The partners at Lutz and Carr are committed to our firm and our clients. As the core of the Lutz and Carr team, each partner has a broad base of knowledge that enables us to provide the best possible service to our clients.
While each partner has his or her own areas of specialization, all of our partners share common knowledge in the firm’s clients and practice areas. Our partners are members of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants, and frequently participate in seminars and write for publications on current accounting and tax issues.
Our partners remain associated with clients over a long period of time and share the commitment to provide continuity, cost efficiency, and most importantly, a deep understanding of each client.
Christopher Bellando, Partner
Certified Public Accountant (New York, 1991); B.S., Brooklyn College (1987)
Prior to joining the firm in 2002, Chris was a principal at one of the nation’s 20 largest CPA firms, where he gained significant experience in the accounting and tax aspects of the real estate industry. Chris continues to provide these services to our real estate clients, as well as working with not-for-profit organizations and closely held businesses.
Martin Berkowitz, Partner Emeritus
Certified Public Accountant (New York, 1977); B.A., Yeshiva University (1972)
Martin joined Lutz and Carr upon graduating college and has been with the firm for over 40 years. He provides audit and tax services to not-for-profit organizations, privately owned businesses, and individuals. In addition to the services he provides to the firm’s clients, Martin serves as the treasurer of a number of organizations and in various volunteer positions in others.
Douglas Burack, Partner Emeritus
Certified Public Accountant (New York, 1973); B.A., City University of New York (1971)
Doug joined Lutz and Carr in 1978, after serving as a manager at Ernst & Young, and became a partner in the firm in 1980. In his “retirement”, Doug continues to provide tax, consulting, and financial advisory and auditing services to independent film and TV producers, privately owned businesses, individuals, estates and trusts.
Jennifer Coates, Partner
Certified Public Accountant (Texas, 2000); B.B.A., The University of Texas at Austin (1997)
Jenny joined Lutz and Carr in 2018. Prior to that time, she was a senior manager at a large regional accounting firm and spent time as CFO of a not-for-profit organization located in New York City. Jenny provides audit and tax services to numerous not-for-profit organizations and oversees Lutz and Carr’s employee benefit plans practice. She serves as Treasurer for a not-for-profit organization located in Long Island.
Lauren Cresci, Partner
Certified Public Accountant (New York, 1980); B.A., City University of New York (1978)
Lauren started her career in public accounting with Lutz and Carr in 1978. In addition to providing audit, tax, and consulting services to not-for-profit organizations, private foundations, privately owned businesses, and individuals, Lauren is in charge of the firm’s Quality Control Team to ensure compliance with professional standards. Lauren is also responsible for the firm’s professional development, keeping the firm and our staff current in the accounting industry’s new authoritative standards and pronouncements.
Marcia El-Baz, Partner Emeritus
Certified Public Accountant (New York, 1983); B.S. Brooklyn College (1981)
Marcia’s public accounting career began at Lutz and Carr. She works with closely held businesses, individuals and families on tax and financial planning. Marcia works with attorneys and other professionals to create and implement plans and problem solve to meet the best interests of her clients. In this global economy, she has developed expertise in international taxation with a focus on FATCA compliance, inbound transactions and expatriate returns. Marcia serves as a member of the Board of Managers of her Condominium and has provided pro bono services to various public school parents’ organizations.
Paul Finegan, Partner
Certified Public Accountant (New York, 1995); B.S., Fordham University (1992); M.S. Pace University (2004)
Prior to joining the firm, Paul was a partner at a regional accounting and advisory firm where he obtained extensive experience working with closely held businesses and individuals. Paul continues to work directly with business owners by providing accounting, auditing, review, compilation, consulting and tax services for privately owned businesses in a wide range of industries including independent film and TV producers, professional services, financial services, import and distribution, retail and real estate and also provides tax planning and compliance services to individuals.
Kevin Kelly, Partner
Certified Public Accountant (New York, 1982); B.S. SUNY Albany (1978); Certified Specialist in Estate Planning (2000)
Kevin joined Lutz and Carr in 2010. He was previously the tax partner at a regional accounting firm, and a senior tax manager at a national accounting firm. Kevin is responsible for providing tax compliance and consulting services to individuals, closely held businesses, investment partnerships, private foundations, and estates and trusts. He also works closely with clients and their attorneys in crafting and executing estate, gift, and other wealth-transfer planning strategies.
