Novogradac Elevates New Partners: Strengthening Leadership Across the Nation

Novogradac, a prominent player in the accounting and consulting sectors, has made headlines with the promotion of five of its principals to partners, effective January 1, 2026. This strategic move reflects the firm's commitment to growth and excellence, showcasing the caliber of professionals at its helm. The firm announced the new partners across its offices from Bellevue, Washington, to San Francisco, California.

The New Partners

Among the newly promoted partners are Nicole Crites from the Bellevue office, Jodie Fish from the Portland office, Ashley McKenzie and Karie McMillen from the Dover office, and Lucy Tran from San Francisco. Each of these individuals brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to their new roles, which they aim to leverage to further enhance the firm's capabilities in various sectors, particularly in affordable housing and community development.

According to Michael J. Novogradac, the managing partner, the addition of these four professionals into the partnership signifies not only their relentless dedication but also the firm's continuous growth trajectory. It is a testament to the robust leadership pipeline that exists within Novogradac, aimed at ensuring the company remains at the forefront of industry developments.

Individual Contributions

Nicole Crites specializes in audit and tax services tailored for real estate partnerships within the affordable housing sector. With skills in financial modeling and valuation, Crites is strategically positioned to guide clients in navigating complex housing issues. Her academic background from the University of Washington adds to her credentials as a licensed CPA in Washington.

Jodie Fish has carved out a niche in tax credits, particularly focusing on new markets tax credits (NMTC), opportunity zones, and low-income housing tax credits. With previous experience at other CPA firms, Fish’s expertise encompasses a broad array of financial services including tax return preparation and community development reporting. He holds a bachelor's degree in business administration from Portland State University and is a CPA in Oregon.

Ashley McKenzie, on the other hand, lends her skills in aiding clients involved in the low-income housing tax credit (LIHTC) industry. She is adept at performing audits and preparing multi-state tax returns, and her involvement with affordable housing tax credit equity funds showcases her value within the firm. McKenzie earned her accounting degree from Kent State University accompanied by an MBA from Ashland University, and is a CPA in Ohio.

Karie McMillen has extensive experience in providing diverse financial services to real estate partnerships, concentrating on LIHTC projects and developments financed by tax-exempt bonds. She has also engaged in audits related to HUD and is a contributor to various professional forums focused on tax credits. McMillen holds a bachelor's degree in accounting and an MBA from the same institution, Kent State University, and holds a CPA license in Ohio.

Lastly, Lucy Tran manages a variety of audit, tax, and consulting services with a specific focus on nonprofit organizations, investment companies, and real estate firms. Her robust experience in auditing and compliance with housing requirements uniquely positions her to serve a diverse clientele, and her education from the University of California, Santa Barbara adds to her professional standing.

Novogradac's Legacy

Founded 35 years ago, Novogradac has grown to boast over 800 employees across more than 25 offices. The firm's portfolio extends into specialized practice areas like affordable housing, community development, historic rehabilitation, and renewable energy. The elevation of these five principals signals not just individual accomplishments but also the firm’s broader ambition to expand its impact across the nation.

As Novogradac continues to adapt and grow in a rapidly changing environment, the partnership's solid foundation will certainly play a pivotal role in shaping the firm’s future endeavors. For more details about Novogradac's services or to learn about its personnel, visit www.novoco.com or contact (415) 356-8000.