17 SEP 2024 / PEOPLE UPDATES

SEK CPAs & Advisors Appoints Kara Darlington as Managing Member

- MYCPE ONE Insights Team

Summary

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SEK CPAs & Advisors, a Maryland-based firm with over six decades of operational history, has appointed its first female Managing Member, Kara Darlington, effective January 1, 2025. Darlington, who started her career at SEK in 1997, will lead the firm's strategic direction with a focus on growth and innovation, continuing SEK's strong reputation while adapting to changes in the accounting industry.

Firm Announces Leadership Transition to First Female Managing Member

Hagerstown, Md.-based SEK CPAs & Advisors, a prominent firm with a 61-year legacy and $30.5 million in FY23 net revenue, has appointed Kara Darlington as the firm’s new Managing Member, effective January 1, 2025. She becomes the fifth Managing Member in the firm’s history and the first woman to hold this esteemed position.

Leadership Transition and Vision for the Future

Darlington steps into the leadership role, succeeding John Schnitzer, who has served as Managing Member since 2010. Schnitzer will remain involved with SEK on a part-time basis, continuing to serve clients until his full retirement. With her deep-rooted history at SEK, having started her career there in 1997, Darlington is poised to guide the firm into its next chapter.

“I am excited to guide our firm’s continued growth and innovation while honoring the legacy of strong leadership established by John and those who came before him,” Darlington said. “Having spent my career with SEK, I deeply value the culture we’ve built and the relationships we’ve cultivated with our team, clients, and communities.”

Goals and Focus Under Darlington’s Leadership

As Managing Member, Darlington plans to drive the firm’s strategic direction, focusing on its growth and the success of its clients and team. Her vision includes embracing changes within the accounting industry while fostering a culture of collaboration and support. This approach is aimed at continuing SEK’s reputation for excellence, enhancing client service, and adapting to the ever-evolving business landscape.

SEK’s Growth Under Past Leadership

Under Schnitzer’s leadership, SEK expanded its service offerings and cemented its status as one of the region’s top accounting firms. Schnitzer expressed confidence in Darlington’s leadership, noting, “Kara is a visionary leader whose experience, integrity, and forward-thinking approach will serve SEK well. Her appointment marks an exciting new chapter for the firm, and I am confident she will continue to build on our success.”

Darlington’s Background and Community Engagement

Darlington’s distinguished career at SEK includes leadership roles such as Director of Assurance & Advisory Services, leader of the Employee Benefit Plan Audit practice, and Member-in-Charge of

the Hanover office. She has earned a reputation for her exceptional client service, strategic thinking, and dedication to mentoring future leaders.

A graduate of York College of Pennsylvania, Darlington is also an active member of the Hanover community, serving on the boards of UPMC Hanover, Roots for Boots, and St. Teresa of Calcutta Catholic School. Her leadership and dedication have earned her recognition as one of Central Penn Business Journal’s Women of Influence.

Impact on the Industry

The appointment of Kara Darlington signifies a transformative moment for SEK CPAs & Advisors, with the firm poised for continued growth and innovation under her leadership. Her commitment to the firm’s success and to the accounting profession ensures that SEK will continue to thrive in a competitive industry, offering top-tier services while maintaining a culture of mentorship and client-centric focus.

In summary, Kara Darlington’s election as Managing Member is a pivotal milestone in SEK’s history, marking the firm’s ongoing evolution with a focus on leadership, growth, and innovation in the accounting industry.

Until next time…

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SEK CPAs & Advisors Appoints Kara Darlington as Managing Member

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