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Insights into the CIRA Certification Awards

On January 21, 2025, the Association of Insolvency and Restructuring Advisors (AIRA) announced the recipients of the esteemed Certified Insolvency and Restructuring Advisor (CIRA) certification. This recognition signifies a high level of expertise in the complex fields of business turnaround, restructuring, and bankruptcy.

Established in 1992, the CIRA program aims to highlight professionals who possess specialized knowledge and extensive experience in advisement roles, particularly when dealing with distressed entities. The certification process ensures that these advisors are well-versed in critical areas such as accounting, operations, strategy, taxation, and financial management, specifically in relation to insolvency cases.

This year, 29 AIRA members successfully completed the necessary requirements, demonstrating their commitment to professional excellence. Among them, Matthew Altman of M3 Partners, LP in New York, NY, and Caitlin Appling from FTI Consulting, Inc., also based in New York, were recognized for their substantial contributions to the field. Other awardees include professionals from various firms and locations, reflecting a diverse range of expertise across the United States.

The prestigious list also highlights Ryan Belden from Stapleton Group in Solano Beach, CA, and a number of others who have shown exceptional dedication in their roles. The full list of the newly certified professionals includes:

• - Matthew Altman - M3 Partners, LP (New York, NY)
• - Caitlin Appling - FTI Consulting, Inc. (New York, NY)
• - Ryan Belden - Stapleton Group (Solano Beach, CA)
• - Russell Brooks - FTI Consulting, Inc. (Glen Allen, VA)
• - Angela Castillo Zuleta - FTI Consulting, Inc. (Atlanta, GA)
• - Cherie Chow - FTI Consulting, Inc. (Los Angeles, CA)
• - Matthew Christensen - Johnson May PLLC (Boise, ID)
• - Lauren Dombrowski - M3 Partners, LP (New York, NY)
• - Matthew Flahive - Stapleton Group, part of JS Held (San Diego, CA)
• - Milosz Gawlik - Focus Management Group USA Inc. (Chicago, IL)
• - James Goodyear - FTI Consulting, Inc. (Dallas, TX)
• - Hyoseob Joo - KPMG LLP (Detroit, MI)
• - Michelle Kainen - Office of the U.S. Trustee (San Diego, CA)
• - Mark Kennedy - EY Parthenon (Atlanta, GA)
• - Andrew Kim - Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp. (New York, NY)
• - David Kiyosaki - FTI Consulting, Inc. (Denver, CO)
• - Joshua Korn - Oliver Wyman (New York, NY)
• - Daniel Lewis - Maranon Capital (Chicago, IL)
• - Chandler Lidia - D.R. Payne Associates, Inc. (Oklahoma City, OK)
• - Catherine Moran - FTI Consulting, Inc. (Denver, CO)
• - Robert Nowlin - Ankura (Lake Forest, IL)
• - Bryant Oberg - BNENDS, LLC (Ventura, CA)
• - Rajat Prakash - Executive in Transition (Spring, TX)
• - Azra Raza - Ankura (Houston, TX)
• - Adnan Riaz - Tarbela Capital (Ridgewood, NJ)
• - Rodrigo Rodriguez Martinez - Huron Consulting Group (Chicago, IL)
• - Alejandra Rueda Espinosa - FTI Consulting, Inc. (Sao Paulo, SP)
• - Terrance Ward - Solic Capital (Chicago, IL)
• - Charles Winn - Huron Consulting Group (Austin, TX)

AIRA remains dedicated to supporting professionals in the domains of restructuring and insolvency, providing them with valuable resources and opportunities for growth. The organization not only unites individuals in this field but also strives to uphold high standards of practice through certification programs like the CIRA and the Certification in Distressed Business Valuation (CDBV).

For more information about AIRA and its initiatives, please visit www.aira.org. The full details of upcoming conferences and programs can also be found on their website, enhancing the professional development of those involved in the industry.