HARTFORD, Conn. — Margie Craig, chief Marketing and Communications officer at Whittlesey, has been named to the Hartford Business Journal’s 2026 class of Women in Business. A seasoned marketing and communications executive, she drives business growth through brand strategy and effective go-to-market initiatives.

As Whittlesey’s first chief Marketing and Communications officer, Craig built the firm’s marketing and communications function from the ground up. She leads a high-performing team and partners closely with firm leadership to strengthen the brand, increase visibility, and support long-term growth. By leveraging data, technology, and digital platforms, her work has helped drive revenue and improve operational efficiency.

“Margie has played a critical role in shaping our firm’s growth trajectory, and her impact extends well beyond marketing,” CEO and Managing Partner Drew Andrews said. “Her leadership has strengthened our brand, accelerated growth, and enhanced how we connect with clients. She has also strengthened our culture by investing in our people, creating opportunities for growth, and bringing out the best in those around her.”

Craig is recognized for her clear storytelling, ability to simplify complex ideas, and commitment to building collaborative teams. She is also passionate about mentoring and developing talent, helping individuals grow into leadership roles and expanding opportunities through her involvement in the firm’s Women of Whittlesey group.

The Women in Business awards are hosted annually by the Hartford Business Journal to honor women making a significant impact in their organizations and communities.

HARTFORD, Conn. — Whittlesey announced that members of its Technology and Cybersecurity team have earned key Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) credentials, strengthening the firm’s ability to support government contractors and subcontractors across the defense industrial base.

As Department of Defense cybersecurity requirements continue to evolve, these certifications position Whittlesey to help organizations navigate CMMC readiness with clarity and confidence.

The following Whittlesey professionals have earned CMMC credentials: Mark Torello, certified CMMC professional (CCP); and Hadas Boyles and Carlos Ortega, CMMC registered practitioners (RP).

In addition, Whittlesey’s Technology team holds a broad range of industry-recognized certifications, including CISA, CRISC, CISSP, and CEH, reflecting deep expertise in cybersecurity, risk management, and IT controls.

“These certifications reinforce our commitment to helping government contractors meet CMMC requirements in a practical, informed way,” said Drew Andrews, Whittlesey’s managing partner and CEO. “Our focus is to guide and prepare clients through readiness and implementation to achieve Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification to remain eligible for Department of Defense contracts.”

Whittlesey offers comprehensive CMMC readiness services, including gap assessments, readiness roadmaps, control implementation support, training, and pre-assessments, combining compliance expertise with hands-on technology experience. Organizations beginning their CMMC journey can click here to download the firm’s CMMC Readiness Checklist to better understand key requirements and next steps.

HARTFORD, Conn. — Whittlesey, the largest Connecticut-based CPA and consulting firm, announced it has received the 2026 ClearlyRated Best of Accounting Award for superior client service.

ClearlyRated’s Best of Accounting Award recognizes industry leaders in service quality, based solely on client ratings. In the 2025 survey, clients of award winners were 70% more likely to be satisfied than those working with non-winning firms. Whittlesey received satisfaction scores of 9 or 10 out of 10 from 79.8% of its clients, well above the industry average of 48%.

“Service excellence isn’t a one-time achievement — it’s a daily commitment,” said Drew Andrews, managing partner and CEO of Whittlesey. “This award reflects the trust our clients place in us and the dedication our team brings to every engagement. As we move into 2026, we remain focused on listening closely, innovating thoughtfully, and delivering meaningful results that help our clients thrive.”

Baker Nanduru, CEO of ClearlyRated, added that “it’s an honor to introduce the 2026 Best of Accounting award winners. These companies keep client experience front and center, pushing the envelope in innovative service approaches. Their work is shaping the future of accounting, and it’s a privilege to recognize their achievements. Congratulations to all.”

Stacy Farber

HARTFORD, Conn. — Whittlesey announced that Partner Stacy Farber has been named to Forbes’ “America’s Top 200 CPAs” list for 2025. This prestigious list honors the nation’s most accomplished and trusted CPAs across various specializations and regions, recognizing those with exceptional expertise, leadership, and community service. Forbes’ editorial team selected honorees through a rigorous process involving independent nominations, direct outreach, and comprehensive editorial review.

Farber joined Whittlesey in 2025 as an assurance partner, bringing more than 25 years of experience in public accounting. She provides assurance and advisory services to closely held entities in manufacturing, construction, retail, franchising, and employee benefit plans. Her prior roles as CFO and controller for privately held businesses give her an understanding of clients’ financial and operational challenges.

