Firm Leadership
Ron h.r. Smith, cpa, cfe
Managing partner
Ron is the Managing Partner for RHR Smith & Company and holds licenses to practice in the states of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Massachusetts. He has over 35 years of public accounting experience with specific expertise in the auditing of governments and non-profits, as well as internal control testing and forensic accounting for governmental and non-profit clients. During his career, Ron has served on numerous Federal and State advisory boards.
Administration
Julia Dahlgren
Administrative Assistant
Julia comes to RHR Smith & Company with her Bachelors Degree in Psychology and Criminology from the University of Southern Maine. Prior to joining RHR Smith & Company, she held several positions in client service and relations. Although new to the world of auditing, she looks forward to applying her client relations skills and growing in her career at RHR Smith & Company.
Pam edson
Technical Project Assistant
Pam joined RHR Smith & Company with over 16 years of municipal experience. She looks forward to using her unique skillset to provide support and technical assistance to company projects and initiatives.
Whitney NELLÉ
administrative assistant
Whitney earned her BFA in Creative Writing from Johnson State College in 2012. She has dabbled in managing a boarding kennel, generating web content for a high-end gift shop, and directing the wholesale department at a chocolate store. She joined RHR Smith & Company in 2023 as an Administrative Assistant.
Audit & Accounting Services
abigail hutchinson
Staff auditor - Governmental
Abbie earned her Bachelor’s in Business Management with a concentration in International Business from the University of Maine at Orono in 2019. Before joining RHR Smith & Company in 2023, Abbie worked at a large local bank in Maine for 6 years as a Consumer Banking Relationship Manager. As a newcomer to auditing, Abbie hopes to work towards earning her CPA certificate in the next few years.
ally brink
Staff auditor - Governmental
Ally joined RHR Smith & Company in 2023 after earning her Bachelor’s in Accounting with a minor in Business Administration from Northern Vermont University. A lifelong Vermonter, Ally also assists with her family business, performing bookkeeping services and other office management activities. Ally enjoys going onsite to meet with clients and assisting them with their audits, while supporting the work of our audit team.
AMADEE DENTON
Support services director
Amadee comes to RHR Smith & Company with 32 years of experience as a Vermont School Business Manager. She earned her Associate’s Degree in Accounting from Champlain College. Her specialties include general ledger and payroll as it relates to school finance.
Amy HADLOCK
Fixed assets specialist
Amy earned her Bachelor’s in Business Administration from Lyndon State College. Before joining the RHR team in 2018, she was a Personal Banker and Administrative Assistant at a construction company. Amy has quickly mastered the art of Fixed Assets management in her time at RHR Smith & Company.
Amy Terry
Staff Accountant
Amy joins us with over 15 years of experience in accounting. She looks forward to using her skills to provide support to our team.
Andrew brown
Staff auditor - Non-profit
Andrew earned his Bachelor’s (2021) and Master’s (2023) in Accounting from the University of Maine. Through his coursework, Andrew found a natural interest in auditing and joined the RHR team in 2023. He is a native of Maine.
Anne Marie Sonia
Staff auditor - Governmental
Anne Marie joined RHR Smith & Company in 2024 with over 30 years of experience as an Accounting Manager, Office Administrator, and Document Control Specialist. Her previous roles saw her handling operations, budgeting, asset management, and reconciliation of the general ledger at a county jail, and coding and internal control audits at an atomic power site. Anne Marie earned her Associate’s Degree in Accounting from Southern New Hampshire University and holds certificates in Accounting, Project Management, Environmental Safety, and more. She brings a unique skillset to our team.
Becky Batchelder
staff AUDITOR
Becky earned her associate's degree in business administration with a concentration in finance from York County Community College. Prior to joining RHR Smith & Company, Becky worked as an office manager for a quasi-municipality in southern Maine. She is starting her accounting journey with RHR as a staff auditor, joining the planning team.
Brenda Kelly
Staff auditor - Governmental
Brenda joined the RHR team in 2024, bringing more than 20 years of municipal software experience with her. As a former Director for Maine's leading government software solution, Brenda spent many years working with local governments in various aspects of municipal processes. She handles municipal software financials with an expert diagnostic and analytical approach.
catherine markavich
Team Captain
Cathy joined the RHR team in 2017. She brings with her 23 years of accounting experience as the former Finance Director for a Maine municipality, along with an appreciation and understanding of local government processes.
