Kruggel Lawton Welcomes New Partners in 2018

December 27, 2017 - Posted by:

Kruggel Lawton is happy to announce that three senior managers have been named partners. Stephen J. Beasy, CPA, Patrick R. Lee, CPA, and Margene L. Zink, CPA, begin in their new roles effective January 1, 2018. These appointments bring the total number of partners at Kruggel Lawton to 12.

“The addition of Steve, Patrick, and Margene as partners was an important step in growing our firm and serving our clients. They each demonstrate a sincere dedication to our clients, apply their technical expertise in their areas of specialization, and work tirelessly to make our firm the best it can be. We look forward to the insights and leadership they will each provide to Kruggel Lawton in the years to come.”  ~Barry Hall, CPA, Managing Partner

 

Steve Beasy, CPA, has more than 20 years of experience auditing retirement plans, including defined contribution (401(k), 403(b) and ESOP), defined benefit, and health and welfare plans. He also has experience with consulting on plan improvements, handling mergers and acquisitions, plan terminations and frozen plans, and correction of compliance failures.

Beasy is involved as a report reviewer for complex employee benefit plan audits. He provides training to the firm’s professionals on benefit plan-specific topics and develops the audit programs used by the firm's engagement teams.

Beasy earned his master of accountancy and bachelor's degree from Manchester University, North Manchester, Ind. He has achieved advanced certification in audits of defined contribution plans from the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and is a member of both the AICPA and the Indiana CPA Society. Beasy is a 2016 graduate of the Elkhart Chamber Leadership Academy and is actively involved in his church, Yellow Creek Church of the Brethren, Goshen, Ind.

 

Patrick Lee, CPA, is one of Kruggel Lawton's practice leaders for fiduciary tax services and has been with the firm since 2011. He brings over 10 years of tax experience to trust, estate, individual, corporate, and partnership clients.

Lee's technical expertise includes tax preparation, tax information reporting and compliance, tax planning, tax forecasts and projections, and research for both federal and state tax issues.

Lee earned his bachelor's degree in accounting from Grace College, Winona Lake, Ind. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Indiana CPA Society. He is a 2015 graduate of the Elkhart Chamber Leadership Academy and actively volunteers as a board member for both the Boys and Girls Club of Elkhart and Elkhart Christian Academy.

 

Margene (Murdent) Zink, CPA, is the firm's first female partner. She began her public accounting career with Kruggel Lawton 15 years ago. After getting involved in conducting audits for nonprofit organizations very early on, Zink knew she had found her passion. Today she is a leader in the firm's nonprofit practice, providing audit, tax, and consulting services to nonprofit clients of all sizes.

Zink's clients have included national/local public charities, community foundations, health care providers, educational institutions, faith-based organizations, and social service agencies. She has extensive experience with audits conducted in accordance with the Uniform Guidance, as well as strategic planning, financial management, and governmental regulations compliance. She is also well versed on tax compliance for exempt organizations, including IRS requirements for preparation of Form 990.

Zink earned her bachelor's degree in accounting from Goshen College, Goshen, Ind., where she was also a member of the school’s women’s basketball team. Professional memberships include the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Indiana CPA Society. Additionally, she is a 2012 graduate of the Elkhart Chamber Leadership Academy. Outside of her professional life, Margene enjoys serving as a volunteer assistant coach for the Bethany Christian Girls Basketball Team.