Our Talent

Thomas E. Whittaker, CPA - Senior Partner

Tom is the president and senior partner of the firm. Originally from Wilmington, Delaware, he is a graduate of Franklin and Marshall College in Lancaster, PA.  He joined the firm, then known as Dowd & Ryder in 1994 and became a partner in 1997. In addition to managerial duties Tom is involved in all tax and accounting matters.  A hands-on kind of leader, Tom searches for high tech solutions to accounting issues and has brought the firm to the forefront of the technologies. Outside the office he has served on the board of  the Venice Christmas Boat Parade, Venice Circus Arts Foundation and Big Brothers/Big Sisters of the Suncoast.  A boating enthusiast, Tom spends some of his free time on the water.

 

Roni Saucier, CPA - Junior Partner

Roni has been with the firm since November 2019 and became a partner in January 2021.  Originally from Michigan, she moved to Florida in 1997, graduated from the University of South Florida, and obtained her CPA license.  She has been in tax preparation for 9 years and is quite passionate about it!  In her spare time she enjoys traveling, football and her family time.

 

Rebecca English CPA, Staff Accountant

Rebecca rejoined the firm in January 2023 after retiring in 2014.  Originally from Michigan where she was a partner in a local CPA firm, she moved to Florida in 2003.  Now working part time, her time is devoted to estate and trust tax matters.

 

Ken Murtha, Staff Accountant

Born and raised in the New York City metropolitan area, Ken moved to Florida in 2018 and started as a staff accountant with the firm.  His background as the Tax Manager of a Fortune 500 Company headquartered in New York City has brought us a wealth of knowledge in the business tax arena.  Ken is a graduate of Iona College and holds a master's degree from Long Island University. An avid sports fan, Ken’s loyalty still lies with the Yankees and the Rangers!

 

John Scaffidi, Staff Accountant 

Originally from Bellport, NY, John came to our firm in 2003. His previous experience includes working for the Internal Revenue Service for fifteen years. As a result he has extensive knowledge with tax preparation and the IRS codes. His duties include accounting and tax preparation.

 

Ann Slabaugh, Clerical & Staff Accountant

While Ann’s role with the firm is more administrative than most, she brought 20 years of accounting experience with her when she joined the firm in 2013. She does a lot of bookkeeping tasks for the outsourced bookkeeping department in addition to her administrative duties including answering phones and processing tax returns and compilations.  She enjoys travel and spending time with family and friends.  In her spare time she volunteers for "Turkey in the Hole" at the Gator Wilderness Boys Camp.

 

Jenifer Nugent, Staff Accountant

Originally from Michigan, Jeni moved to Florida in September of 2021.  Shortly thereafter she joined the team as a staff accountant with an emphasis on tax preparation.  She brings with her 20 years of banking experience and outstanding customer service.

 

Patti Giunta, Staff Accountant

Originally from New York, Patti has lived in Florida for the past 35 years.  She has 40 years of experience in bookkeeping and accounting with 10 years in the medical field, 10 years in the interior design field, and running her own music business with her husband.  Hired as a member of our eBookkeeping team, her focus is to provide outstanding customer service for our clients.  When not at the office she loves to travel and spend time with family.

 

Nancy Richards, Reception & Staff Accountant

Born and raised in Northern New Jersey, Nancy moved to Florida in 2022.  With over 20 years of front office experience, her goal is to provide outstanding service with a smile for every client.  When not working she enjoys family time at the beach with her husband and two children, gardening, playing with her two energetic Jack Russell's and exploring all her new home state has to offer.

 

Jeff Rimmel, Staff Accountant

Jeff moved to Florida after living in Atlanta for more than 40 years.  He is a graduate of Emory University with a BBA in accounting and finance.  He later earned an MBA from the Keller School of Business.  Jeff started his career in the tax department of Arthur Andersen.  He enjoys advising clients in tax and finance strategies to best utilize the tax code to minimize their tax liabilities.  In his spare time he is an avid sailor.

 

Julie Whittaker, Firm Bookkeeper

Julie joined the firm in 2004 and was hired as a member of the eBookkeeper team.  In 2010 she took over the job of doing all payroll, accounts receivable for our clients and all daily bookkeeping for the firm.  When not working, she loves to spend time in her garden, baking and spending time with friends and family.

 

Cheryl Sowards, Staff Accountant

Originally from West Virginia, Cheryl moved to Venice in 2006.  She is a graduate of Ohio University with a BBA in General Business, and has 10 years of tax preparation experience with a focus on business returns.  In her spare time she loves to watch movies and spend time with family.

 

 

 

Judy Stark

Originally from Cape Cod, Massachusetts, Judy moved to Port Charlotte, Florida in 2013.  She is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth with a BS in Accounting.  She went on to earn her Master's in Taxation from Bentley College.  She began her professional career in 1993 working for a CPA firm in Stoughton, Massachusetts, later earning her CPA license in 2002.  Although no longer licensed as a CPA, she enjoys doing taxes and helping clients with their tax and business needs.  In her free time she enjoys landscaping and spending time with her three dogs.

 

Cher Bozich

Originally from Michigan, Cher has lived in Florida for the past 26 years.  Previous to joining our team in 2024, she gained over 10 years of bookkeeping experience running her family roofing business.  Her focus is to provide excellent customer service.  In her spare time she enjoys family and football.

 

 

 

 

Cynthia Reyburn

Cynthia moved to Florida in 2024 to join our firm, to enjoy the beautiful Florida weather, and be near to family. Originally from Colorado, she graduated from the University of Denver with BSBA in Finance and Marketing, and MBA in Finance with accounting minor. She enjoys business taxation and development helping businesses succeed and grow, getting to know individual clients and their families, and the occasional forensic accounting challenge. She has served on several charitable Boards, appreciating the financial challenges of non-profits and how through our services we may support their efforts. Outside of the office, Cynthia enjoys spending time with her two daughters, crazy group of pets, exploring her new FL home, and skiing in CO when possible