Lutz Announces 2026 Senior through Manager Promotions

Lutz, a Nebraska-based business solutions firm, recently announced multiple promotions to manager, senior, team lead, and engineer roles.

MANAGER

Thomas Geiger, CPA, has been promoted to Audit Manager in Lutz’s Grand Island office. He is experienced in financial statement auditing and assurance services, supporting clients across a range of engagements. In his role, Geiger oversees audit and assurance projects from planning through completion while also providing consulting support to help clients navigate complex financial and reporting matters.

Alec Johnston, CFA, has been promoted to Portfolio Manager in the Financial division. He is involved in managing investment portfolios and supporting financial planning efforts. At Lutz’s Omaha office, Johnston oversees trade desk operations, analyzes portfolios, and implements trade activity while collaborating with advisors to navigate complex client situations.

Misty Krieser has been promoted to Project Team Manager in the Tech division. In her remote role, she leads project coordination efforts, streamlines internal processes, and supports cross-department collaboration. Krieser contributes to improving operational efficiency while helping teams execute projects effectively and meet key deadlines.

Abby Lehr has been promoted to Client Relationship Manager in Lutz’s Lincoln office. She provides client support to organizations with hiring needs, partnering closely to identify and connect them with high-level talent across a variety of roles, including accounting and finance, human resources, office administration, marketing, and engineering. Lehr works with both internal teams and external clients, leveraging her understanding of each organization to help place individuals in positions where they can thrive.

Kaitlyn Oppliger has been promoted to Client Advisory Services Manager. She focuses on providing outsourced accounting solutions to independent medical practices, family offices, and other middle-market clients. In her role, Oppliger supports financial statement review, benchmarking analysis, payroll compliance, monthly accounting services, and software implementation and training, helping clients enhance efficiency and drive informed decision making. She works in Lutz’s Omaha office.

Anna Strahl, CPA, has been promoted to Healthcare Manager in a remote role. She concentrates on providing healthcare accounting and consulting services, with a focus on cost reporting and outsourced CFO solutions for Critical Access Hospitals. Strahl partners closely with clients to deliver ongoing financial guidance and support, helping hospitals navigate complex financial requirements while strengthening long-term performance.

Ansel Uerling, CPA, has been promoted to Tax Manager. At Lutz’s Lincoln office, he focuses on delivering tax planning and consulting services to both businesses and individuals. In his role, Uerling works closely with clients to build strong relationships, identify tax-saving opportunities, and ensure compliance with applicable tax laws. He also develops strategic solutions designed to support clients’ long-term financial goals.

Brandon Vukelich has been promoted to Service Manager in the Tech division. Working remotely, he specializes in IT support, cybersecurity, and client relations. Vukelich plays a key role in guiding team performance by evaluating ticket trends, balancing workloads, and supporting hiring efforts. He also solves complex technical issues and serves as a resource for both clients and team members.

SENIOR

Holly Anderson has been promoted to Marketing Specialist. She helps drive the firm's growth by overseeing proposal development and leading various marketing initiatives. She partners with teams across the firm to manage client experience, strengthen the Lutz brand, and ensure marketing efforts are delivered with consistency, quality, and attention to detail.

Sam Bonebrake, CFP®, has been promoted to Senior Financial Advisor in the Financial division. He specializes in financial planning, supporting clients through the development, implementation, and ongoing monitoring of comprehensive financial plans. In his role, Bonebrake prepares and follows up on client meetings while working closely with individuals to help guide long-term financial decisions and ensure their plans remain aligned with their goals.

Haley Claussen, CPA, has been promoted to Senior Accountant in the Audit department. She is involved in audit-related engagements, contributing to the examination and analysis of financial information for a range of clients. In her role, Claussen performs audits while also preparing and reviewing financial statements and compilations, helping ensure accuracy and reliability in client reporting.

Jack Distler has been promoted to Senior Accountant in the Tax department. Based in Lutz’s Omaha office, he provides tax services including planning, preparation, and review of tax returns for both businesses and individuals in a variety of industries.

Chelsea Fisher has been promoted to Operations Specialist. She supports internal operations with a focus on the Tax department, while also assisting the Audit and Client Advisory Services (CAS) teams. Fisher manages workflow and scheduling, supports e-file processes, and provides software solutions to enhance efficiency and streamline daily operations.

Zach Fosket has been promoted to Senior Accountant in the Audit department. He contributes to audit and assurance engagements related to financial reporting, working with clients across varying levels of service. In his role, Fosket is responsible for compiling financial statements in accordance with applicable standards, helping provide reliable and meaningful financial insights.

Jackson Hirschfeld, CPA, has been promoted to Senior Accountant in the Tax department. He supports both business and individual clients. Working from the Lincoln office, Hirschfeld prepares income tax returns while also assisting with client relationship management, helping deliver responsive service and build strong, lasting connections.

Paige Johnson has been promoted to Recruiting Specialist. She contributes to the development and coordination of the firm’s internship programs across all divisions and locations. Johnson represents Lutz at recruiting events, interviews prospective candidates, and supports the planning and execution of intern-focused initiatives.

Thomas Kerr, CPA, has been promoted to Senior Accountant in the Tax department. He works closely with clients on a range of tax matters, from compliance to planning. Kerr handles the preparation and review of tax returns while also providing guidance and support through ongoing client communication and strategic tax planning efforts.

Samantha Kinney has been promoted to Client Resource Specialist. She primarily supports the Tax team, with additional involvement in Audit. In her role, Kinney communicates directly with clients to gather and organize workpapers. She also manages ThreadWorks requests and assists with administrative processes that help keep tax engagements running efficiently and on schedule.

