Firm promotes 5

SANDUSKY — Payne Nickles & Co. CPAs and Business Advisors recently announced the promotion of several employees. Brennan Otto Brennan Otto, a certified public accountant, recently received a promotion to partner in training in "recognition of his dedication, hard work and contributions to the firm," according to a company statement. Otto's journey with Payne Nickles & Co. began as an intern during the tax seasons of January 2015 and January 2016 while he was still completing his degree. After graduating from Kent State University in 2016 with a bachelor's degree in business accounting, Otto joined the firm full-time in December 2016. In October 2018, Otto left Payne Nickles to explore opportunities elsewhere. But "recognizing the strong professional environment and growth opportunities at Payne Nickles, he returned to the firm in October 2019," the statement read. "His experience during this period enriched his perspective and expanded his professional expertise." Otto specializes in individual, corporate and partnership taxation. He also manages client accounting services for small businesses, offering tailored solutions to meet their unique financial needs. His role involves a hands-on approach to client service, emphasizing effective communication and reliability, which has earned him a reputation for excellence among his clients. In addition to his professional accomplishments, Otto has been an active member of the community. He has served as the board treasurer of the Humane Society of Erie County since 2018 and previously served in the position of board treasurer for the North Coast Young Professionals. "These roles highlight his commitment to community service and leadership," the company noted. "We are thrilled to recognize Brennan's achievements and dedication," said Abbey Bemis, the company's chief operating officer. "His promotion to partner in training is well-deserved and reflects our commitment to fostering talent and providing opportunities for growth within our firm. Brennan's journey is a testament to the supportive and dynamic environment we strive to maintain at Payne Nickles." Brennan resides in Huron with his wife and five dogs. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time on their ranch, which includes caring for their chickens and enjoying the tranquility of rural life. Tanner Stiert Tanner Stiert, a certified public accountant, recently received a promotion to manager. Stiert graduated from Miami University with a bachelor's degree in business, majoring in accountancy and minoring in information systems in 2018. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and The Ohio Society of Certified Public Accountants. Stiert grew up in Milan where he still resides. He interned with Payne Nickles in 2017 and 2018 before joining full-time in June of 2018. Stiert primarily works in corporate, partnership and individual taxation as well as business valuation and consulting. He is also working toward his certified valuation analyst designation this fall. Jerod Poore Jerod Poore, a certified public accountant, recently received a promotion to senior accountant. Poore graduated from Bowling Green State University with bachelor's and master's degrees in accountancy, completing his master's in 2021. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. Born and raised in Norwalk, Poore continues to reside there. He joined Payne Nickles as an intern in January 2022 and began full-time as a staff accountant in April 2022. Gabe Smythe Gabe Smythe recently received a promotion to senior accountant. Smythe graduated with a bachelor's degree in accounting from Heidelberg University in 2020 and earned a master's of accountancy from Bowling Green State University in August 2021. He grew up in Bellevue and moved back there after college. He joined Payne Nickles in 2021. Alex Ravis Alex Ravis recently received a promotion to senior accountant. Ravis graduated from Bowling Green State University in 2014 with a bachelor of science degree in business administration, specializing in finance. He resides in Sandusky. Ravis joined Payne Nickles in 2021. He is heavily involved in business valuations, audits of both businesses and employee benefit plans and tax engagements. The four A company statement offered well wishes for Stiert, Poore, Smythe and Ravis. "We are thrilled to recognize the achievements of Tanner, Jerod, Gabe and Alex," Bemis said. "Their promotions are well-deserved and reflect our commitment to fostering talent and providing opportunities for growth within our firm."