Chris Jenkins
Staff Auditor - Governmental
Chris joined RHR Smith & Company in 2024 as a member of our support services team. Chris comes to us with over 20 years of accounting and financial administration experience. Her background and skillset include a strong functional understanding of fund accounting software systems. Chris earned her Associate’s Degree in Accounting from Husson University.
Christopher matte
AUDIT manager - Governmental
Chris originally worked as a Staff Auditor with RHR Smith & Company when the Firm first opened, and rejoined our team as an Audit Manager in 2022. He has his Bachelor’s in Business from Lyndon State College.
DANIELLE HIGGINS
staff AUDITOR - Governmental
Danielle joined the RHR team in 2020, and comes to us with a range of experience from the hospitality industry, including budgeting, financial statement preparation, and payroll. Most recently, Danielle worked for a local municipality in their Finance Department.
Deb Rouelle
Audit manager - Governmental
Deb Rouelle joined RHR Smith & Company with over 35 years of professional accounting experience. She received her Bachelor’s in Accounting from Bentley College. She has worked in a variety of accounting roles in both the private and public sectors, and has prior auditing experience through her work in those roles. Her strong background has led to her successfully supporting our clients and our team through the auditing process.
Debbie Coppola
Staff ACCOUNTANT - Governmental
Debbie comes to RHR Smith & Company with over 25 years of experience as a Senior Accountant. Her range of experience includes the restaurant and hospitality field and the international OEM supply chain. Her most recent job was the Senior Accountant for a Transportation Authority.
Debbie McPherson
staff AUDITOR - Governmental
Debbie joined RHR Smith & Company in December of 2023. New to the auditing world, Debbie brings years of business experience in bookkeeping, QuickBooks, accounts receivable, and accounts payable. Debbie is detail oriented and organized. She has served two 3 year terms on a school board, and prior to joining RHR, worked at a non-profit agency.
Elijah Carson
staff AUDITOR - Governmental
Elijah joined RHR Smith & Company in 2023 new to the auditing profession. After holding a variety of client relations and service-centered positions, Elijah brings his people skills and desire to resolve issues and find solutions to our audit team.
Heather Hunter
Audit Director
Heather graduated from University of Southern Maine with a B.S. in accounting and a minor in finance and holds a master’s degree in business administration from Southern New Hampshire University. After a short two-year stint in public accounting, she pursued a 34+ year career track with the City of Lewiston holding various positions including city auditor, finance director, human resource director and city administrator. Heather has also taught various business courses at Central Maine Community College for over 29 years and governmental accounting classes through the Maine Treasurers & Tax Collectors Association.
Heather wright
Support services director
Prior to joining RHR Smith & Company, Heather was a certified School Business Manager in Vermont for 14 years. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree from Johnson State College with a concentration in Business Management. Her expertise in School Finance makes her a tremendous asset for all our clients as they navigate and prepare for their annual audits.
Holly Vining, CPA
Accountant / Auditor
Holly earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting and her Master's Degree in Business Administration from Thomas College. Holly has been a licensed CPA in the State of Maine since 2000. She comes to RHR Smith & Company with over 5 years of audit experience specializing in the governmental and not-for-profit sector and 18 years of experience serving as a school business manager.
Ian Carpenter
Staff auditor - Federal Compliance
New to the auditing world, Ian comes with a foundation as a Standardization Official, Mission Commander and Pilot for drone operations in the Military, and is looking forward to applying these skills while growing in his auditing career.
Janice Burrows
Staff Auditor - Federal Compliance
Janice earned her Bachelor’s in Marketing from Post University and her bachelors in Elementary Ed from Johnson State College. She is a licensed teacher in Vermont. Prior to joining RHR in 2024, Janice held positions within corporate companies in marketing and accounting; In public schools in varying capacities; In a school district and a non-profit, as an Afterschool Program Director in which she wrote and was awarded several grants for these programs. She is looking forward to venturing into the audit and compliance world of grants.
