STEVE GERSHMAN, MARK CISSELL, AND ANITA SHECKELLS HONORED BEST CPAS IN MARYLAND

Baltimore, MD-- Baltimore-based public accounting and consulting firm Katz, Abosch, Windesheim, Gershman & Freedman (KAWG&F) is pleased to announce that Steve Gershman, Mark Cissell, and Anita Sheckells were honored as 2005 SmartCPAs by Baltimore SmartCEO Magazine, excelling in five categories: area of expertise, leadership, innovation, accomplishments and relationship development.

Specializing in individual income tax returns, personal financial planning, business planning, business consulting and expert witness, and forensic accounting, Steve Gershman began his career after graduating from the University of Baltimore in 1970. A shareholder with KAWG&F, Gershman joined the firm in 1973, now assisting in the continued growth and management of the firm’s Columbia office. Gershman holds designations as a Certified Valuation Analyst (CVA), a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), Personal Financial Specialist (PFS), and a Certified Public Accountant (CPA).

Joining the KAWG&F team in 1985 as an in-charge, Mark Cissell now holds a shareholder position and co-manages KAWG&F’s Columbia office. His career is best characterized as an accountant and consultant to a wide array of clients and industries. As a member of the Medical Group at KAWG&F, he is involved in many facets of the accounting industry. Cissell works closely with closely-held businesses, minority owned businesses, and large medical groups, helping them achieve each of their business and financial goals through tax and business planning and management advisory services. Mark is presently a member of the Board of Directors for the Howard County YMCA and Vice-Chair of the Howard County Chamber of Commerce. Cissell received the SBA Accountant Champion of the Year Award for 2005 as well.

Anita Sheckells began her accounting career in 1984 and has continued to make an impact on the industry ever since. In addition to being the first and only female board member, she is a shareholder of the firm, co-chairs KAWG&F’s Construction Group Practice, and specializes in services to the construction industry, including special accounting issues, tax issues, bonding and banking issues. She holds the designation of Certified Construction Financial Professional. Sheckells also specializes in small business accounting and taxation, business advisory, tax planning, and accounting services to closely held businesses.

As one of the 125 largest accounting firms in the country, KAWG&F is headquartered in Timonium, Maryland, with offices in Columbia and Bel Air. Members of the Leading Edge Alliance, an international organization comprised of independently owned accounting and consulting firms, KAWG&F has an expert staff and leading edge technology which enables the firm to provide the highest quality service and most personal accounting, tax, financial and management consulting services to each of its clients. Contact KAWG&F by calling (410) 828-CPAS or visit them online at www.kawgf.com.

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