Her professional excellence has earned her numerous accolades, including recognition as one of the Hartford Business Journal’s Top 25 Women in Business (2023) and the CTCPA Women Distinguished Service Award (2024). She is active in the Assoc. of International CPAs and the Connecticut Society of CPAs, where she serves as chair of the employee benefit plan committee and a member of the advisory council. She also previously served as treasurer and board member at Gifts of Love, reflecting her deep commitment to community service.

“Stacy exemplifies Whittlesey’s core values of technical excellence, integrity, and dedication to clients and community,” Managing Partner and CEO Drew Andrews said. “Her inclusion on Forbes’ list is a well-deserved recognition of her leadership and impact in the accounting profession.”

HARTFORD, Conn. — Whittlesey, one of New England’s leading accounting firms, has earned ClearlyRated’s 2025 Best of Accounting award for service excellence. The award is based entirely on client feedback and recognizes firms that consistently deliver exceptional client experience. ClearlyRated’s program provides statistically valid and objective benchmarks for the accounting industry, highlighting which firms deliver the highest levels of client and employee satisfaction.

Whittlesey received a Net Promoter Score more than twice the industry’s average. On average, clients of Best of Accounting winners are 60% more likely to be satisfied than those who work with non-winning firms — a testament to Whittlesey’s commitment to trusted guidance and personalized service.

“Our clients are at the heart of everything we do,” said Drew Andrews, Whittlesey’s managing partner and CEO. “This recognition reflects the dedication of our entire team, who work every day to build strong relationships and deliver value well beyond the numbers. We are honored to be recognized for our ongoing commitment to service excellence.”

ClearlyRated CEO Baker Nanduru added that “I’m delighted to present the winners of the 2025 Best of Accounting award. These remarkable organizations have set themselves apart through their relentless pursuit of service excellence and extraordinary client experiences. They exemplify the highest standards of professionalism, and I’m privileged to shine a spotlight on their outstanding achievements. Congratulations on continuing to transform our industry.”

HARTFORD, Conn. — Whittlesey, the largest Connecticut-based accounting firm, has been named a 2025 Regional Leader in New England and a Firm to Watch by Accounting Today. With $40.2 million in revenue, three offices, and a team of 175 professionals, Whittlesey continues to provide assurance, advisory, tax, and technology services to businesses and individuals across the region.

“Whittlesey’s commitment to innovation, strategic growth, and exceptional client service remains at the forefront of everything we do,” Managing Partner and CEO Drew Andrews said. “This recognition reflects our team’s dedication to delivering value-driven solutions and helping our clients succeed in an evolving business environment.”

Accounting Today’s annual rankings highlight firms demonstrating strong financial performance, industry leadership, and forward-thinking strategies. As the only Connecticut-based firm named to the Firms to Watch list, Whittlesey remains dedicated to helping businesses and individuals navigate complex financial challenges with expertise, innovation, and personalized service.

HARTFORD, Conn. — Whittlesey announced that its CEO and managing partner, Drew Andrews, has been included in Forbes’ inaugural “America’s Top 200 CPAs” list. Curated by Forbes’ editorial team, this list features the top CPAs in public practice across the U.S.

The rigorous selection process involves independent nominations and recommendations from various CPA societies and associations. Candidates are evaluated on numerous criteria, including certifications and credentials, years of experience, industry specialization, professional achievements, community involvement, thought leadership, diversity of client base, ethical and regulatory compliance, and innovation and technology adoption.

Andrews has been leading Whittlesey since 2008 and has significantly influenced its trajectory. He has grown the firm’s revenue to more than triple its original size and expanded its operations to include three offices throughout Connecticut and Massachusetts. His innovative approach has notably advanced the firm’s capabilities and strengthened client relationships. In addition, he serves a select clientele.

His dedication extends beyond corporate management to personal mentorship and community involvement. He actively develops talented professionals within the firm, providing guidance and support as a mentor and coach. He is committed to philanthropy and has held prominent leadership positions on boards of several local nonprofit, business, religious, and charitable organizations, contributing significantly to community-enrichment efforts.

HARTFORD, Conn. — Whittlesey, an accounting, advisory, and technology firm, has been named a Best of the Best Firm by INSIDE Public Accounting (IPA), an award‐winning newsletter for the public-accounting profession. Whittlesey is the only Connecticut- and Western Mass.‐based firm to make this list.

