Ellie Bliemeister joined Labenz & Associates LLC as an associate in August 2023. She received a bachelor’s degree from Bellevue University in 2021 and a Master of Professional Accountancy from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 2023. Bliemeister assists with the preparation of federal and state income tax returns, fiduciary income tax returns, business valuations, and compilation and review services. She serves the community as a classroom volunteer with Junior Achievement of Lincoln.
Leanna L. Graham, CPA was promoted to manager at Labenz & Associates LLC after joining the firm in 2020. While completing a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and a Master of Professional Accountancy at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Graham also participated in the firm’s internship program. She assists with the preparation of federal and state tax returns, including multistate business returns, tax consulting, and business valuations. In addition to being a member of the AICPA and Nebraska Society of CPAs, she is treasurer for the American Marketing Association of Lincoln.
Jerry J. Hellman, CPA and his wife Tami of Kearney were recognized with the University of Nebraska at Kearney’s highest honor, the Ron and Carol Cope Cornerstone of Excellence Award, during UNK’s spring commencement ceremony in May. Chancellor Doug Kristensen presented the Hellmans with the award, which honors individuals for their community service and support of UNK, the Kearney area, state of Nebraska, and higher education. Hellman is a partner at Hellman Main Coslor & Kathol PC in Kearney and has been a member of the Nebraska Society of CPAs for 44 years.
Corey J. Labenz, CPA was promoted to senior manager at Labenz & Associates LLC after joining the firm in 2018. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Nebraska Wesleyan University and a Master of Science in Accountancy with an emphasis in taxation from the University of Notre Dame. Labenz has Big Four tax accounting experience, with an emphasis on pass-through entities. He also assists with tax consulting, preparation, and review of federal and state income tax returns. Labenz is a member of the AICPA and the Nebraska Society of CPAs, where he assists on the Taxation Committee. He is also active in Junior Achievement of Lincoln, both as an executive board member and classroom volunteer.
Christopher J. “Chris” Lindner, CPA of Lincoln has been named managing partner of Forvis Mazars LLP in Nebraska. Lindner is presently secretary of the Foundation of the Nebraska Society of CPAs and has also served in leadership roles on the Nebraska Society of CPAs Board of Directors and the Society’s Governmental Accounting & Auditing Committee.
Karli M. Mackley, CPA was promoted to manager of Labenz & Associates LLC. She joined the firm in 2020, after graduating from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and a Master of Professional Accountancy in 2019. Mackley assists with preparation of federal and state individual and fiduciary income tax returns and is actively involved in the training of interns participating in the firm’s tax internship program. In addition to being a member of the AICPA and the Nebraska Society of CPAs, Mackley serves as treasurer for the Foundation for Lincoln Public Schools and is a member of the Lincoln Estate Planning Council.
Kelly A. Mann, CPA, MBA of Omaha has been recognized with the 2024 Most Powerful Women in Accounting Award by the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) and CPA Practice Advisor. Mann is the CEO and co-founder of AuditMiner. Nominated by their peers and selected by a group of independent judges, the award winners were selected for their leadership, inclusivity, and going above and beyond for the accounting profession. The Most Powerful Women in Accounting were announced June 4 at AICPA & CIMA ENGAGE in Las Vegas, one of the largest events devoted to accounting and finance in North America. In May, Mann was elected to serve a three-year term as an at-large member on the AICPA Council. She also serves as an AICPA elected representative on the Nebraska Society of CPAs Board of Directors. Read more about Mann at https://bit.ly/KellyMann2024. Watch the video featuring all the Most Powerful Women in Accounting at https://bit.ly/MostPowerfulWomen2024.
Collin M. Phelps, CPA has been promoted to senior manager at Labenz & Associates LLC. He joined the firm in 2017, after graduating from Lipscomb University in Tennessee, where he earned a Bachelor of Business Administration and a Master of Accountancy. Phelps focuses on individual and business tax consulting, preparation and review of tax returns, planning and compliance, as well as financial statement compilation and review services. In addition to being a member of the AICPA and Nebraska Society of CPAs, he is actively involved in the community and is a member of the finance team at his church.
Eric S. Schiermeyer, CPA began as a senior associate of Labenz & Associates LLC in October 2023, after gaining two years’ experience in tax and audit with another firm. He graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Master of Professional Accountancy in 2021. Schiermeyer assists with preparation of federal and state income tax returns, business valuation services, as well as providing compilation and review services. He is a member of the Nebraska Society of CPAs.
Jeffrey W. “Jeff” Sheets, CPA was promoted to director of Labenz & Associates LLC. After graduating from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Master of Professional Accountancy, Sheets began his career with the firm in 2013. He assists with preparation and review of federal and state income tax returns, compilation and review of financial statements, and valuation services. In addition to being a member of the AICPA and the Nebraska Society of CPAs, Sheets serves as treasurer of the Friends of Nebraska Dyslexia Association and as a board member with both the Lincoln Children’s Museum and UNL School of Accountancy Junior Advisory Board.
John Smolsky retired on June 30 as a long-time partner of HBE LLP, after a successful career in public accounting spanning more than 40 years. Smolsky was one of the original partners of Fuhrman Smolsky & Furey PC in Omaha. Following the firm’s merger with HBE in 2018, his leadership in the integration of office locations, community outreach, and staff development greatly contributed to the continued growth and success of HBE. Most recently, Smolsky helped spearhead the implementation of HBE’s formal staff coaching program to ensure future generations of HBE leaders are equipped to reach their greatest potential. He was a member of the Nebraska Society of CPAs for 41 years.
John P. Stinner was the commencement speaker at Chadron State College’s May commencement. Stinner is a retired CPA, past bank CEO, and a former state senator, representing District 48 in the Nebraska Legislature from 2014-2022.