Jennifer Pinsonneault
Audit manager - Governmental
Jen joined RHR Smith & Company in 2022 as a Staff Auditor and quickly moved into an Audit Manager position. She earned her Bachelor’s in Accounting from Champlain College in Burlington, Vermont. Jen has held positions in both the private and public sector with increasing responsibilities in financial administration and leadership. Jen enjoys assisting municipalities and school districts with their accounting practices and supporting them through the audit process.
John Boulay
audit Manager - Governmental
John earned his Bachelor’s in Accounting and Business Management from Northern Vermont University. A newcomer to the profession, John is working towards his MBA in Accounting and hopes to obtain his CPA certificate, all while learning the ropes of auditing at RHR Smith & Company.
Julie Corey
staff AUDITOR - Federal Compliance
Julie comes to RHR Smith & Company with nearly 30 years experience in Business Finance for a non-profit organization. Her vast experience includes managing federal funds, business loans and other financial administration and accounting.
Julie Ginn
Staff Auditor
Julie joins our team after serving her hometown in Maine for nearly 22 years as Town Administrator. Her role in municipal government included finance director, general government administration and policy review.
Karen Olivieri
accounting services Director
Karen joined the RHR team in 2013. As a former Town Manager and Finance Director, Karen’s experience in municipal government extends far beyond her tenure with our Firm. She has become one of our senior level auditors while conducting audits for our Vermont school districts, along with many Maine municipalities and school departments. Karen’s specialties also include accounting services, training, policies, and procedures.
KATIE GRANT
Staff auditor - Governmental
Katie earned her Bachelor’s in Finance at Georgia Southern University. Prior to joining the RHR team, Katie worked in various accounting roles, including briefly working in the Finance Department of a municipality and interning at a CPA firm. In 2023, she is transitioning from Staff Accountant to Staff Auditor.
Kevin edwards
audit manager - Governmental
Kevin earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from Southern New Hampshire University. Before joining the RHR team in 2018, Kevin worked in the construction world while attending school. Kevin specializes in housing authorities and water districts.
Kim Goodell
Staff Auditor - Federal Compliance
Kim earned her associate degree at Champlain College in Accounting and Data Processing and her bachelor's degree at Johnson State College in Business Management with a concentration in accounting. Kim has worked in Higher Education at Vermont State University, formerly known as Johnson State College/Northern Vermont University, for 37 years in the Financial Aid Office.
Kimberly Beam
Audit Manager - Governmental
Kim earned her Associate’s Degree in Computer Science from Southern Maine Technical College. Prior to joining RHR Smith & Company, Kim served as a Town Treasurer and has over a decade of bookkeeping, business ownership, and management experience. Her strong accounting skills and municipal background are a tremendous asset to us and our clients.
KIMBERLY WALL
Federal Compliance Team Audit Manager
Kim earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics from the University of Vermont. Before joining RHR Smith & Company, Kim was a Grant Manager and has 17 years of experience working with grants for a municipal organization.
Kristen Zita
Staff auditor - Federal Compliance
Kristen earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Nutrition and Dietetics from Framingham State University in 2016. Prior to joining RHR Smith & Company in 2023, Kristen worked as a Clinical Dietitian. She is starting her accounting journey with RHR as a Staff Auditor on both the Audit Team and the Federal Compliance Team.
Kristy Orost
Staff Auditor - Vermont
Kristy joined RHR Smith & Company in 2024 after earning her Bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Northern Vermont University. Kristy was born and raised in Vermont and just recently bought her first home in Vermont! Before joining RHR Smith & Company, Kristy spent many years managing and operating a childcare center! Kristy is thrilled to be part of the RHR team, and looking forward to meeting the team!
Kyle Cole
audit Manager - non-Profit
Kyle earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Management from Clemson University. Kyle interned with RHR Smith & Company in 2016 and rejoined us permanently in 2020. In the interim, Kyle worked in inside sales with one of the nation’s largest waterworks companies, focusing mainly on local municipalities.
Lisa Winger
Staff Auditor/Tester
Lisa earned an undergrad degree from University of Maine at Machias, and her MBA from Husson. She has 20 years of experience in Human Resources with 15 + years as a recruiter and 4 + years as a HR Generalist with PHR & SHRM Certifications. She also has experience as a volunteer firefighter and emergency preparedness professional.
