Our Strength Comes From Our Team

In addition to his work at the firm, Steve spent twelve years as Executive Forum Director of a roundtable organization for business owners by the Fairfax Chamber. He and other Forum leaders served as the board of directors for organizations owned by the group’s participants, all business owners. He is a member of the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) and has earned multiple professional accolades over the course of his career, including recognition by Northern Virginia Magazine as one of the Top Financial Professionals in the category of Income Tax Planning and Investment Planning, as a Top Tax Accountant by the Washingtonian Magazine, and as a Smart CPA by SmartCEO Magazine.

A native of Oxon Hill, MD, Steve completed his Bachelor of Accounting at the University of Maryland before entering the accounting profession in 1974, and went on to start his own firm in 1977. When he’s not working or enjoying time with his three daughters and six grandchildren, Steve loves playing golf and restoring classic cars at home in Fort Washington, MD.

Fun Facts About Steve

• Growing up, he was a member of an archery club and a baseball league, winning many trophies for both.
• He’s quite the storyteller.
• His father’s side of the family were all professional musicians and at one time Steve was also an accomplished trumpet player.

With decades of business experience to guide him, Andy has a gift for identifying the wide-ranging ramifications of actions. Clients and colleagues alike appreciate his insights into how tweaking one thing will affect seemingly unrelated matters elsewhere in the organization’s processes and overall financial position. Andy is a member of the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA), the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce and Vistage, an international organization for CEOs, business owners and executives. He has been named Smart CEO and Power Player by SmartCEO Magazine, and held a number of board positions over the course of his career.

Originally from Odenton, MD, Andy holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Maryland. At home in his current community of Gambrills, MD, Andy is a passionate gardener who produces enough bounty that each year he is able to put up homegrown beans, salsa, pickles and jams. He’s also a devoted and certified beekeeper, as well as a model train enthusiast. Philanthropic work includes involvement in the Odenton Heritage Society, Hospice of Chesapeake and SPCA of Anne Arundel County. Andy is the father of two adult sons.

Fun Facts About Andy

• He’s quiet about his bowling prowess, but the truth emerged at a firm-wide event where he casually and definitively crushed all competition.
• His favorite superhero is the Green Hornet.
• He had a cat named Mouse, which isn’t at all confusing.

Marco also delivers firm-wide training on auditing pronouncements and standards, and frequently serves as a mentor for staff and senior accountants. He is a member of the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA), Virginia Society of CPAs (VSCPA) and Greater Washington Society of CPAs (GWSCPA). A dedicated professional and community leader, Marco serves as vice president of the board of directors for Help Educate, an international nonprofit dedicated to helping promising students in Nicaragua attend college, and is a prior member of the George Mason University Employer Advisory Board.

Marco knew he wanted to become an accountant from a young age and graduated from the University of Maryland, College Park with a Double Bachelor of Science in Accounting and General Business. He completed a half marathon in 2016 and enjoys running, grilling and movies. With three young children and a Yorkie named Stitch, Marco and his wife have a busy household.

Fun Facts About Marco

• He and his wife have known each other most of their lives – so long, in fact, that they can’t remember when they met.
• He’s committed to healthy eating, despite an abiding passion for crabs and cheesecake.
• As a child, he thought accountants were cool because they knew where the money was and dressed in awesome three-piece suits.

Rally is respected by clients and colleagues alike for her organizational and problem-solving skills, making her the go-to professional for improving accounting processes and identifying new strategies for enhancing operational efficiency. A native of Mezdra, Bulgaria, Rally holds two advanced degrees: Master of Business Strategy and Master of Telecommunications Engineering.

Today Rally is a resident of Alexandria, Virginia. She is a mother of one who likes to spend her leisure time singing, dancing and working on knitting and design. Rally enjoys trying new things and testing out new experiences, but when it comes to dessert she sticks with the classics; her favorites are chocolate cake and strawberry ice cream.

Fun Facts About Rally

• She was a math whiz kid who has won numerous awards and math contests over the years, despite flunking math in the first grade.
• She is a bicycle obstacle course champion.
• She is a big fan of Iron Maiden.

In addition to providing tax planning, tax consulting, and managing tax engagements for multi-state C-corporations, S-corporations, exempt organizations, partnerships and high net worth individuals, Lana has a history of successfully assisting these organizations with IRS and state audits. She holds a Bachelor of International Economics from the University of World Economy and Diplomacy in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, her hometown, along with a Master of Accountancy from George Washington University. She is a member of the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) and the National Association of Certified Valuation Analysts (NACVA).

The challenge of identifying appropriate solutions and strategies for her clients means Lana is constantly learning new things, which she greatly enjoys. She found her way to accounting by accident, but soon found that it was her passion. Outside of the accounting world, Lana is equally passionate about art. She and her husband are fine art collectors who have over 200 pieces of contemporary art from Uzbekistan at their home in McLean, VA. Lana is the mother of one daughter and one son, and enjoys reading and hiking in her leisure hours.

