Congratulations are in order to Lisa K. DeRose, CPA, CGMA. She has been promoted to our first official Chief Operating Officer. Lisa will oversee the firm’s day-to-day operations in addition to her existing roles as Director of the Tax Department, leader of the Tax Committee, and the partner in charge of human resources.

Lisa has over 30 years of experience. She joined WGA as a partner in 2013 and is a steadfast leader committed to the firm’s success. Lisa is a recognized community leader who has a strong commitment to mentoring. She helped found the Delaware chapter of the ACE Mentor Program in 2010. This program has given over $100,000 in scholarships to high school students interested in building design and construction careers. Since 2001 she has served as Treasurer to the Delaware chapter of the Construction Financial Management Association, and has received awards from both the ACE Mentor Program and Delaware Today Magazine.

CEO Joseph A. Giordano, CPA, CGMA, says, “We were aware of Lisa’s excellent administrative, technical, and interpersonal skills well before she came to our firm, and we were fortunate when she joined us. Her leadership made a major contribution to the tax department and the various tax services we offer and has been instrumental in developing several of our tax professionals. In addition, she has taken on additional responsibilities, which include administrative duties and practice development.”

President and Managing Director Joseph V. Giordano, CPA, CGMA, shared, “Lisa is an extraordinary person, and her promotion was an easy and natural decision. Sure, she’s incredibly talented, but what sets her apart is that she’s kind, immediately likable, quick with a joke, and an all-around fantastic person. In a nutshell, Lisa is a rock star.”

Lisa is not one to revel in the spotlight, but says this about the promotion, “I do what I can every day to make our firm the best and most positive place it can be. We work hard to care for our clients, each other, and the community. I’m happy to help us continue to grow.”

Congratulations, Lisa!