Three SEK Leaders Named Best-In-State CPAs for 2025 by Forbes

Kara Darlington, CPA, John Schnitzer, CPA, and Michael Manspeaker, CPA, CGMA were recently named to the Forbes 2025 list of Best-In-State CPAs. Kara and John were recognized on the Pennsylvania list, and Mike was recognized on the Maryland list.

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

Kara Darlington, CPA, is the Managing Member of the Firm. She joined SEK in 1996 as a college intern and officially began her career as a Staff Associate in 1997. Before stepping into her current role on January 1, 2025, she held numerous leadership positions over the past 28 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 the firm’s Management (Executive) Committee. Kara is active in the community and sits on the boards of UPMC Hanover, Roots for Boots, and St. Teresa of Calcutta Catholic School. She also serves as Treasurer for Roots for Boots and for St. Teresa of Calcutta Catholic School’s Advancement Committee. She graduated from York College of Pennsylvania.

John Schnitzer, CPA, served as SEK’s Managing Member from 2010-2024 and is currently a Consultant. He began his career with the firm in 1986. Under his leadership, the firm expanded from 140 team members to over 200, grew its revenue from $15 million to $24 million, and increased the number of offices from four to six. John previously served as chair of the Management and Technology Committees and was a key member of several other committees throughout his career. In addition to his client and firm duties, John sits on the Board of Directors for Hanover Hospital Foundation and the Advisory Committee for Harrisburg Area Community College. He graduated from Shippensburg University.

Michael Manspeaker, CPA, CGMA, is a Former Member of the Firm and current Consultant. He provides Assurance & Advisory services to SEK’s clients and consults on technical matters related to professional standards. With a tenure dating back to 1986, he has served as the firm’s Director of Audit, Accounting, and Quality Control for 18 years. Mike has served as member and chair of various distinguished committees within the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Maryland Association of Certified Public Accountants, North Carolina Association of Certified Public Accountants, and Allinial Global over the past 25 years. Currently, Mike serves as a Board Member and President/Treasurer for Haven Lutheran Church and as Board Member and High School Key Club Advisor for Kiwanis Club of Hagerstown. He graduated from the University of Delaware.

Congratulations to Kara, John, and Mike for being named among Forbes’ Best-In-State CPAs for 2025! To view the complete list of honorees, visit: https://www.forbes.com/lists/best-in-state-cpas/