Frederick Martens, Partner
Certified Public Accountant (New York, 1996); B.A., Pace University (1993)
Fred started his career at Lutz and Carr upon graduating from college in 1993. In addition to providing audit, tax, and consulting services to not-for-profit organizations, Fred provides services to private foundations and individuals. Fred is involved in the firm’s professional development, and is responsible for educating all levels of the accounting staff on current standards and practices.
Paul Sarlo, Partner
Certified Public Accountant (New York 2012, Connecticut 2000); Licensed Attorney (Connecticut, 2004); J.D., University of Connecticut School of Law (2004); B.S., University of Connecticut (1997)
Paul joined Lutz and Carr in 2014. He was previously a tax manager at a large regional New York City firm. Over the course of his career, Paul has specialized in providing tax planning and compliance services to closely-held middle-market businesses and their owners, including international transactions and estate and gift tax matters. He also has extensive experience representing both businesses and individuals before federal and state tax authorities.
Donald Shaefitz, Partner Emeritus
Certified Public Accountant (New York, 1976); B.A., University of Pittsburgh (1970); M.B.A., New York University (1974)
Don has been a partner at Lutz and Carr since 1996 and is currently the firm’s managing partner. Previously, he was a partner at one of the nation’s 20 largest CPA firms, where his clients included some of New York City’s most prominent owners and managers of real estate. In addition to bringing that experience to the firm and expanding its real estate practice, Don provides audit and tax services to numerous not-for-profit organizations, closely held businesses and individuals.
Patrick Smith. Partner
Certified Public Accountant (New York, 1999); B.A. Ramapo College 1993
Patrick joined Lutz and Carr in 2012. He was previously a tax manager for a local New York City firm specializing in real estate. Possessing over 20 years of public accounting experience, Patrick has experience serving the tax planning and compliance needs of privately held companies as well as high-net-worth individuals. In addition, Patrick has extensive experience in real estate tax implications and international taxation.
Michael Wallace, Partner
Certified Public Accountant (New York, 2002); B.A., Pace University (1994)
Mike started his career at Lutz and Carr upon graduating from college in 1994. In addition to providing audit, tax, and consulting services to not-for-profit organizations, Mike provides individual tax preparation services. Mike is responsible for new staff member training and professional development, and is involved in educating all levels of the accounting staff on current standards and practice.
Jerry Chang, Principal
Certified Public Accountant (New York, 2006); B. B. A., Baruch College (2000)
Jerry Chang joined Lutz and Carr in 2015. Prior to joining Lutz and Carr, Jerry was a senior tax accountant for a local New York City tax attorney’s office. Jerry is specialized in income tax planning and compliance services for high-net-worth individuals as well as representing clients before the IRS and local taxing authorities. In addition, Jerry also provides consulting and tax research services to clients in various industries.
Jessica DiGiamo Diaz, Principal
Certified Public Accountant (New York, 2007); B.B.A Hofstra University (2005)
Jessica joined Lutz and Carr in 2021. She was previously an audit senior manager at a Big Four accounting firm, where she provided services exclusively to not-for-profit organizations. She also served as the CFO of a not-for-profit foundation. In addition to providing audit, review, and tax services to numerous not-for-profit organizations, Jessica is involved in the firm’s training and development activities and provides staff training on new accounting and auditing standards.
Eric Tso, Principal
B.A. Queens College, City University of New York (2005)
Eric started his accounting career at Lutz and Carr upon graduating from Queens College in 2005. Eric provides audit and consulting services to not-for-profit organizations and private foundations. Eric is actively involved in the firm’s professional development program for staff members and plays an instrumental role in the development of quality control procedures for our audit practice.
Frank Voccio, Principal
B.B.A., Pace University (2001)
Frank started his accounting career at Lutz and Carr upon graduating from Pace in 2001. He provides audit, tax and consulting services to not-for-profit organizations and private foundations, as well as tax services to individuals. Frank is involved in the firm’s professional development program for new staff members and plays an instrumental role in the development and implementation of new technology and quality control procedures for our audit practice.