Our Strength Comes From Our Team

At Halt, Buzas & Powell, we believe we’re only as good as our team. They are the foundation of our success. How do we build a great team? We hire talented certified public accountants and business management consultants who share our core values; we create a great work environment that is professional, personable, and cooperative; we encourage superior performance; and we provide them training that surpasses the industry norms so they feel confident they can do a superior job.

We are dedicated to our clients and our employees and are deeply committed to the integrity that earns their ongoing trust and respect. Our goal is to create a place where our team can realize their professional and personal dreams. In return, we take pride in delivering services that exceeds our customers’ expectations.

Leadership Team

Learn more about our experienced, personable certified public accountants and business management consultants:

Steve Halt, CPA
Tax Partner

Steve Halt is Tax Partner at Halt, Buzas & Powell, and spent many years as the firm’s Managing Partner (1988-2014). With 44 years of accounting experience, he offers an extraordinary depth of knowledge to help businesses, individuals, nonprofits and government contractors navigate challenges and reach their full financial potential. His particular focus is on strategic business planning, mergers and acquisitions, and tax, including tax planning for businesses and individuals. Steve has a long history of successfully representing clients in federal and state audits, and frequently serves as an expert witness in the federal court system.

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.

Andy Powell, CPA
Partner-in-Charge of Accounting and Audit Practice

Andrew (Andy) Powell brings 30 years of accounting experience to his role as Managing Partner at Halt, Buzas & Powell. His focus lies in audit and assurance services, with a particular emphasis on government auditing and FAR compliance for government contractors. Andy is committed to building strong relationships with everyone he serves, gaining a complete understanding of their individual situation so he can help clients see the big picture as they approach business decisions. He believes that time spent learning about his clients’ specific needs, goals and organizations is an investment that pays rich dividends for the quality of support he provides.

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 Fernandes, Jr., CPA
Partner

Marco Fernandes, Jr. is a Partner at Halt, Buzas & Powell, where he is responsible for all aspects of the audit division and manages the full range of assurance services it provides for clients. Marco’s industry focus is on not-for-profit organizations, government contractors and small businesses. In addition to review, compilation and audit work, he conducts extensive business advisory consulting to help clients gain greater visibility into performance, processes and internal controls and strengthen their overall position.

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 Kamenova
Outsourced Accounting Principal

Ralitza (Rally) Kamenova is the Outsourced Accounting Principal at Halt, Buzas & Powell. With over sixteen years of accounting experience, she brings extensive experience in non-profit accounting and process management to benefit clients. Rally’s specialties include finding the best ways to increase efficiency through the latest accounting technology and cloud solutions. She is GP2010 licensed and certified as a QuickBooks ProAdvisor.

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.

Norma S. Hill
Tax Supervisor

Norma Hill is a Tax Supervisor at Halt, Buzas & Powell, and has been contributing to the accounting profession longer than some of her clients have been alive. With 38 years serving businesses and individuals, she brings a wealth of accumulated knowledge to advise and support them in meeting their tax responsibilities. While she is knowledgeable across accounting and business, she prefers to focus on helping small business owners and revealing the many mysteries of the 1040.

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, the Del Ray Citizens Association and the Alexandria Historical Society.

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 Ritenour
Director of Operations

Rachel Ritenour is Halt, Buzas & Powell’s Director of Operations. She draws on 14 years of experience in the financial industry, 10 of them in public accounting, to support clients in countless ways. Whether it’s outsourced accounting, establishing strong controls or implementing efficient processes for accounting departments, Rachel is the go-to professional who can make it happen. With almost 11 years at the firm, Rachel also serves as HBP’s controller and fulfills day-to-day accounting, financial reporting, budgeting and tax prep needs. She has a special focus on nonprofit accounting, budgeting and human resources, which she deftly applies to ensure everything and everyone is working smoothly.

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.

Donovan Brock, CISM
Director, Managed IT Services

Donovan Brock is the Director of Managed IT Services at Halt, Buzas & Powell. The battle to keep clients’ networks and data safe in an internet-enabled world is one that Donovan takes personally. He’s well armed for the job, too, with a lifelong affinity for all things computer-related, extensive experience as a white-hat hacker and a background in criminal justice. Donovan is a member of ISACA (formerly the Information Systems Audit and Control Association), and is currently working to become a Certified Ethical Hacker. Prior to beginning his career in IT, he spent six years serving as a US Army Military Police officer.

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 Henn
Marketing Manager

Kyle Henn is the Marketing Manager at Halt, Buzas & Powell where she oversees both traditional and digital marketing efforts, ranging from the firm’s in-house graphic design and photography to event planning and social media. She is an avid photographer who loves to organize and present information visually. While Kyle deftly handles the entire spectrum of marketing needs for the firm, she has a particular affinity for branding and graphic design. Her expertise in professional design paired with her knack for logistics leaves Kyle well prepared for her role as the one-woman marketing show at the firm.

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, son, 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.

Christine Jackson, CPA
Supervisor

Christine Jackson is a Supervisor at Halt, Buzas & Powell, providing leadership for both the Tax and Outsourced Accounting divisions at the firm’s Maryland location. Christine works with businesses and individuals to help them meet their goals for tax compliance, accounting and financial growth. She brings a deep understanding of taxation and business strategy to provide clients with insightful support, planning, and advisory services.

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.

Jenna Cava
Audit Supervisor

Jenna Cava is Halt, Buzas and & Powell’s Audit Supervisor, where she maintains a dedicated focus on providing assurance services for non-profit organizations, government contractors and small businesses. Jenna’s specialties include audits in accordance with Yellow Book regulations and employee benefit plan audits.

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.