group, bringing strong technical knowledge to the industry. In his role, he focuses on business consulting for private enterprises while supervising audits, reviews, and compilations. Beller is actively engaged in industry associations, proposals, and training, providing significant value both internally and externally.
• Tony DeSantis: Elevated to Data Analytics Shareholder, DeSantis has played a pivotal role in the evolution, growth, and success of Lutz’s Data Analytics practice. He forms strategic partnerships with businesses by understanding their goals and identifying essential Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). DeSantis visualizes these data points in comprehensive reports and analyzes the information to support informed decision-making. As leader of the firm's AI champions group, he remains at the forefront of artificial intelligence advancements, leveraging this expertise to simplify business processes. His ability to communicate complex ideas clearly enhances his effectiveness in guiding clients toward data-driven success.
• Justin Korth, CPA: Now a Tax Shareholder, Korth specializes in tax compliance and consulting for high-net-worth individuals and businesses, focusing on estate and business planning, credits and incentives, and taxpayer representation on IRS matters. Over his eight years at the firm, he has led numerous operational and technical initiatives, including guidance and internal process creation for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Employee Retention Credit (ERC) program. Additionally, Korth leads Lutz’s international workforce initiative, serves as the tax department head, and is a member of the tax policy committee.
• Jon Patent, CPA: Appointed as Tax Shareholder, Patent has led the Lincoln, Nebraska, office since 2018. He manages client relationships across all Lutz services and specializes in tax compliance and consulting for businesses and individuals. Patent works closely with companies and entrepreneurs to solve complex problems, add value, and support clients in furthering their success. He is active in the construction and real estate groups and participates in many local community activities in Lincoln. Patent is heavily involved in business development and is well-respected by clients and colleagues, serving as a primary client experience leader on many engagements.

C-Suite:

• Merrick Aurora: Promoted to Chief Marketing Officer (CMO), Aurora has provided marketing solutions that support and enhance Lutz’s growth initiatives, goals, and brand over the past 10 years. She leads the marketing team and oversees the development and implementation of the firm’s internal and external brand strategy. Playing a pivotal role in fostering cross-divisional collaboration, Aurora works closely with firm leadership to enhance the client experience. Her strengths lie in her ability to align the firm's vision with specific objectives and her talent for simplifying complex concepts and generating strategic ideas.

Directors:

• Laurie Cradick: Promoted to Talent Director, Cradick excels in cultivating client relationships and driving business development. She specializes in helping businesses identify and secure the best long-term talent to achieve their goals. Across various industries, Cradick works in close collaboration with clients, dedicating herself to a deep understanding of each organization's unique needs and culture. She ensures that the talent she helps place not only meets job requirements but also integrates seamlessly into the company, fostering long-term success for both the new hire and the organization.
• Will Lanik, CPA: Promoted to Audit Director, Lanik has been instrumental in developing and managing the firm’s Sanitary Improvement District (SID) practice and is a go-to professional for developers, fiscal agents, and attorneys in the community. In addition to his leadership role with SIDs, Lanik makes a continuous impact through staff training and development. He specializes in providing accounting, auditing, and consulting services for privately held companies in various industries. Lanik works in Lutz’s Omaha office.

These promotions reflect Lutz's commitment to recognizing and advancing talent within the firm, ensuring continued excellence in client service and leadership.