Fun Facts About Lana:

• While she’s an art connoisseur who appreciates many styles, she’s particularly appreciative of works by Chaim Soutine, a 20^th century expressionist painter.
• Her favorite color is aquamarine.
• She’s considered an exceptional cook, though she’d never claim it herself.

Stephen graduated with cum laude honors from the University of North Carolina, Greensboro with a Bachelor of Accounting before heading to George Washington University, where he completed a Masters in Accountancy. He is a member of the American Institute of CPA and an active volunteer with the Alzheimer’s Association and the MS Society.

Accounting isn’t just about numbers for Stephen, though. He is an altruist at heart who loves helping people with finances and taxes, some of the most private aspects of life. Stephen finds deep rewards in being a trusted advisor who’s there for anything his clients need. He’s also a committed athlete that ran track, played golf and was an All-District soccer player in high school, won three straight intramural flag football championships in college and can still run a 5-minute mile. His other interests include travel, cooking, hiking and cheering on the Washington Nationals and the Tennessee Titans. Stephen and his wife reside in Alexandria and are expecting their first child in 2018.

Fun Facts About Stephen

• Before discovering the joys of accounting, he intended to become an algebra teacher.
• He traveled to a dude ranch in Jackson Hole, Wyoming every year from ages 13 to 21, and rode a bull in the Jackson Hole rodeo when he was 17.
• In college, he interned for the current chair of the Ways and Means Committee, Congressman Kevin Brady.

A certified QuickBooks ProAdvisor, Norma has demonstrated an exceptional passion for teaching clients key skills that enable them to lead efficient and profitable businesses over her six years with the firm. She’s the closest thing to a rock star in the accounting world, with scores of loyal fans that rave about her gift for clearly explaining complex subjects and ensuring each client understands not just how to do something, but why. Norma is a member of the National Society of Accountants and the Del Ray Citizens Association.

Norma has relished the challenge of accounting for most of her life; she studied both tax and accounting in high school before earning a Bachelor of Science from George Mason University. It’s not her only long-term interest, however. She is a devoted antique collector, as well as a gardener and naturalist. Norma is a member of the Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve, where she works with the organization to educate people about preserving and restoring the marsh.

Fun Facts about Norma

• Norma doesn’t just collect antiques; she also sells them at a stall in the antique mall in Maryland.
• She is a notary public and belongs to the National Notary Association.
• Her passion for learning and sharing important information goes back to her earliest days: in kindergarten, Norma wanted to become a news reporter.

Rachel’s drive for efficiency and expediency is visible to all; you might see her quite literally running in the office, and her capacity to multi-task is simultaneously impressive and a little alarming. Originally from Woodbridge, Virginia, Rachel chose a career in accounting after she fell in love with numbers. They haven’t lost their charm yet, and it seems unlikely to happen.

Outside the office, Rachel keeps up nearly the same level of speed. That’s convenient, because she is a married mother of two: a 6-year-old boy and 5-year-old girl. Rachel and her family live in Warrenton, Virginia. That tendency to keep moving at all times means her leisure hours include things like coaching soccer and shopping. Rachel does occasionally slow down while vacationing, another favorite activity. She’d like to visit Hawaii one day, and if it happens, who knows – she might even relax quietly on one of its renowned beaches for a while.

Fun Facts About Rachel:

• She and her family love all things Disney.
• One of her childhood nicknames was Cotton.
• Her favorite dessert is pumpkin pie.

Designing systems, troubleshooting connectivity issues and keeping hackers at bay are second nature to Donovan. His passion for computers began early: he built his first computer at the age of six. From then on, he knew he was destined for a future in the world of information technology. Donovan is fluent in six different programming languages and claims he can fix any computer, electronic device or car. So far, no one has proved him wrong – a fact that his clients deeply appreciate.

When he’s not taking apart, putting together or programming a computer, Donovan enjoys photography, whiskey tasting, wine tasting, cooking, grilling, road-tripping, camping and people-watching. He is the Technology Director for Old Bridge Breakers Swim Club, where his board service earned him the 2017 Carol Taylor Volunteer Award. A confirmed dog person, Donovan has an all-black German shepherd named Nyx.

Fun Facts About Donovan 

• He makes what has been described as the world’s greatest prime rib roast. Dare him to wow you!
• He has the dubious ability to recite the movie Tommy Boy from start to finish, complete with ad lib acting.
• He currently lives in Woodbridge, Virginia, in his childhood home, which he bought from his father.

Kyle offers a unique perspective on accounting marketing that stems from a background in the client services side of the financial services space at a global investment management firm, as well as previous design roles. She is a member of the Association for Accounting Marketing and the American Institute of Graphic Arts. Kyle completed her Bachelor of Arts at the University of Maryland Baltimore County, with a double major in Graphic Design and Media and Communications, before earning her Masters in Publication Design at the University of Baltimore.

