WGA is happy to announce that our Managing Director, Lisa DeRose, CPA, CGMA, has been named to Forbes’ inaugural list of Best-in-State CPAs 2025.

According to the article explaining how they compiled the list, the Forbes “team identifies thousands of eligible candidates through interviews with industry insiders, outside nominations, editorial research, and an independent advisory board of expert CPAs.” They further explain their methodology: “Candidates are rated in ten weighted categories, including achievements, professional honors, influence on the profession, performance, thought leadership, and community service.” Ultimately, they shared that “those selected all share a superb track record, impeccable integrity and ultimately, Forbes’ recognition as one of America’s finest CPAs.”

When Lisa is asked about this recognition, to say she was surprised is an understatement: “I had no idea this was coming. Our team works so hard for our clients as a whole that I never see myself as a standout. It is a wonderful feeling to know that people feel this way about the work I do. All I can say is “Thank you.” At the end of the day, I do the best I can for our clients and for the community.”

While Lisa may be surprised, we see this recognition as earned. She has long been active in the community, leads WGA, and manages our tax practice. She is a founding member of the Delaware chapter of the ACE Mentor Program and serves on the boards for the Construction Financial Management Association of Delaware, Better Business Bureau Delaware, and the Cecil County Chamber of Commerce. Lisa has received the Outstanding Advocate Award from the ACE Mentor Program of Delaware and was recognized as a 2020 Women in Business honoree from the Delaware Business Times.

Whisman Giordano’s President, Joseph V. Giordano, CPA, CGMA, sums up the feelings of many, “This is a great honor, and it’s why Lisa was voted by her partners to be the leader of our firm into the future.  She’s not only an incredible CPA, but she’s also an incredible person.  There simply aren’t enough positive things that I can say that would do her justice.”