James M. Anderson, CPA, partner at Forvis Mazars LLP in Lincoln, received the John Connor Family Award at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s (UNL) School of Accountancy Celebration of Excellence in September 2025. This award recognized his longstanding commitment to the school. In addition to serving as Forvis Mazars’ Northwest regional tax quality leader and being on the firm’s tax growth committee, he is also an adjunct professor at UNL. Anderson served on the School of Accountancy Advisory Board from 2013 to 2019. He currently serves on the board of directors of the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce.
Robert E. “Bob” Bendig, CPA (Inactive Registrant), of Fremont, is running for re-election for District 1 supervisor in Dodge County as a two-term incumbent. He has served on the Dodge County board since 2019.
Kim M. Bryant, CPA, of Bryant & Associates, PC, in Lincoln, was named the 2024 Distinguished Alumnus for Southeast Community College’s (SCC) Lincoln campus. This award honors the outstanding professional, personal and civic achievements of SCC graduates. Bryant founded Bryant & Associates in 2001. After graduating from SCC, she earned a bachelor’s degree from Doane University.
Lutz announced the redemption of shares held by Mark F. Duren, CPA, of Omaha, a longtime leader at the firm. This transition creates opportunities for the next generation of leaders to step into ownership. Post-redemption, Duren will continue to serve the firm in a consulting capacity, supporting clients at a strategic level and mentoring future leaders. His impact on Lutz spans more than three decades. Duren joined Lutz in 1992, quickly becoming known for his ability to connect with clients and understand the broader challenges facing business owners. He took on leadership roles across both tax and audit departments, building a well-rounded perspective that would later shape his approach to firm leadership. In 2015, Duren became Lutz’s managing shareholder. During his tenure, the firm expanded from approximately 150 employees to more than 370, grew revenue from $32 million to over $89 million, and broadened its capabilities beyond traditional accounting to include M&A, technology, and talent solutions. Under his leadership, Lutz became Nebraska’s largest locally owned business solutions firm and earned consistent recognition as a Top 100 accounting firm nationally.
Beyond the firm, Duren has been actively involved in Nebraska’s business and nonprofit communities, serving in leadership roles with organizations like the Nebraska Society of CPAs and supporting economic development efforts through the Greater Omaha Chamber. He also served on various nonprofit boards and helped champion initiatives such as Lutz Gives Back and the LOAN program during the 2008 financial crisis.
Liam Jost (student member) of La Vista was selected as a Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) Scholar for the 2026-2027 academic year and was awarded a $15,000 scholarship. This merit-based award is given to students who demonstrate excellence in an accounting degree program, uphold high ethical standards, and are nominated by a professor. Jost is currently attending the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) and is pursuing a master’s degree with aspirations to be a CPA.
Janet L. Saar, CPA (Inactive Registrant), chief financial officer of Borsheims in Omaha, will assume expanded leadership responsibilities to further align the company’s financial strategy with marketing and ecommerce. Saar joined Borsheims in 1997, serving in key financial positions prior to becoming the CFO. In her current role, she oversees financial strategy and reporting, inventory management, compliance, and risk management. She has been instrumental in providing strategic vision and leading initiatives that support business growth. She holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of South Dakota and is a former CPA with Coopers & Lybrand.
Lori L. Simonsen, CPA, professor of accounting at UNO, was named the recipient of the 2026 Beta Alpha Psi Gamma Kappa Chapter Outstanding Faculty Award. She was selected for this award for her demonstrated excellence in teaching, dedication to student success, and meaningful contributions to the accounting profession. Simonsen has over a decade of experience in public accounting, primarily in taxation. She earned her Master of Accounting from UNO and currently teaches courses in tax, financial, and managerial accounting. She teaches in both the undergraduate BSBA and the Master of Accounting programs.
Jill R. Trucke, CPA, associate professor of practice in accounting at UNL, designed the Accounting Careers and Connections course offered through the School of Accountancy’s (SoA) Student Success Academy to help first-year students start college with a built-in support system that guides them through their academic journey and into their careers. These students are connected with student mentors and alumni to help them through the rigorous accounting program.
Additionally, Trucke was awarded UNL’s SoA Family and Friends Recognition Award for 2026. She received a Dean’s Coin from Dean Kathy Farrell in recognition of the honor. This award recognizes faculty and staff who have made a significant difference in students’ lives. Nominations for this award are submitted by parents, family, and friends of students whose lives were meaningfully impacted by the nominee. Trucke serves on the Nebraska Society of CPAs Board of Directors.
Bland & Associates, PC, of Omaha, announced two firm leadership changes. Jeremy C. Vokt, CPA, has stepped back from his role as managing partner, with Jason L. Tonjes, CPA, stepping into the role beginning May 2026. Vokt joined the firm in 2006. During those two decades, the firm grew from 17 people to 120, delivering a strong slate of services, including audit and assurance, government consulting, business valuation, and tax. He also played an instrumental role in creating state legislation allowing Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) structures for CPA firms, resulting in the firm becoming Nebraska’s first employee-owned CPA firm through an ESOP.
