Five SEK Leaders Named 2026 Best-In-State CPAs by Forbes

Five leaders at SEK, CPAs & Advisors have been named to the Forbes 2026 list of America’s Best-In-State CPAs. Kara Darlington, CPA, Krista Gardner, CPA, and John Schnitzer, CPA, were recognized in Pennsylvania, while Kelli Cobb, CPA, MBA and Michael Manspeaker, CPA, CGMA, were recognized in Maryland.

Forbes’ annual America’s Best-In-State CPAs list honors outstanding Certified Public Accountants who demonstrate excellence and leadership in the profession. Candidates are sourced through independent nominations and CPA association recommendations. They are evaluated on criteria including innovation, expertise, professional experience, thought leadership, and service to both their communities and the accounting profession. This distinction recognizes CPAs who uphold the highest standards of integrity, independence, and client service.

BEST-IN-STATE CPAS – PENNSYLVANIA HONOREES:

Kara Darlington, CPA, Chief Executive Officer, joined SEK in 1996 as an intern and officially began her career in 1997. Before stepping into her current role on January 1, 2025, she served in numerous leadership positions over the past 30 years, including Director of Assurance & Advisory, leader of the Employee Benefit Plan Audit practice, Member-in-Charge of the Hanover office, and a member of Management (Executive) Committee. She is active in the community as Board Member and Treasurer of Roots for Boots and a member of the Hanover Area Chamber of Commerce.

Krista Gardner, CPA, Member of the Firm, joined SEK in 2020 and brings over 17 years of experience serving governmental and nonprofit organizations. She directs the firm’s Outsourced Solutions department, providing strategic financial leadership to organizations during periods of transition and long-term guidance at the CFO level. Krista is active in the community, serving as Treasurer and Finance Committee Chair for the York Jewish Community Center, Board Member and Executive and Finance Committee Member for Byrnes Health Education, Finance Committee Member for the Appell Center for the Performing Arts, and Fundraising Coordinator for Special Olympics York County.

John Schnitzer, CPA, Consultant and Former Member of the Firm, began his career at SEK in 1986 and served as Managing Member from 2010-2024. Under his leadership, the firm grew from 140 team members to more than 200, expanded from four offices to six, and increased revenue from $15 million to $24 million. In addition to his service to the firm and its clients, John serves on the Board of Directors for the Hanover Hospital Foundation and the Advisory Committee for Harrisburg Area Community College.

BEST-IN-STATE CPAS – MARYLAND HONOREES:

Kelli Cobb, CPA, MBA, Member of the Firm, joined SEK in 2004 and co-leads the firm’s Tax & Accounting Services Department. She has more than 20 years of experience providing accounting, consulting, and tax services to small businesses and individual clients. Kelli is active in the community as Treasurer for Leadership Washington County, leader of the Finance Committee for Hospice of Washington County, and a Board Member for Gilchrist and Girls Inc. of Washington County.

Michael Manspeaker, CPA, CGMA, Consultant and Former Member of the Firm, provides Assurance & Advisory services to clients and consults on technical matters related to professional standards. Over the course of his career, Mike served as the firm’s Director of Audit, Accounting, and Quality Control for 18 years and has held leadership roles on committees with the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the Maryland Association of Certified Public Accountants, the North Carolina Association of Certified Public Accountants, and Allinial Global. He currently serves as President/Treasurer and Board Member for Haven Lutheran Church and as Board Member and High School Key Club Advisor for the Kiwanis Club of Hagerstown.

To view the complete list of honorees, visit: https://www.forbes.com/lists/best-in-state-cpas/
 

About SEK, CPAs & Advisors

SEK, CPAs & Advisors is a regional accounting and consulting firm with 200 professionals across six offices in Pennsylvania and Maryland. Since 1963, SEK has been committed to providing meaningful guidance and customized services to individuals and business clients in a variety of industries. For more information, visit www.sek.com.