Chris Leute, CPA, has been promoted to Senior Accountant in the Tax department. He is responsible for managing tax engagements, including preparation and review of returns, while supporting clients with a variety of tax-related needs. He works closely with clients and internal teams to ensure accurate reporting.

Matt Meyers, CPA, has been promoted to Senior Accountant in the Tax department. He specializes in tax services and client relationship management. In his role, Meyers prepares and reviews complex tax returns, leads engagement oversight to ensure accuracy and timeliness, conducts in-depth tax research, and builds strong client relationships through responsive service.

Michael Monico has been promoted to Senior Accountant in the Healthcare department. He specializes in accounting and consulting, providing outsourced accounting and CFO services to Critical Access Hospitals. Monaco collaborates closely with internal teams to support client engagements and deliver high-quality service.

Matthew Sherman has been promoted to Senior Accountant in the Audit department. His experience spans audit and review services for clients in multiple industries, with specialized involvement in Sanitary Improvement District (SID) engagements. Sherman executes audit procedures and compiles financial statements in accordance with established reporting standards.

Xavier Steffensmeier, CPA, has been promoted to Senior Accountant in the Tax department. He works with both individuals and businesses to support their tax needs. Steffensmeier is involved in preparing and reviewing returns while also partnering with clients throughout the year to provide guidance on tax planning and projections.

Brea Stenger has been promoted to Senior Accountant in the Audit department. She is involved in financial statement audits, reviews, and compilations, with a focus on serving nonprofit clients. Stenger collaborates with both clients and internal audit teams to support engagement execution, including preparing and compiling financial statements.

James Swiercek has been promoted to Escalation Engineer in the Tech division. He focuses on IT support with specialized expertise in Azure and networking. Swiercek provides technical support to clients while also assisting other technicians and engineers in resolving complex tickets, helping ensure efficient and effective issue resolution.

Max Tomes, CPA, has been promoted to Senior Accountant in the Tax department. He focuses on delivering tax services to both individuals and businesses. In his role, Tomes supports compliance and planning efforts by preparing and reviewing tax returns, while also contributing to consulting engagements that help clients make informed decisions and optimize their overall tax strategy.

Sydney Watton has been promoted to HR Specialist. She supports key internal operations functions, including benefits, onboarding, orientation, and compliance. In this role, Watton coordinates the new hire experience from day one, manages employee benefit enrollments, and contributes to firmwide communications to facilitate a consistent and engaging employee experience.

Raegan Wolf has been promoted to Client Resource Specialist. Her work centers on coordinating new client onboarding and engagement documentation, while also contributing to improvements in the client offboarding process. Wolf is responsible for organizing client files, guiding clients through ThreadWorks, preparing and sending engagement letters, and assisting with tax return setup and related administrative support.

Blaine Wood has been promoted to Senior Accountant in the Tax department. He provides state and local tax services, including preparation, planning, and consulting, with a focus on Nebraska incentives. Wood works closely with clients to ensure compliance with state requirements while also advising both internal teams and external clients on Nebraska incentive opportunities and strategic goals.

TEAM LEAD

Brodie Case has been promoted to NOC Team Lead in the Tech division. He leads efforts in IT automation while helping oversee the performance of client technology environments. Case ensures critical infrastructure, including backups, tools, and hardware, continue to operate reliably and efficiently.

Bridget Clifford has been promoted to Data Analytics Team Lead. She specializes in creating data-driven insights and reporting tailored to client needs, with a focus on data analytics and front-end development. Clifford collaborates with clients and team members to deliver solutions that support business goals and improve decision making.

Evan Laux has been promoted to Escalation Team Lead in the Tech division. He delivers outsourced IT services to clients while providing guidance and support to team members on troubleshooting complex issues. Laux investigates high-level tickets and contributes to smaller projects, helping develop solutions that drive efficiency and meet client needs.

Carrie Leimser has been promoted to Administrative Lead. Working across Tax and Audit, she is responsible for handling key deliverables, including processing tax returns and preparing audit letters and financial statements. Leimser helps keep engagements organized and on track through consistent administrative support.

ENGINEER

Adam Gasper has been promoted to Service Desk Engineer in the Tech division. He provides customer support by answering client calls and managing help desk requests while also assisting with onsite technical support tickets. Gasper collaborates closely with team members to support day-to-day operations.

Zach Johnson has been promoted to Service Desk Engineer in the Tech division. He supports daily IT operations by assisting users with technical issues and service requests. In his role, Johnson responds to support tickets, helps troubleshoot system concerns, and works to ensure a smooth and reliable technology experience for clients.

Kyle Kinney has been promoted to Project Engineer in the Tech division. He focuses on IT support and project-based work. Kinney is responsible for setting up and deploying hardware and software solutions for clients, including servers, Microsoft 365 environments, and workstations, helping ensure seamless implementation and reliable system performance.

Jeremy Matuszewski has been promoted to Project Engineer in the Tech Division. He supports a variety of IT projects and technical initiatives for clients, helping plan, implement, and maintain technology solutions. Matuszewski works closely with team members to deploy systems, troubleshoot issues, and ensure projects are completed efficiently and effectively.

Bailey Stout has been promoted to Service Desk Engineer in the Tech division. He plays a key role in supporting the service team by addressing technical requests and assisting users with IT needs. He helps resolve incoming issues, supports system performance, and contributes to maintaining a consistent and reliable service experience across client environments.

Kevin Watke has been promoted to Project Engineer. His responsibilities include delivering IT support through ticket-based requests, primarily assisting users who submit issues via email. Watke works to diagnose problems and implement solutions that maintain system functionality and user productivity.

IMPORTANT DISCLOSURE INFORMATION