As the leader of Plante Moran’s international consulting team, I help clients increase their operational efficiency and grow their businesses across borders through strategic expansions.

For over three decades, I have enjoyed the global relationships I’ve built while forming trusted partnerships with my clients through my on-the- ground experience in the markets in which they operate. My “shoot it straight” approach means I’m okay with saying, “No, we can’t”, or “You shouldn’t do that,” even when the message may be difficult to deliver, knowing I have my clients’ best interests in mind.

It is exciting for me to think of how far our team has come, and that I was instrumental in helping Plante Moran open offices in Shanghai, China; Monterrey, Mexico; and Mumbai, India. I’m proud that the teams in these offices create a better service experience for our clients and provide our global team with on-the-ground insight in key growth markets that our clients would not get elsewhere.

I enjoy assisting clients in achieving the highest profitability and quality in their international operations, while mitigating the tendency to make decisions based on emotion or perceptions. While I realize management teams are held accountable to stakeholders, my team’s mission is to guide business decisions that support long-term growth. It is this philosophy that earned our international practice an AICPA Practice Innovation Award.

As a passionate supporter of racial and gender equity issues, I’m honored to be the firm’s chair of our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Council. It is our goal to create a culture where each person feels a sense of belonging and knows their contributions are valued. If you’re interested in the progress we’re making in this space, check out our firm’s DEI page. In October 2023, I was named a Notable Leader in DEI by Crain’s Chicago Business for my work with Plante Moran’s DEI initiatives.

I have a B.B.A. from Wayne State University and I am a frequent speaker on the topic of globalization. I am proud to say my international experience led to my federal appointment to the District Export Council. I’m often quoted in the Wall Street Journal, Smart Money, CFO, and other business publications and continually try to leave my mark in the marketplace.

I’m a member of the AICPA, the MICPA, the Illinois CPA Society, the National Association of Manufacturing China & India Task Forces, and the U.S. China Chamber of Commerce.

Specialties: Global expansion, merger integration, strategy, manufacturing, valuation services, due diligence, professional services

Fun fact: I am heavily involved in humanitarian missions that support malnourished people in underdeveloped countries. To unwind locally, I enjoy Chicago summers and spending time with family and friends on my boat, “The Long-oh.