Tonjes joined the firm in 1996 and has spent nearly three decades helping to build a culture focused on growth, innovation, and outstanding client service. His passion lies in helping businesses and teams improve profitability, streamline processes, embrace technology solutions, and increase workforce capacity, all while improving quality of life for employees and clients alike. His vision for Bland is centered on delivering solutions that help organizations become stronger, smarter, and more efficient through better data, better processes, and strategic innovation.
In other news, Vokt has been appointed chief executive officer of BKR International effective July 1, 2026. He has served on the Worldwide Board and previously as chair of the Americas Region. Vokt is well known across the BKR community for his collaborative approach and commitment to helping firms grow and evolve. His long-standing involvement with BKR gives him a deep understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing member firms today.
The West Nebraska Chapter of the Nebraska Society of CPAs has awarded two scholarships to area students. Dorothy Daharsh, a student at Western Nebraska Community College, was awarded the Western Nebraska Chapter of CPAs scholarship for the 2025-2026 academic year. Gabe Busch, a student at Alliance High School, was awarded a scholarship to cover his travel expenses to attend UNL’s 2026 Discover Accounting Camp.
The following Nebraska CPAs have been recognized on Forbes’ 2026 list of America’s Best-in-State CPAs:
Robert H. “Bob” Berger, CPA
Managing Partner
Berger Elliott & Pritchard CPAs LLC
Omaha
Dennis D. Blackman, CPA
President
Blackman & Associates PC
Omaha
Andrew J. “Drew” Blossom, CPA
Retired/Former Managing Partner
KPMG LLP
Omaha
Derrick J. Blum, CPA
Partner
Iron Horse CPAs & Advisors PC
Norfolk
Lauren E. Bond, CPA
Senior Manager
Deloitte & Touche LLP
Omaha
Grant H. Buckley, CPA
Partner
Buckley & Sitzman LLP
Lincoln
Lester F. “Les” Buckley, CPA
Partner
Buckley & Sitzman LLP
Lincoln
Laurie Ann J. Buhlke, CPA
Shareholder
Contryman Associates PC
Grand Island
Ralph Dovali, CPA
Partner
McMillen Dovali Co.
Omaha
Mark F. Duren, CPA
Consultant & Former Managing Shareholder
Lutz
Omaha
Jodi M. Eckhout, CPA
Shareholder
Woods & Durham, Chartered
Holdrege
Frank L. Hayes, CPA
President & Shareholder
Hayes & Associates LLC
Omaha
Justin M. Hope, CPA
Partner
Eide Bailly LLP
Omaha
Brian M. Klintworth, CPA
Partner
HBE LLP
Omaha
Mark F. Manning, CPA
Owner & Shareholder
Manning & Associates PC
Crete
Kelly J. Martinson, CPA
Shareholder
Lutz
Omaha
Sasha D. Miller, CPA
Director
Allen Capital Group
Grand Island
Christi L. Olsen, CPA
Owner & Partner
Circle CPA LLC
Omaha
Melissa R. Ruff, CPA
Managing Director
Deloitte & Touche LLP
Omaha
Leonard M. Sommer, CPA
Managing Partner & Shareholder
Hancock Dana
Omaha
Scott D. Sorenson, CPA
Managing Partner
Frankel LLC
Omaha
Michelle R. Thornburg, CPA
Partner
HBE LLP (formerly Koski Professional Group)
Omaha
Learn more at forbes.com/lists/best-in-state-cpas.
The following CPAs are currently serving on UNL’s SoA Advisory Board:
Adam D. Broders, CPA
Partner
KPMG LLP
Lincoln
Taylor C. Kendall, CPA
Partner
Lutz
Omaha
Ellen S. Dasher, CPA
Vice President, Global Taxation
Valmont Industries
Omaha
Tricia J. Montague, CPA
Managing Director
Deloitte & Touche LLP
Omaha
Karmen E. Hoxie, CPA (MN)
Owner
Karmen E. Hoxie, CPA
Mound, MN
Amy K. Shreck, CPA
Partner
Forvis Mazars LLP
Omaha
Randall E. “Randy” Kathol, CPA
Partner
Eide Bailly LLP
Elkhorn
Andrew S. Young, CPA
Partner
RSM US LLP
Omaha
The following CPAs are currently serving on UNL’s Junior SoA Advisory Board:
Olivia C. Beier, CPA
Manager
Deloitte & Touche LLP
Omaha
William W. “Will” Lanik, CPA
Director
Lutz
Omaha
Zach J. Crom, CPA
Senior Manager
Labenz & Associates LLC
Lincoln
Keaton E. Moss, CPA
Finance Operations Manager
Berkshire Hathaway Homestate Companies
Omaha
Jared J. Heins, CPA
Senior Manager
KPMG LLP
Lincoln
Amy M. Murphy, CPA
Assistant Vice President
Union Bank & Trust
Lincoln
Taylor A. Holtmeier (Gehring), CPA
Manager
Eide Bailly
Elkhorn
Cody J. Zavadil, CPA
Partner
Forvis Mazars LLP
Lincoln
Send your organization’s promotions, appointments, and news for the next issue of the Nebraska CPA magazine to kristen@nescpa.org.
