Kassouf promoted eight team members, including two new shareholders. Kassouf’s strategic plan for growth and development drove these promotions.
“Building a strong future for Kassouf is critical to our firm’s longevity and success. The promotions and new hires will strengthen our desire and commitment to provide meaningful client service and professional expertise. Our growing shareholder group displays our commitment to Kassouf’s strategic vision,” said Kassouf Managing Director Jonathan Kassouf.
Kassouf’s promoted shareholders include Anita Atkinson and James Dicks.
Atkinson graduated from The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) with a Bachelor of Science. She began her career at a Big Four accounting firm as an auditor before transitioning to industry. A Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Atkinson has over 20 years of experience in financial leadership, planning, and strategy across a variety of industries, including healthcare, pharmaceutical, and real estate. She joined Kassouf in 2020 as Chief Operations Officer, leading the firm’s daily operations, streamlining internal processes, overseeing firm administration, and serving on many internal teams, from the Kassouf Women’s Initiative to the Team Development Vision Team. Atkinson is a member of the Alabama Society of Certified Public Accountants and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.
Dicks is a two-time Troy University graduate, holding a Bachelor of Science and Master of Business Administration from the college. He joined the firm 15 years ago and works in Kassouf’s Healthcare Tax and Advisory Group. He provides accounting, tax compliance, practice valuation, advisory, practice start up, practice management services, and compensation model design, working across a variety of sub-specialties within the healthcare industry. Dicks is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and Certified Valuation Analyst (CVA). He is part of the firm’s Business Development Vision Team, one of Kassouf’s three think tanks that drive the firm’s growth and strategic vision, and leads the Individual Process Team. Dicks is a member of the Alabama Society of Certified Public Accountants, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, and Healthcare Leaders Association.
Kassouf’s promoted principals include Stewart Garner and Dawn Jones.
Garner holds a Bachelor of Science from The University of Alabama and a Master of Science in Healthcare Administration from The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). He has worked as a healthcare advisor in Kassouf’s Healthcare Tax and Advisory Group for six years, helping clients make informed business decisions and find innovative solutions to increase profitability and efficiency. Garner is a Certified Medical Practice Executive (CMPE) and serves as the serves as the President of the Alabama Chapter of Health Information Management Systems Society (HIMSS). He is a member of the Healthcare Leaders Association and the Medical Group Management Association and frequently presents to medical practice executives about trending topics like employee recruitment and retention, revenue cycle management, value-based care, and evolving healthcare regulations.
Jones earned her undergraduate degree from Birmingham-Southern College and her Master of Accountancy from Samford University. Based in Kassouf’s Auburn Office, she joined the firm over 25 years ago and works in the Estate Planning and Administration Group. Jones specializes in trust and estate administration, accounting, and tax compliance. She is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA)®, and QuickBooks Online Certified ProAdvisor. She also holds a certificate in estate planning from the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. As leader of the firm’s Client Management Vision Team and a member of the Business Process Team, Jones helps develop methods to improve internal processes and better serve clients. She is a member of the Alabama Society of Certified Public Accountants, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, and the Montgomery Estate Planning Council.
Margaret Novak was promoted to manager. She earned a Bachelor of Science from Millikin University in Illinois where she was a member of the women’s soccer team and served as captain. Novak joined the firm nearly three years ago and is based in Kassouf’s Auburn Office. She works in the Business Services Group, specializing in financial reporting, tax planning and compliance, valuation, and business advisory services to clients in a variety of industries, including private equity companies and family office firms. She is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). Prior to joining Kassouf, she worked in public accounting in Indiana, North Carolina, and Florida. Novak is a member of the Alabama Society of Certified Public Accountants and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.
Kassouf’s recently hired employees include Dwayne Newsome and Eugenia Thompson.
Newsome joined the firm as a shareholder in the Assurance Services Group. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration the University of Montevallo and Master of Accountancy from Georgia State College and University. Leading the Assurance Services Group, Newsome provides assurance and advisory services to nonprofit entities, employee benefit plans, and privately held businesses. Prior to joining Kassouf, Newsome was a director at a top 25 accounting and advisory firm. A Certified Public Accountant (CPA), he has worked in public accounting since 2007 and is a retired United States Air Force veteran. Newsome is a member of the Alabama Society of Certified Public Accountants, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, and Military Officers Association of America.
Thompson is a new manager, leading the firm’s Client Accounting and Advisory Services practice. Thompson earned two undergraduate degrees from the University of New Orleans and her Master of Accounting from The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). She is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and Certified Internal Auditor (CIA). Thompson provides expertise in financial reporting, financial projections, internal controls, and process improvement and is a member of the firm’s Business Development Vision Team. With nearly 20 years of experience, she has served in leadership positions in the manufacturing and healthcare industries. Prior to her industry career, Thompson worked in public accounting as an auditor.
2025 Promotions
Anita Atkinson, CPA – Shareholder/Director
James Dicks, CPA, CVA – Shareholder/Director
Stewart Garner, MSHA, CMPE – Principal
Dawn Jones, CPA, CGMA® – Principal
Margaret Novak, CPA – Manager
Carrie McElroy, CPA – Senior
Charles Hyde – Senior
Chris Gunner – Associate
New Team Members
Dwayne Newsome, CPA – Shareholder/Director
Eugenia Thompson, CPA, CIA – Manager
“We are incredibly proud of these team members and look forward to supporting them in their new roles,” Kassouf said.