Mary Dahlgren
audit manager - Governmental
Mary has 30 years of accounting experience, including 15 years as Finance Director for a non-profit. Her time working on both the audit and financial reporting teams at RHR Smith & Company allows her to provide a well-rounded perspective to our clients as she works as their Audit Manager. She has her Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Business Administration. She credits her success to the willingness of her coworkers to work together and share their knowledge with her and the team.
Matthew Umland
Staff Auditor - Federal Compliance
A majority of Matthew’s background comes in retail management and customer service. He also have experience validating and creating financial aid accounts for college students. Matthew has always enjoyed working with numbers and picks up on things quickly, and is excited to provide his services to RHR Smith & Company and our clients.
Michelle McMahan
audit manager - Governmental
Michelle joined the RHR team in 2021. With extensive business management experience and a degree in communications, Michelle comes to us with years of experience in finance management and inventory control with a multi-store grocer, along with a range of experience in restaurant management and the hospitality industry.
MIRANDA MACDONALD, CPA, MBA, RTSBA
audit manager - Governmental
Miranda earned her MBA in Accounting from the University of Texas at Dallas and her BBA in Accounting from Texas Tech University. She is a licensed CPA in both Texas and Vermont, where she currently resides, with over 19 years of accounting experience. Her specialties include governmental accounting, budget and financial management, and internal control processes. Miranda’s background as a School Business Manager has given her first-hand knowledge and experience to assist our clients throughout the audit process.
Nichol Solomon
Staff auditor - Federal Compliance
Nichol earned a double Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting and Business Administration from Lyndon State College in Vermont in 2017. Before joining RHR Smith & Company, Nichol worked as an Office Manager at a car dealership and then changed roles to a Case Manager with the State of Vermont working with federally funded programs. She works on the Federal Compliance team at RHR Smith & Company.
Sally-Jo Rice
Staff auditor
Sally-Jo has over 22 years of experience as a Finance Officer at a Housing Authority and 7 years as an Accountant with a Community College. She earned her Bachelor Degree in Business Administration at University of Maine at Machias. She is a native Mainer.
Samantha ruggles
audit manager - Governmental
Sam earned her degree in Psychology and Human Services from Lyndon State College. She started as a Staff Auditor at RHR Smith & Company and quickly worked her way up to becoming one of our seasoned Audit Managers.
SAMUEL OGNENOFF
audit manager - Governmental
Sam first joined RHR Smith & Company as an intern in the spring of 2021. After earning his Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting and Business Administration at Vermont State University (formerly Northern Vermont University – Lyndon), he joined us full time as a Staff Auditor and is now an Audit Manager.
Sara Rouelle
staff AUDITOR - Governmental
Sara earned her Associate’s Degree in Liberal Studies from the Community College of Vermont. Sara joined RHR Smith & Company in 2022 as a newcomer to the accounting profession. Sara handles payroll and internal control processes as a Staff Auditor, and has joined the Federal Compliance Team helping with single audits.
Tammy carrier
Staff auditor - Federal Compliance
Tammy joined RHR Smith & Company with over 28 years of financial administration experience, including 9 years in municipal government. Her attention to detail, organizational skills, and analytical skills provide our clients with guidance as she work on the Federal Compliance Team. She uses her experience as an audit client to support our clients with their compliance issues and hopes to assist them in improving their efficiency and documentation practices.
Tyler Backus
Staff auditor - Federal Compliance
Tyler earned his Master’s Degree in Public Policy & Management and a Certificate of Graduate Study in Applied Research and Evaluation Methods from the University of Southern Maine. Tyler also holds a Certificate in Education Finance from the McCourt School of Public Policy at Georgetown University. Prior to joining the RHR team in 2023, Tyler spent a year as a Senior Fellow at Georgetown University, was the manager of the School Finance & Compliance team for the Maine Department of Education, and spent 20 years in the Army, including a tour in Iraq. He works on the Federal Compliance team.
Client Relations
ashley larson
ClienT RELATIONS DIRECTOR
Ashley joins RHR Smith & Company as the Client Relations Director for the firm. She comes with a background in business and marketing receiving a Bachelor’s Degree in Entrepreneurship from Suffolk University and a Master’s Degree in International Marketing and Project Management from Hult International Business School. Her prior work experience includes corporate event planning, project management, staff auditing, and other client relations expertise.
