Page 48 - BusinessWest October 28, 2024

Kristi Reale, right, with Springfield Thunderbirds mascot Boomer and fellow Meyers Brothers Kalicka Partners (from left) Rudy D’Agostino, Kristina Drzal Hougton, Howard Cheney, and Jim Krupienski on the occasion of the firm’s 75th anniversary in 2023.
Her office helps tell the story: there’s the fun drawer, that aforementioned sign, photos of family (a nod to work-life balance), her 40 Under Forty plaque from 2009, her diplomas and credentials hanging on the walls, and — on this day, parked in one corner in large bags — 60 pairs of kids’ pajamas she had already purchased for an organization called Jammie Jingles, started by a firm member, which contributes new pajamas to children in need.
But comments from those she works with tell it better.
“She’s devoted 100% to the firm, to her clients, and, more importantly, staff,” fellow Partner Rudy D’Agostino said. “What’s great about Kristi is that she’s a mentor to many of our younger staff; she takes the time out of her busy schedule to meet with them, work with them, mentor them, and help them put a plan together.”
Howard Cheney, another partner at the firm, concurred. “Kristi has made, and continues to make, a remarkable impact on individuals, businesses, and organizations in Western Mass. The position she holds is a unique one because her job directly enables others to thrive in their own endeavors. The weight
of that responsibility is not lost on her, as she goes above and
beyond for her clients.
“Additionally,” he said, “Kristi serves as a role model to a
number of young professionals on our staff, and she works hard as a mentor, helping these young accountants to navigate the road to success, as she experienced it herself.”
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the time out of her busy schedule to meet with them, work with them, mentor them, and help them put a plan” together.
Reale
Continued from page W24
What’s
great about Kristi is
that she’s a mentor to many of our younger staff; she takes
balance that hard work with fun, to give back to the community in many different ways, and to mentor others on their way up, just as they were mentored.
She does all this, and that’s why she’s being honored as a Woman of Impact in 2024.
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