Hartford Business Journal

20 HARTFORDBUSINESS.COM | APRIL 6, 2026 POWE R 50 | ACCOUNTING S ue Jackson is managing partner of KPMG LLP's Hartford office, where she leads strategy, people and client service across the region. An audit partner with more than 30 years at the firm, she has served major insurance and health care clients and holds the role of Securities and Exchange Commission reviewing partner. She joined KPMG in 1993 and was admit- ted to the partnership in 1999. Jackson is active in the Hartford community and chairs the board of Junior Achievement of D rew Andrews, CPA, has served as managing partner and CEO of Whittlesey since 2008, over- seeing the firm's strategic direction and operations. During his tenure, Whittlesey has expanded to three offices in Connecti- cut and Massachusetts and significantly increased its scale, while maintaining a focus on advisory and assurance services for nonprofit, real estate, manufacturing and closely held business clients. Over the past year, Andrews said the firm expanded its advisory capabilities in areas including cybersecurity, HR advisory and M elissa Ferrucci is office managing partner for CohnReznick's Con- necticut offices, working closely with clients and team members statewide while providing audit services and industry guidance, particularly for commercial real estate and affordable housing clients. A certified public accountant, she is a member of the firm's Connecticut Real M ichael Brooder is the managing director of CBIZ's Hartford office and serves as the firm's national technology and life sciences industry leader. He has more than 30 years of experience advising public and private companies, with a focus on technology and life sciences organizations at various stages of growth. His work includes financial reporting and compliance for publicly traded companies, including registration statements, comfort letters and SEC filings. Southwest New England. Over the past year, she cited KPMG's in- tegration of generative AI and AI agents across service lines, along with work- force upskilling, as a key milestone. Looking ahead, Jackson said rapid tech- nology transformation presents both opportunity and risk, as KPMG supports clients navigating regulatory complexity while investing in digital capabilities and responsible AI deployment. What qualities are most essential for effective leadership today? In today's environment, resilience and adaptability are essential — especially as AI continues to develop and reshape the way we work. Leaders who can embrace that change, rather than resist it, will be best positioned to succeed. I've also always believed that kindness, empathy and the ability to communicate effectively are important qualities. What do you value most about living or doing business in Connecticut? I enjoy our business community where leaders know each other and work collaboratively in areas of the economy, workforce and support the needs of the community. I see leaders of Fortune 100 companies working with small busi- nesses and local politicians to make Hartford a better place to work and live. I also value the accessibility of the city on a day-to-day basis. outsourced accounting, while deploying artificial intelligence tools for specific tasks across tax, audit and advisory practices. He said the goal has been to enhance service delivery and respond to increasingly complex client needs through a combination of technology, professional judgment and industry experience. Looking ahead, Andrews said the rapid adoption of AI and automation presents both opportunities and challenges for the accounting profession, particularly as firms navigate ongoing talent shortages. What qualities are most essential for effective leadership today? Effective leadership today requires adapt- ability, transparency and empathy. Leaders must navigate change while maintaining a clear vision and strong values. Listening, mentoring and empowering oth- ers are essential, as is making thoughtful decisions in uncertain environments. Above all, trust and authenticity are vital to build- ing strong teams and lasting organizations. What do you value most about living or doing business in Connecticut? Connecticut offers a strong balance of talent, community and access. The state's skilled workforce, proximity to major markets and civic engagement make it an excellent place to live and do business. I also value the close-knit business com- munity, where collaboration and long-term relationships drive success. Estate practice leadership team and works with government and quasi-governmental agencies. Ferrucci also serves on the CohnReznick Foundation board and holds leadership roles in industry organizations. In 2025, CohnReznick advanced its growth strategy through organic expansion and a strategic investment from funds advised by Apax Partners LLP. The firm increased investments in technology and artificial in- telligence, including hiring a global leader for strategic AI, and continued to expand client-facing data and AI services. Within her practice areas, Ferrucci cited strong growth in commercial real estate and the release of CohnReznick's 11th Affordable Housing Tax Credit Study. Looking ahead, she sees rapid advances in technology and AI as both oppor- tunities and challenges, emphasizing responsible deployment and continued focus on quality. What qualities are most essential for effective leadership today? Leaders today must bring empathy, passion, drive and a deep understanding in helping our team members succeed. We must prioritize building and sustaining a collaborative and open environment for communication and idea sharing. Additionally, balancing accountability and mentorship for team members throughout their career journey are essential qualities for effective leadership. Following CBIZ's acquisition of Marcum in November 2024 — the largest trans- action in the firm's history — much of 2025 was devoted to integrating teams and expanding industry depth. As part of that effort, CBIZ named 12 industry leaders, including Brooder, to strengthen sector-focused services nationwide. In Hartford, he led initiatives aimed at employee engagement and collabora- tion, working with team member-led focus groups to improve participation and morale. Looking ahead, Brooder sees continued national growth in the technology and life sciences sectors as a key opportu- nity, while emphasizing CBIZ's broader ability to deliver value across industries. What qualities are most essential for effective leadership today? Effective leadership requires clear and concise communication, especially when explaining the 'why' behind decisions. Adaptability, a coaching mindset and the ability to pivot quickly are essential, as is leading by example and fostering a collaborative, feedback-driven culture. Maintaining high morale is critical. Lead- ers must be actively present, approach- able and supportive, showing genuine investment in their teams and being accessible when needed. Drew Andrews CEO Whittlesey Industry: Accounting, Tax & Advisory Services No. of employees: 170 Annual revenue: $42 million Education: Bachelor's degree in business administration, Bryant University Birthplace: Hartford Melissa Ferrucci Office Managing Partner – Connecticut Offices – CohnReznick Advisory LLC CohnReznick Industry: Accounting, Tax & Advisory Services No. of employees: 4,800+ Education: Bachelor's degree in accounting, Central Connecticut State University; master's in ac- counting and taxation, University of Hartford Birthplace: Derby Michael Brooder Hartford Office Managing Director & National Technology & Life Sciences Industry Leader CBIZ Industry: Accounting, Tax & Advisory Services No. of employees: 10,000+ Annual revenue: $2.94 billion Education: Bachelor's degree in accounting, Washington & Jefferson College Birthplace: Meriden Susan Jackson Managing Partner, Hartford KPMG LLP Industry: Accounting, Tax & Advisory Services No. of employees: 200+ in Hartford; 45,310 in the U.S. Education: Bachelor's degree in accounting, Quinnipiac University Birthplace: New Haven Go-to news media outlets: Reuters, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Bloomberg, Hartford Business Journal, The Hartford Courant What is one change that would make Con- necticut more competitive economically? Reducing the cost of living would make Connecticut much more competitive, as we consistently rank among the highest states for both living and doing business expenses.

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