A lifelong athlete, Kyle is part of the women’s post-collegiate club lacrosse league for the mid-Atlantic region (WMACLL). She was a three-sport athlete in high school, participating in track, field hockey and lacrosse – her favorite. Kyle is committed to giving back to the game by teaching young players the fundamentals, helping them build life skills they can use on and off the field, and frequently serves as a volunteer coach for youth field hockey and lacrosse teams. Other favorite activities include golf, sailing, surfing and skiing. Kyle and her husband live in the Annapolis, Maryland area with their young daughter and the family’s two rescue dogs.

Fun Facts About Kyle

• At 4’11”, she’s shorter than most adults.
• Her jersey number in college was 24, which her coach assigned her because she never gives up and works 24/7 to succeed.
• She loves to bake cookies, cakes and cupcakes, among other delicacies.

With 24 years of accounting experience, Christine is adept at identifying strategies to benefit her clients’ financial position and create resilience in their organizations. She is widely respected for her consistent success in helping small businesses and individuals resolve the inevitable challenges that arise as they pursue long-term goals, as well as improving processes to enhance business accounting and operational efficiency. Christine is a certified QuickBooks ProAdvisor with an extraordinary ability to help clients gain maximum benefit from the latest accounting systems and software.

Christine is a member of the Maryland Association of CPAs (MACPA). She grew up in Odenton, MD and graduated from Loyola University. Though she adores travelling and does so frequently, Christine’s priority is family; she’s always delighted to see her brother, nephews and the rest of her close-knit family upon returning home to Gambrills, MD – and of course, to reunite with her cats Skipper and Satin. Christine is a talented crafter and do-it-yourselfer, a dedicated and accomplished bowler, and an outdoors enthusiast. She serves as treasurer for the Methodist Youth Fellowship and Workcamp programs at her church.

Fun Facts About Christine

• She is a Former Field Hockey coach for Southern High School and Villa Julie College (now Stevenson University).
• Her favorite color is Aunt Tine Green, a lovely hue named after her (Aunt Tine being the name by which her nephews fondly address her).
• As a young exchange student, she spent a year living and studying in Austria.

Her depth of experience serving these niches allows Jenna to share industry-specific insights that help her clients take advantage of current opportunities and create resilience by taking a strategic approach to growth, so they can thrive in the long term. She also brings previous experience in hedge fund administration to round out her financial skill set.

Jenna began her career right here at Halt, Buzas & Powell after graduation with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from George Mason University and was happily welcomed back to the firm in 2016. She lives in her hometown of Richmond, Virginia with her husband Steve, their young son David, Harley the German shepherd, and Mason and Madison, the orange tabbies. Besides spending time with her human and animal family, Jenna enjoys reading, hiking and spinning (the cycling kind, not the spinning wheel kind).

Fun Facts About Jenna

• She was born on Friday the 13^th, which has always been a super-lucky day for her.
• She has a hitchhiker’s thumb.
• She’d like to take in the sights (not to mention the food and wine) of Italy one day.

As an accounting professional who loves being challenged and staying busy, Mary finds great satisfaction in designing and managing customized suites of outsourced services that fit her clients’ needs perfectly. Whether it’s preparing financial statements, processing disbursements or reconciling accounts, she relishes every opportunity to find new ways of streamlining her clients’ accounting and ensuring accuracy in every step.

Mary is a lifelong resident of Virginia and a graduate of Liberty University. It was her high school accounting teacher, Mrs. Jackson, who inspired Mary to embrace her longstanding love for math by earning a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and pursuing a career in the profession. She is a member of Sigma Dove, an affiliate of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, and enjoys participating in church activities. Mary’s other interests include hiking, nature walks, coloring and baking, a hobby that her son and her mother – who’s also her best friend – greatly appreciate.

Fun Facts About Mary

• Her career goals as a young child centered around becoming a mermaid.
• When vacation time comes around, she dreams of an island with white sand and clear water.
• She has kissed a dolphin and swum with the sharks – and lived to tell about it!

Robert applies his vast business acumen to offer insights that extend beyond accounting and financial issues, setting his clients on a path for long-term success. He constantly goes above and beyond as he trains clients on accounting concepts and software to be sure they have a deep understanding of their financials. Robert is passionate about making sure nonprofits in the area are armed with the tools that allow them to effectively pursue their mission, ensuring that they can operate at optimum capacity; he has presented at the GWSCPA Nonprofit symposium and is an active member of the Arlington Chamber of Commerce as well as community groups in the area.

A native of North Potomac, MD, Robert graduated from the University of Maryland, College Park with a BS in Accounting and earned a Masters in Accounting from American University in Washington, DC. He is also a Certified Fraud Examiner with professional memberships that include the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Greater Washington Society of CPAs. Robert’s hobbies include travelling, biking and running; he has completed three half marathons and is currently training for a full marathon and a triathlon. He and his wife live in Alexandria, VA with their mini-goldendoodle, Piper.

Fun Facts About Robert

• He is fluent in Russian and Spanish.
• He has an intrepid approach to do-it-yourself home repairs, with impressive results to show for his efforts.
• Despite a lifelong affinity for math, his favorite class in high school was photography – the traditional style, where he developed black and white film in a darkroom.