Contributors

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Host

Jeff Adams, CPA, CM&AA

As Director of SN’s Mergers & Acquisitions practice area, Jeff leads the M&A team; partnering with architecture and engineering firms on both the buyer and seller side to strategically position them for greater future success. During his 30-year career, Jeff has gained extensive experience overseeing strategy and operations relative to accounting, financial planning, and analysis. Prior to joining SN, he served in multiple executive leadership roles within the AE industry, where he played a pivotal part in leading his firm through a successful acquisition process.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffreysadamscpa/

Guests

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Guest

Ashraf Jahangir, PE

Ashraf Jahangir, Verdantas's Chief Strategy Officer, has 29 years of expertise in engineering and environmental consulting. He has contributed to a $700M revenue enterprise by leading national and international expansions, service diversification, and entry into new market sectors. In the most recent fiscal year, he delivered 8% above-budget organic sales growth.

Ashraf’s focus on operational management has streamlined processes, revitalized underperforming units, and met business goals in nine of the last ten years. His M&A expertise includes leading negotiations, due diligence, and integration for international and U.S. acquisitions.

Known for his authenticity and empathy, Ashraf seamlessly integrates strategy, operations, and people, guiding with core values and principles. His ability to foster collaboration, build high-performing teams, and turn vision into action makes him an invaluable asset to Verdantas.

https://www.verdantas.com/about/our-people/ashraf-jahangir
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Becky Carlson, CPA, ABV

As an accredited business valuator, Becky’s expertise spans many industries, with a specialized focus on architecture and engineering (AE). She understands that the most crucial element in any firm valuation is the employees. This lead-with-people approach can enhance a company's value and position it for greater success.


In her previous roles as a Partner with TWO CPAs & Consultants and a Consultant at PSMJ Resources, Becky developed refined skills in valuations, ownership transitions, M&A, and fractional CFO consulting. For Becky, every project involves getting to know the client well and filling financial gaps. She views each assignment uniquely, including industry commentary and highly relevant benchmarking data.


Her love of numbers means Becky strengthens big-picture strategies for growth and prosperity. If a financial model can be built to solve a financial question, she will design it.

https://www.stambaughness.com/people/becky-carlson-cpa-abv-cda/
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Brian McCarver, CFP, CIMA

As Managing Director at Stonebridge Financial Group, Brian McCarver, CFP®, CIMA®, is dedicated to helping clients in the AEC industry achieve their financial goals through collaborative and strategic investment planning. 


With nearly three decades of experience, he focuses on building client trust through honesty, integrity, and objective advice—qualities honed by his service as a commissioned infantry officer in the U.S. Army, following his graduation with honors from the United States Military Academy at West Point. 


Brian is committed to providing AEC firms and their leaders with tailored wealth management and retirement plan consulting designed to help them realize their long-term financial aspirations. 

https://www.stonebridgefg.com/portfolio/brian-mccarver/

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Jay Wolverton, PE

Jay Wolverton, EVP & Chief Growth Officer at CHA Consulting, Inc., drives strategic growth initiatives across markets, business development, and marketing, driven by a core belief in client focus fueling success. He guides expansion into new territories while mentoring leaders, serving as a key external liaison, and acting as a prominent voice for the engineering profession through extensive ACEC leadership, advocating for its future impact.


His strategic vision is grounded in 30 years of operational and entrepreneurial expertise as the founder and leader of Wolverton & Associates (acquired by CHA) and his credentials as a licensed PE in 32 states. Beyond strategy, Jay maintains a deep passion for the tangible results of engineering and actively works to elevate the profession.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerry-jay-wolverton-jr-088bb645/

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Joe Macrina, PE

Joe Macrina, EVP of Operations & Innovation at CHA Consulting, Inc., drives operational excellence and integrates innovative solutions firm-wide. He leads critical functions like M&A integration, the PMO, and sustainability, while engaging externally through organizations like ACEC Georgia to advance the industry.


His leadership leverages over 30 years of transportation engineering expertise, his PE license, and experience as COO at the acquired Wolverton & Associates. Joe combines deep operational knowledge with a commitment to enhancing efficiency, client value, and technical excellence through innovation.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/joemacrina/

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Jonathan Freeman, CFP, CIMA, CFA

Jonathan Freeman, CFP®, CFA, CIMA®, Managing Director at Stonebridge Financial Group, is driven by a client-first philosophy. He excels at building enduring relationships, ensuring a deep understanding of each client's unique financial aspirations. 


Leveraging a robust background that spans prominent firms like Fidelity Investments to the leadership of Stonebridge, Jonathan delivers sophisticated investment strategies focused on optimizing risk-adjusted returns and maximizing cost efficiency. 


His commitment extends beyond financial expertise; he actively contributes to community initiatives, reflecting a holistic dedication to positive impact.

https://www.stonebridgefg.com/portfolio/jonathan-freeman-cfp-cfa-cima/

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Tracey D. Eaves, MBA, CBA, CVA, BCA, CMEA

Tracey Eaves is the Managing Director of Transition Consulting at Zweig Group, specializing in valuations for architecture, engineering, and planning firms.


Over the last 20 years, Tracey has completed valuations ranging from small businesses to multi-million-dollar operating companies and holding companies with a variety of assets. She has worked in the industry since 2010 and specializes in valuations for architecture, engineering, and planning firms. Assignments include companies in the United States, Canada, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Spain. Additionally, Tracey serves as an expert witness on business valuation litigation matters.

https://zweiggroup.com/pages/tracey-d-eaves?srsltid=AfmBOoosCQgpeDzDO481YSage-PDeeYfEaGZdNXk2_CPW87sgCR85Z4D
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Tracy Scott, PHR

Tracy Scott serves as the Administrative Director for McAdams' Florida offices, where she supports operational leadership and integration with Corporate Services. Before this role, Tracy was the CFO and lead principal in negotiating the sale of AVID Group to McAdams in November 2024.


With over two decades in AEC finance and business leadership, Tracy uniquely navigated AVID through immense operational complexities as its unexpected sole owner. Her unscripted journey showcases remarkable resilience and provides invaluable insights into M&A from a seller's perspective, emphasizing collaboration, communication, and strategic growth.

https://mcadamsco.com/people/tracy-scott

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