Financial Reporting
Cassie Kilbride
Financial Reporting Specialist
Cassie received her Bachelor’s Degree from Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. Cassie recently joined the RHR team and comes to us with over 20 years of accounting experience. Before joining the RHR team, Cassie was a Maine School Business Manager/HR Manager. Her prior background includes various accounting roles within venture capital, property management and construction firms.
christina smith, cpa
Financial Reporting Specialist
Christina has over 18 years of public accounting experience with expertise in the audit of non-profit and governmental clients.
Jessica GARDNER, msa
Financial reporting Director
Jess earned her Master’s Degree in Accounting from Southern New Hampshire University. Jess joined the Financial Reporting department at RHR Smith & Company 5 years ago, but has over 8 years of experience in accounting. Since joining the RHR team, she has quickly become an expert in the preparation of financial statements for our clients.
JORDAN NELLÉ, CPA
Financial Reporting Specialist
Jordan joined the RHR team in 2019 and comes to us with over 16 years of experience in the accounting profession. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from Champlain College in Vermont, and is also a licensed CPA and member of the AICPA and Vermont Society of CPA’s. She heads the Firm’s training programs and delights in discussing audit theory.
Macey warming
Financial Reporting Specialist
Macey joined RHR Smith & Company in 2024. She spent years working with clients and administrators in the medical field. She is excited to pursue her passion for accounting and finance.
Michael Nadeau, MBA, CMA, CPA
Financial Reporting Specialist
Mike received his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and Accounting from Colombia College, and his MBA from Chapman University. Mike is also licensed as a CPA in the states of Florida and Vermont, and a certified Management Accountant, School District Administrator, and School Business Administrator. Before joining the RHR team in 2019, Mike was the CFO for the City of Jacksonville Beach, Florida.
Patty Moore
Financial Reporting Specialist
Patty earned her degree in Business Administration from Providence College and an MBA from Boston College. Before joining RHR Smith & Company, Patty held the position of Finance Director for several municipalities in Massachusetts and Maine. She has also held financial positions in the non-profit and private sectors.
Rose Hemond
Financial Reporting Specialist
Rose joined the RHR team in 2022. Prior to joining the RHR team, Rose worked as the Royalton Town Administrator for over eight years overseeing the town finances and many important town projects. She also worked at a supervisory union gaining valuable school accounting experience. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics from Keene State College and an Associate’s Degree in Accounting from McIntosh College. Her experience and training make her a valuable member of our Financial Reporting team.
Vicki Ridlon
Financial Reporting Specialist
Vicki joins RHR Smith & Company with her Associate’s Degree in Accounting and Bachelor’s Degree in Biochemistry. She began her career as a bookkeeper and progressed to financial management, for both towns and counties in Maine. Her extensive experience overseeing and managing municipal accounting cycles from proposed annual budget through year end audit makes her a valuable asset for our company and our clients.
Human Resources / Consulting Services
Cindy Koenemann-Warren, SPHR, JD
Human resources / Consulting Services Director
Cindy earned her Bachelor’s Degree in History and Pre-Law from Elmira College before pursuing her Jurisprudence Degree from Vermont Law School. She has been involved in school business management for over 20 years, specializing in human resources, payroll, leave and benefit administration, and compliance. Cindy also has her SHRM certification and is a member of VASBO, MeASBO, VSHRP, and the Vermont Bar.
Information Technology
Jason Wilborn
IT Manager / Applications Specialist
Jason Wilborn earned his Bachelor’s in Information Management & Technology from Syracuse University in 2022. He has a background in IT support, web development, and information security. Jason believes in the importance of getting people the access and understanding they need to empower themselves and improve their work using technology. He is passionate about making IT systems function more effectively, easily, and reliably.
Tax & Financial Services
Danielle O’Neill
Tax & financial services Director
Danielle earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Franklin Pierce University. Prior to joining the RHR team in 2018, Danielle worked in Office Management and Human Resources and earned her certification as a Human Resource Generalist.
Helena Palmer
Office manager / Tax Assistant
Helena started at RHR Smith & Company as our Administrative Assistant in 2020 and now works on our Tax and Financial Services team providing support to our tax and non-profit clients. She brings years of exemplary client relations, communication and analytical skills to us and our clients.