Bernard W. “Bernie” Auten, CPA, shareholder of Auten Pruss & Beckmann PC in Norfolk, has been recognized by Cedar Rapids Public School for his “generous donations, unwavering commitment, and tireless dedication” to the district. As a result, the new Riverside gymnasium floor in Cedar Rapids, Neb., will be dedicated to Auten, who is a 1967 alum of the school. Auten and his wife Sue, who passed away in July 2023, were married in 1969 in Lincoln, Neb., and have two children, Deanna and Mike. Ryan M. Cook, CPA, has been appointed managing shareholder of Lutz, effective May 1, 2025. This represents a pivotal moment in Lutz’s history, as Cook becomes only the third managing shareholder in more than 30 years. Cook began his career at Lutz in 2006 as an intern. His professional trajectory exemplifies the firm’s commitment to developing talent from within. Cook served on the firm’s leadership committee for many years and acted as president of Lutz Accounting prior to becoming managing shareholder in 2025. He is an active member of the Lutz Board of Directors and is responsible for the strategic vision of the firm. Since joining Lutz, Cook has demonstrated a dynamic, relationship-driven leadership style that empowers his teams to take ownership and deliver impactful results. His approach blends a deep respect for Lutz’s culture with a forward-thinking mindset, uncovering new opportunities while keeping client success at the forefront. As part of this transition, Taylor C. Kendall, CPA, will assume the role of president of Lutz Accounting, succeeding Ryan Cook. Kendall began her career in 2009 as an intern with Lutz. She has achieved numerous milestones over the years, including becoming the youngest female member of the board of directors, serving on the leadership committee, leading the audit practice, establishing the Transaction Advisory Services offering, and advancing to shareholder at a young age. Kendall also spearheaded the creation of the Development Lead program, fundamentally transforming how the firm grows its talent. Mark F. Duren, CPA, who has served as managing shareholder since 2015, leaves behind a legacy of excellence. Under his guidance, Lutz expanded its services, strengthened relationships with clients, and solidified its reputation as a trusted business advisor. The firm’s success has been remarkable, climbing from the 107th to the 74th largest accounting firm nationally. In other news, Lutz has announced the redemption of ownership held by long-time leader Ronald J. “Ron” Nebbia, CPA. This transition, a routine part of the firm’s governance structure, creates ownership opportunities for the firm’s next generation of leaders. Nebbia will remain active as a business consultant, continuing to serve clients and guide internal teams in a part-time capacity at the firm. Since joining Lutz in 1987, Nebbia has played an integral role in shaping the firm’s growth, culture, and entrepreneurial spirit. He was hired by Ralph Lutz for his forward-thinking mindset and ability to stay ahead of technology trends. Nebbia’s strategic vision has played a pivotal role in the development and expansion of the firm’s Financial, Talent, and Tech divisions. As past president of these divisions, Nebbia is known for his ability to inspire new service offerings and mentor emerging leaders. His contributions to the firm’s direction have been instrumental in maintaining Lutz’s innovative edge. He also served on the board of directors and executive committee at Lutz for 25 years, contributing to key strategic decisions that positioned the firm for long-term success. Beyond Lutz, his impact on the broader accounting profession was recognized in 2024 when he received the John Connor Family Award from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s School of Accountancy for his contributions to the College of Business. Jeffrey D. “Jeff” Beckmann has joined Lutz as a consulting director as part of the firm’s strategic focus on experienced talent. Prior to Lutz, he served as CEO of a national medical staffing company, leading the organization through a high-growth phase and a strategic sale. His career spans public accounting, executive leadership, and entrepreneurship, giving him a unique perspective on the challenges business owners face. At Lutz, Beckmann works with business owners and leadership teams to align operations, financial strategies, and technology with long-term goals. He specializes in helping companies manage change, scale effectively, and gain clarity in transitional or growth-focused environments. Beckmann earned his Master of Professional Accountancy (MPA) from the University of South Dakota. Timothy W. “Tim” Neville, CPA, has joined Lutz as a tax director. With decades of experience in both public accounting and corporate leadership, Neville has held various executive roles, including CFO and chief accounting and tax officer. His background includes advising complex, multinational companies, with a focus on tax strategy, compliance, and planning. At Lutz, Neville provides tailored tax 30 Nebraska CPA
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