NACVA’s Champions—Fourth Quarter 2025
NACVA's Champions
Karen M. Lascelle, CPA, CVA, CFE
I began my career in public accounting in 1999, initially focused heavily on tax. As time went on, I was introduced to valuation work, which quickly became a passion. I was drawn to the way it allowed me to deeply understand different businesses, owners, and managers, and to play a more strategic role in consulting around growth and exit planning.
I earned my CVA certification with NACVA in 2011, and from that point forward, I was fully immersed in the valuation profession. Becoming involved with NACVA has been one of the most rewarding decisions of my career. The opportunities to connect with a network of committed, knowledgeable professionals have provided invaluable guidance and camaraderie throughout my journey.
My service with NACVA began at the chapter level with the Massachusetts programming committee. From there, I was honored to be recognized as part of the inaugural “Top 40 Under Forty” class in 2014, which opened the door to further involvement on a national level. Since then, I’ve had the privilege of presenting on various topics and serving as an instructor with the Business Valuation Training Center (BVTC). I’ve also completed two terms on both the Valuation Credentialing Board and the Ethics Oversight Board.
Most recently, I’m excited to be beginning my term on the Executive Advisory Board, which started in June of this year.
Looking back, I’m grateful not only for the professional development NACVA has provided, but also for the meaningful mentorship, support, and friendships I’ve gained. I’ve received so much from this community, and I’m committed to giving back in every way I can.
Stephen D. Kirkland, CPA, CMC, CFF
Stephen D. Kirkland, CPA, CMC, CFF
After spending a few years as a CPA working tirelessly in the tax area, I realized that the best path forward for me would be in a specialized niche. After evaluating options, I chose to focus on reasonable compensation at privately held companies and nonprofits. This niche would give me the opportunity to meet and interview many successful people with fascinating stories to tell.
In the first few years, most of my engagements were driven by disputes between C corporations and the Internal Revenue Service. Within a few years, more projects involved S corporations and nonprofits. Later, my engagements primarily involved compensation disputes among shareholders at closely held businesses.
Although I enjoyed helping determine compensation ranges for executives, directors, and others, most of my time was spent in litigation over amounts that had already been paid.
Executive compensation is complex, but serving as an expert witness is a complicated and challenging role within itself. Although there is considerable demand for experts who are willing and able to testify, there are few options available for training in critical areas such as the Federal Rules of Evidence, testifying skills, and report development. For me, NACVA was the best source of training in these areas. I have been active in NACVA since 2014, and I am not sure how my career would have progressed with it. Learning from other members, as well as from the Association’s staff, has helped me immeasurably and for that I am grateful to each of you.