“We are honored that IPA has recognized us as one of the Best of the Best Firms for the second consecutive year,” Managing Partner and CEO Drew Andrews said. “This prestigious award is a testament to our team’s pursuit of excellence and commitment to our clients and the trust they put in us each day.”

IPA’s annual Best of the Best list ranks top accounting firms with superior financial and operational performance in the most recent fiscal year. The firms are selected from nearly 600 firms across the U.S. and Canada. Selections for the list are based on more than 50 metrics related to firm growth, productivity, staff development, and more.

Along with being named a Best of the Best Firm, Whittlesey was also named a 2023 Top 200 Accounting Firm in the nation. There are more than 46,000 public accounting firms in the U.S.

Founded in Hartford in 1961, Whittlesey is one of the largest regional CPA and consulting firms in New England. With offices in Connecticut and Massachusetts, it provides a comprehensive array of advisory, assurance, tax, and technology services to a broad range of businesses and individuals.

HOLYOKE — Whittlesey was recognized again as a Top 200 Accounting Firm in the country by INSIDE Public Accounting for 2023.

“We are honored to be recognized as a Top 200 Accounting Firm. This award is a testament to our sustained growth and ability to bring exceptional value to our clients,” Managing Partner and CEO Drew Andrews said. “Our unique approach of combining outstanding client service at the regional level with the technical prowess of a national entity is the differentiator that drives our growth. We are deeply thankful for the chance to serve our clients, team members, and communities.”

INSIDE Public Accounting is an award‐recognized newsletter for the accounting profession. It ranks the country’s top 500 accounting firms. This year nearly 600 accounting firms participated in its annual nationwide survey.

HARTFORD, Conn. — Whittlesey, a leading tax and advisory services provider, announced the promotion of Greg LaCasse, CPA to partner.

“Greg’s promotion to partner recognizes the dedication, drive for excellence, and professional integrity he brings to the firm and his engagements,” Managing Partner and CEO Drew Andrews said. “We welcome our new partner to our leadership team and are confident that Greg’s insights and technical expertise will further propel our firm forward and enrich our capacity to provide our clients with outstanding value and service.”

LaCasse joined the firm in 2017 and has 30 years of experience in public and private accounting, including roles with the Big 4, as well as serving as chief financial officer for an international IT consulting firm. He is an active member of Whittlesey’s real-estate, construction, and manufacturing niche and specializes in providing tax and advisory services to both businesses and individuals, with a focus on working with clients in the professional service, medical, real-estate, retail, wholesale, and manufacturing and distribution industries.

LaCasse holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Central Connecticut State University and a master’s degree in taxation from the University of Hartford. He also pursues continuing professional education in taxation and business-advisory services. He is an active member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Connecticut Society of Certified Public Accountants.

HARTFORD, Conn. — Whittlesey continued its long‐standing tradition of community service through a range of projects across Western Mass. and Connecticut during its annual Community Day.

For more than a decade, Whittlesey volunteers have stepped away from their desks to participate in various projects that directly affect the communities where they live and work. This year, more than 100 Whittlesey team members collaborated with the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Holyoke, the Bushnell Park Foundation, and the Diaper Bank of Connecticut in a day dedicated to creating positive and tangible impacts within local communities.

At the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Holyoke, teams engaged in general park clean‐up efforts, including spreading mulch, planting new flower beds, and repairing and painting fences.

“Our commitment to service extends far beyond our professional obligations,” said Drew Andrews, CEO and managing partner at Whittlesey. “We believe in giving back to the communities we are part of, and our annual Community Day is a testament to this belief. We are honored to partner with these remarkable organizations this year and look forward to the impact we can make together.”

Whittlesey’s Community Day is part of a series of initiatives the firm undertakes throughout the year, emphasizing its core belief in the power of community engagement. The firm takes pride in its enduring partnerships with diverse nonprofit organizations and the real‐world impacts they create together.

HARTFORD, Conn. — Whittlesey, a leading public accounting firm, announced the promotion of Naomi Aina, CPA to Assurance manager. She brings a wealth of experience, knowledge, and commitment to providing exceptional service to clients.

Aina has more than 20 years of experience in public accounting, with a practice concentration in nonprofits. She joined Whittlesey in 2014 after working at Lester Halpern & Company, P.C. for 14 years. She is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the Massachusetts Society of Certified Public Accountants (MSCPA). She earned her bachelor’s degree in accounting from American International College and a master’s degree in accounting from Western New England College.

