BDO Professionals Win Prestigious Seidman Neuhausen Award

Congratulations to the 12 BDO professionals recently honored with the 2024 Seidman Neuhausen Award.

This prestigious recognition is given to individuals who exemplify the qualities of the professionals for whom the award is named – M.L. Seidman, co-founder of BDO (formerly Seidman and Seidman), and Ben Neuhausen, former BDO national director of accounting. The selected winners embody the firm’s core purpose and values, display intellectual curiosity and technical rigor, and pursue exceptional client service.

Click on each name below to learn more about this year’s honorees.

Professional headshot for Matt Beardslee

Matt Beardslee helped build BDO’s Marketing and Communications department’s first national virtual support center from scratch. He also successfully led a major sales enablement platform implementation and has elevated the firm’s brand voice in the marketplace, positioning its professionals to best share BDO’s full suite of capabilities. Beardslee prioritizes the well-being of others and earns trust through his actions.

Professional headshot for Dana Cipollini

Dana Cipollini’s legacy of impactful contributions include leading the development of BDOADVANTAGE’s suite of automations, which has streamlined daily operations and acted as a catalyst to enhance audit quality across the assurance practice. Cipollini drives change with her proactive approach to leadership and innovation.

Professional headshot for Hillary Cobden

Hillary Cobden is a leader in developing and evolving methodologies, integrating her Project Management Professional certification knowledge with existing BDO Digital approaches. While overseeing the Project Management Office, she has made actionable and meaningful improvements. In fact, Cobden is so often brought in to consult on various challenges, her team refers to her as “the fixer.”

Professional headshot for Jade Edwards

Jade Edwards’ intellectual curiosity, professional drive and people-first mentality have propelled him throughout his career at BDO, establishing him as a leader in delivering exceptional client service. Edwards is deeply engaged in his local community, making a significant impact in the Norfolk area as a trusted advisor for real estate developers.

Professional headshot for Ross Forman

Ross Forman is a managing director and practice leader known for his client-centric approach, selflessness and commitment to excellence. He works with clients to create people-centric work environments and workplace strategies that enable productivity. Forman is also praised for his exemplary leadership, humility and collaborative nature, always going above and beyond to help others and provide opportunities to shine.

Professional headshot for Laure Khair

Laure Khair’s in-depth understanding of audit processes, regulatory requirements and risk management has significantly contributed to the success of BDO’s healthcare practice. In addition to her client service, Khair is passionate about investing in people and thrives on seeing others succeed, spending countless hours coaching and training team members.

Professional headshot for Stephen Marcovich

Stephen Marcovich has been a transformative change agent in the New England market, embracing technologies and methodologies for effective audits. With an unwavering commitment to exceptional client service, Marcovich is market focused. His ability to build strong relationships with both team members and clients is a testament to his interpersonal skills and professional dedication.

Professional headshot for Tara Mercurio

Tara Mercurio’s colleagues describe her as a People and Culture superstar and benefits subject matter expert who approaches change proactively, tackling new challenges with determination. With an ever-present smile and contagious energy, Mercurio is a valued mentor, exhibiting patience and empathy in her work with others.

Professional headshot for Daniel Smith

Daniel Smith’s personal values are the same core values upheld at BDO. Smith’s passion for people helps him develop relationships across the globe, in turn, setting the tax practice – and the firm – up for success. He has been instrumental in the launch and growth of BDO RISE, a majority-owned subsidiary of BDO USA.

Professional headshot for Christie Spear

Christie Spear is a distinguished leader within the Pittsburgh tax practice, frequently sought after for both formal and informal mentorship and advisory roles. Her approach to client service is comprehensive, extending beyond tax considerations to encompass the entirety of their needs. Spear is also actively engaged in the Pittsburgh community, consistently viewing opportunities through a "growth lens."

Professional headshot for Kim Weber

Kim Weber is a natural leader, setting the highest standard for professionalism and dedication to hard work and audit quality. While her technical rigor and curiosity are impressive, it is Weber’s compassion, empathy and dedication to the people of BDO that set her apart. Weber is also dedicated to attracting and retaining the best and brightest professionals to the firm.

Professional headshot for Abby Wermers

Abby Wermers played a pivotal role in the successful launch of the tax practice’s project management system. She has been a unifying force, integrating all tax service lines and fostering global collaboration through the system. Wermers’ ability to translate complex technical details into understandable language has also fostered deeper understanding of its capabilities.