When it comes to professionalism, purpose, and a highly human approach, Betsy is a shining example of selflessly helping others thrive. She began her public accounting career in 1985 at a then - “Big 8” firm, but truly wanted to focus her career on making a difference for others. She joined Maher Duessel in 1991, moving up throughout her time to become Chairman and Director of Non-Profit Services for the firm. She also serves as Partner in Charge of the firm’s Employee Benefit Plan Audit team.
With unmatched knowledge and a national reputation as a thought leader, Betsy serves as Engagement Partner for a wide range of governmental and non-profit clients. These clients include community colleges/universities, private schools, foundations, municipalities, authorities, human service agencies, arts organizations, religious organizations, associations, and member-based organizations. Due to the diversity of the clients she has worked with in the public sector, Betsy is able to draw upon her experience to provide helpful solutions and guidance to her clients. This guidance extends beyond the annual audit/tax engagement to help with a broad range of matters ranging from a complicated tax question to compliance with a regulatory update. With several of her clients receiving federal funds, she has intricate knowledge of Single Audit and Uniform Guidance regulations, and she has received the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) Advanced Single Audit Certification.
Betsy has been tapped as a key presenter at numerous professional conferences including annual speaking engagements at the AICPA & CIMA Not-For-Profit Industry Conference. Her speaking engagements have included topics on Non-Profit Tax and IRS Form 990 Updates. Betsy's commitment to advancing the industry is also reflected in her involvement with various national and state level accounting committees including the AICPA's Not-For-Profit Section Advisory Council and TEGE (Tax Exempt & Government Entities) Council Program Committee. She also has previously served as President of the Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA), and she has been actively involved with the National Pipeline Advisory Group, an organization that was formed to develop initiatives to address recruitment and retention issues in public accounting. In 2024, she was named one of America’s Top 200 CPAs by Forbes.
Professional Affiliations
- American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) – Not-for-Profit Section Advisory Council Member
- TEGE Exempt Organizations Council Program Committee – Member
- National Pipeline Advisory Group – Member
- Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA) Board of Directors – Immediate Past President
- AICPA Tax Exempt Organization Technical Resource Panel – Past Chair and Past Associate Member
- AICPA Advanced Single Audit Certification
Community
- United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania – Board of Directors and Executive Committee
- Leadership Pittsburgh – Class XXII
“My passion is helping clients clear the way so they can follow their passion. A great day is helping solve challenges, learning something new, hearing a story about a client’s success, and helping a team member grow.”
Education
B.A., Economics in Business Administration (Summa Cum Laude), University of Pittsburgh