HARTFORD, Conn. — Whittlesey, an assurance, advisory, tax, and technology firm, recently welcomed the newest manager to its team. Alanna Madsen, CPA is the latest tax professional to join the firm’s growing leadership team.

Madsen has more than 14 years of public accounting experience and expertise in tax, accounting, and advisory services for closely held businesses, nonprofit organizations, and high‐net‐worth individuals. She holds a bachelor of business administration degree and a master’s degree in accounting from the Isenberg School of Management at UMass Amherst. She is a member of the American Society of Certified Public Accountants and the Massachusetts Society of Certified Public Accountants.

HARTFORD, Conn. — Whittlesey, an accounting, advisory, and technology firm, has been named a Best of the Best Firm by INSIDE Public Accounting (IPA), an award-winning newsletter for the public-accounting profession.

“We are honored to be one of only 50 firms in the nation to receive this prestigious accolade,” Whittlesey Managing Partner and CEO Drew Andrews said. “This award is a testament to our team of professionals’ dedication to exceptional service and their ability to bring unique solutions and unparalleled value to our clients every day.”

IPA’s annual Best of the Best list ranks top accounting firms that have delivered superior financial and operational performance in the most recent fiscal year. The firms are selected from nearly 600 firms across the U.S. and Canada. Selections for the list are based on more than 50 metrics related to firm growth, productivity, staff development, and more.

Along with being named a Best of the Best Firm, Whittlesey was also named a 2022 Top 200 Accounting Firm in the nation. There are more than 46,000 public accounting firms in the U.S.

HARTFORD, Conn. — Whittlesey announced the promotion of Thomas Dowling, CPA to partner. He is the newest member to join the growing leadership team.

“We are pleased to have Tom become a partner of the firm. He has consistently provided outstanding service and guidance to our clients,” said Drew Andrews, CEO and managing partner. “His energy and professional excellence support our growth strategy and commitment to the region. We congratulate Tom on this milestone and look forward to many more years of his contributions.”

Dowling joined Whittlesey in 2017 and has more than 15 years of public accounting experience with a concentration in assurance, advisory, and tax services for nonprofit organizations and closely held businesses. He has expertise in advising clients on internal controls, fraud risk assessments, and strategic planning, and actively participates in the nonprofit and manufacturing niches. Outside of work, he is a committee member for the Make-A-Wish Massachusetts and Rhode Island Swish Night.

Dowling earned a bachelor’s degree in accountancy and a master’s degree in taxation from Bentley University. He is an active member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Massachusetts Society of Certified Public Accountants, as well as the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners.

HOLYOKE — Whittlesey announced the promotion of Greg LaCasse, CPA to director, effective immediately. LaCasse joined the firm in 2017 and has more than 25 years of experience in public and private accounting, including Big 4 experience and four years in the private sector, serving as the chief financial officer for an international retail and consumer goods IT consulting firm.

LaCasse is an active member of Whittlesey’s real-estate, construction, and manufacturing niche and specializes in providing tax and advisory services to both businesses and individuals with a focus working with clients in the professional-service, real-estate, retail, wholesale, construction, and manufacturing and distribution industries.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Central Connecticut State University and a master’s degree in taxation from the University of Hartford. He also pursues continuing professional education in taxation and business-advisory services. He is an active member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Connecticut Society of Certified Public Accountants.

HARTFORD, Conn. — Whittlesey announced it has achieved exclusive Blue partner status with Datto, the world’s leading provider of IT solutions delivered through managed service providers (MSPs). Datto Blue status represents the top 5% of the company’s partners worldwide.

“We’ve been partnered with Datto since 2014,” said Mark Torello, partner in charge of Whittlesey Technology. “We’ve been growing with them as they’ve branched out from data backup and recovery products to networking, cloud continuity, and device management. The reliability of their products and services and outstanding customer and technical support have been consistently top‐notch and provided us the resources to accelerate our business growth. It’s an honor to be acknowledged for putting these products and tools to use and demonstrating success.”

Whittlesey has exceeded high standards of performance to qualify for Blue status within Datto’s Global Partner Program, the highest classification provided by Datto. Blue status includes many exclusive programs and benefits designed to support further enablement and business growth.

“We are thrilled to recognize Whittlesey as a Blue partner,” said Rob Rae, vice president of Business Development for Datto. “We are committed to providing Whittlesey and all of our partners with the necessary capabilities to develop deep relationships with their customers and keep growing their brands and businesses. We look forward to more success from Whittlesey in 2020 as we continue to roll out new partner services.”