June 4, 2024

(Los Angeles, Calif., June 4, 2024) — Patty O’Connell, chief operating officer and partner at Los Angeles-based accounting firm HCVT, will retire at the end of 2024. Stepping into the role effective January 1, 2025 will be Sarah Tewner, currently a tax partner at the firm, company officials announced today.

HCVT is the largest tax, audit, advisory, and business management firm based in Los Angeles.

O’Connell joined the firm in 1992, was named tax partner in 2002, and assumed COO responsibilities in 2017.

This transition comes as the firm continues to concentrate on expanding its domestic footprint, growing its Audit and Advisory services practices, and bolstering its operations in Armenia, in addition to other key initiatives.  

“We appreciate Patty’s many years of service and will miss her strategic foresight and effective management style,” said Vicken Haleblian, HCVT’s CEO and managing partner. “Her successor, Sarah Tewner, brings with her years of experience leading and collaborating with partners and functional leaders across the firm — critical skills that she will rely on as we continue to open office locations in new geographies, strengthen our commitment to developing talent, and serving our clients with the technical skill and expertise they have come to expect from HCVT.”

As COO, O’Connell led efforts to automate back-office operations, while also expanding the firm’s footprint in the Mountain West. She was also instrumental in transitioning the firm’s 700 employees to remote work as the COVID-19 pandemic gripped the world. O’Connell serves on the firm’s Executive Committee, and is an advisor to the firm’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion committee.

O’Connell’s successor, Sarah Tewner, joined HCVT in 2010, and was named a partner in 2020.

In recent years, Tewner and O’Connell have worked closely to streamline the firm’s technology offerings, while also leveraging them to expand and further integrate the firm’s Armenia operations into HCVT’s day-to-day practices.

Tewner’s appointment reflects HCVT’s ongoing commitment to growing talent from within, while also serving as an attractive, well-appointed, competitive option for accounting industry professionals.

“Sarah’s track record of leading our tax innovation and knowledge-sharing efforts, mentoring and developing talent, and her strategic vision make her an ideal candidate to build on Patty’s legacy and lead us into the future,” said Haleblian. “We are going to miss Patty and appreciate her years of service, but she leaves us in great hands as Sarah steps in on our next chapter of growth and innovation.”

For more information, contact:
Cheryl Foster, Chief Growth Officer
Cheryl.Foster@hcvt.com
(310) 566-1993

About HCVT

HCVT is the largest, Los Angeles-based public accounting firm and the 33rd largest firm nationally. Founded in 1991, HCVT provides tax, advisory and business management services to public and closely held companies; high-net-worth individuals and families and their related entities; and family offices. The firm also provides audit and assurance services to privately held companies and employee benefit plan sponsors.

Known for its deep technical skills and ability to address the most complex tax issues associated with partnerships and pass-through entities, HCVT serves clients across a number of industries, including: private equity, real estate, media and entertainment, manufacturing, retail and distribution, technology, healthcare and life sciences, nonprofit organizations, affordable housing and professional services firms.

With more than 800 team members, which include over 100 partners and principals, HCVT serves clients from 12 offices. Including its headquarters in West Los Angeles, HCVT has eight locations in Southern California (Camarillo, Encino, Glendale, Irvine, Long Beach, Monrovia, Pasadena, and Westlake Village); and offices in Fort Worth, Texas; Park City, Utah; and Phoenix, Arizona. The firm’s national and global reach is extended by its affiliation with Moore North America, Inc. (MNA) and Moore Global Network Limited, an independent and global accountancy and business advisory network of CPA and financial services firms located throughout the United States and around the globe. Visit hcvt.com, to learn more.