Haskell & White Announces Promotions to Support Firm’s Growth
IRVINE, Calif., January 13, 2005 – Ernst & Young veteran Tom O’Rourke joins Haskell & White LLP, one of the largest locally owned accounting and business consulting firms in Orange County, as a partner in the firm’s tax department effective January 1, 2005.
O’Rourke, who spent the last six years at Ernst & Young, will focus on serving Haskell & White’s real estate clients. During his tenure at Ernst & Young, O’Rourke specialized in working with clients in the real estate, hospitality and construction industries. He also helped provide innovative tax planning and other specialized services for the firm’s clients, and participated in several national committees for Ernst & Young.
“Bringing Tom to our organization strengthens our capabilities and recognition in the real estate industry developed over many years by our founding partner Steve Haskell, which continue to represent a significant part of our client base,” said Wayne R. Pinnell, managing partner at Haskell & White. “We’re pleased to have someone with Tom’s extensive background join our team.”
Haskell & White has also brought on Roy Rader who joined the firm effective Jan. 3, 2003 as a manager in the audit department. Rader’s experience includes a combined 13 years at two local CPA firms — Scott, Bankhead & Co. and Vicenti, Lloyd & Stutzman LLP.
Haskell & White also announced other key management moves in response to the firm’s growth, said Pinnell.
Rick Smetanka, a partner at the firm, will take on the expanded duties of partner-in-charge of the audit and business advisory services department. Smetanka has been with Haskell & White for eight years following six years at Coopers & Lybrand. He has assisted companies in various financial transactions, including public offerings and acquisitions. Smetanka has also counseled public companies on compliance with Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) requirements.
Diane Wittenberg has been admitted as a partner in the firm in its manufacturing, distribution and technology practice. Wittenberg has served as a senior manager and a principal in the firm’s audit and business advisory services for the past two years. Before joining Haskell & White, Wittenberg had a 17-year career at Arthur Andersen. Wittenberg’s experience with public and private companies includes mergers and acquisitions, initial public offerings, Sarbanes-Oxley compliance, secondary offerings and other special projects.
Other promotions in the manufacturing, distribution and technology practice include Pat Ross, who will become a senior manager in the audit and business advisory services department. Shelli Adams moves to manager in the audit department, and Monique Dam becomes a manager in the tax department.
“Each of these individuals has made key contributions to the firm during their time here and we look forward to their continued growth in their new capacities,” added Pinnell.
ABOUT HASKELL & WHITE
Haskell & White is one of the largest independently owned accounting, auditing and tax-consulting firms in southern California, specializing in servicing public and private middle market companies. Haskell & White combines the expansive services, knowledge, experience and reach of national and international accounting firms with the personal attention, responsiveness and affordability of a local organization. Haskell & White works with companies in a broad range of industries including real estate, manufacturing, distribution, technology, and retail. The firm provides solid expertise and services to its clients in the tax and audit disciplines including advising SEC registrants and consulting on mergers and acquisitions. Further information on Haskell & White can be found at the firm website, www.hwcpa.com.
MEDIA CONTACT: George Pappas, HKA, Inc., 714 426-0444