Meet The Team
Partners.
CPA, Managing Partner
Stephen M. Griffin
Charity: Raphael Village
Mr. Griffin is the founding member of the firm and a 1992 graduate of the University of New Orleans. He specializes in credit unions, state retirement systems, accounting, and individual and business taxation. Stephen is a member of the American Institute of CPAs and the Society of Louisiana CPAs, where he currently serves on the financial institution committee and has served as a board member for the Northshore Chapter.
CPA, Partner
Robert J. Furman
Charity: Mandeville Soccer Club
Mr. Furman has been a partner at the firm since 2001. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Alabama and has extensive experience in accounting, auditing, and tax services. Mr. Furman oversees all the firm’s opinion and audit engagements and is a member of both the American Institute of CPAs and Society of Louisiana CPAs.
CPA, Partner
Howard P. Vollenweider, Jr.
Charity: Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center
Mr. Vollenweider earned his Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of New Orleans and joined Griffin & Furman as a partner in 2023. He is a member of the American Institute of CPAs, the Society of Louisiana CPAs, and the Louisiana Society of Independent Accountants.
Partner
Jessica S. Benjamin
Charity: Mandeville Soccer Club
Mrs. Benjamin graduated from Spring Hill College in2006 with a degree in public accounting. She joined the firm after relocating to the Northshore from her hometown. As a Partner, Mrs. Benjamin primarily oversees individual and small business clients for the Tax and Accounting department.
Partner
Racheal D. Alvey
Charity: Ascension Flight Soccer Club
Mrs. Alvey graduated from Southeastern Louisiana University and began her career in banking before joining Griffin & Furman. As partner, she oversees monthly and quarterly services for credit unions, including Call Report preparation, accrual postings, and fixed asset management.
.jpg)
CPA, Partner
Michael J. Caparotta
Charity: Athlos Academy of Jefferson Parish
A lifelong resident of Metairie, Mr. Caparotta graduated from the University of New Orleans in 1989 with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. With over 27 years of experience in public accounting, he has worked at several respected local CPA firms, building a strong foundation in diversified auditing. His expertise includes governmental and nonprofit audits, as well as audits of employee benefit plans. Mr. Caparotta is an active member of the American Institute of CPAs and the Society of Louisiana CPAs He also currently serves on the board of Athlos Academy of Jefferson Parish.
Directors.
.png)
CPA, Director of Baton Rouge Services
Michael R. Choate
Charity: Louisiana Society of CPAs
Mr. Choate earned his Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Master of Business Administration from Louisiana State University. A CPA since 1981, he was named one of Baton Rouge’s “40 Under 40” by the Business Report. He is a member of the Louisiana Society of CPAs, the American Institute of CPAs, and several local professional organizations.
Chief Operating Officer
Sydney M. Griffin
Charity: Northshore Humane Society
Ms. Griffin holds a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature and a minor in Creative Writing from the University of Alabama. As Chief Operating Officer, she oversees firm operations with a focus on financial management, process improvement, and strategic growth. A certified QuickBooks User and Karbon Expert, Sydney supports both clients and the internal team by streamlining systems, strengthening operations, and leading marketing initiatives that align with the firm's long-term vision.
Managers.
Manager of Tax & Accounting
David Carmichael
Charity: Companion Animal Alliance
Mr. Carmichael holds a Bachelor of Science in Commerce and Business Administration from the University of Alabama and a Master of Taxation from the University of Mississippi. He brings over 25 years of experience in public accounting and tax, with a strong focus on the construction, retail, and medical practice industries. His background also includes international tax, giving him a broad perspective in navigating complex financial and regulatory environments.
Manager of Credit Union Compliance
Angela M. Warden
Charity: Valerie's House
Ms. Warden graduated from Florida Gulf Coast University in 2014 and began her career in the credit union industry before transitioning to auditing. She oversees the audit team’s workflow, ensures compliance with audit standards, and provides guidance and support to the audit staff. Angela’s leadership and industry experience help maintain the firm’s high standards of quality and client service.
Executive Assistant to the Managing Partner
Bella M. Hall
Charity: Hope House
Mrs. Hall holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance from the University of Tampa and has experience as a Data Analyst in both the financial technology and nonprofit sector. She focuses on leveraging data to develop marketing strategies that expand the firm’s reach and support business growth.
Audit.
Senior Auditor
Blake C. Scott
Charity: Lighthouse Louisiana
Mr. Scott holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting with a specialization in Internal Auditing from Louisiana State University and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. As a Senior Auditor, he leads audit engagements, mentors junior staff, and prepares and review financial statements for clients.
Senior Auditor
Griffin A. Hakenjos
Charity: JDRF
Mr. Hakenjos earned his Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Southeastern Louisiana University and his Master of Business Administration at Louisiana State University at Shreveport. As a Senior Auditor, he leads engagements for credit unions, local governments, and nonprofit organizations. He ensures audits are completed on time, within budget, and in compliance with regulations. He also mentors junior staff, reviews financial statements, and provides clients with valuable insights.
Senior Auditor
Noah S. Griffin
Charity: Special Olympics, LA
Mr. Griffin graduated from Loyola University New Orleans with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance, earning the Dean’s College of Business Award. As a Senior Auditor, he leads compliance audits, conducts risk assessments, and evaluates internal controls for clients.
Senior Auditor
Andrew J. Barré
Charity: Special Olympics, LA
Mr. Barré graduated from Southeastern Louisiana University with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Finance. As a Senior Auditor, he leads attest engagements, manages client relationships, and ensures compliance with audit standards.
Staff Auditor
Rudyard Barrera-Padron
Charity: Woman's Hospital
Mr. Barrera-Padron earned his Bachelor of Education and Economics from Hector A. Pineda Zaldivar University and his Master of Business Administration from Southeastern Louisiana University. As a Staff Auditor, he conducts audits and reviews to ensure accuracy, compliance, and effective internal controls.
Staff Auditor
Trevor C. Schott
Charity: Special Olympics, LA
Mr. Schott holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Louisiana State University. He has experience in both public accounting and entrepreneurship and serves as a Staff Auditor, supporting audit engagements and client service initiatives.
Staff Auditor
Justin E. Boudreaux
Charity: Louisiana State University Color Guard
Mr. Boudreaux earned his Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Louisiana State University and is pursuing a Master of Business Administration at Louisiana State University Shreveport. As a Staff Auditor, he assists with audit engagements and client services.
Staff Auditor
Danielle Lorance
Charity: Youth Service Bureau
Mrs. Lorance holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of New Orleans and brings more than seven years of experience from the Federal Reserve Bank. During her tenure, she supported various departments and played a key role in budgeting, operational audits, compliance, procurement, legal support, process improvement, and strategic initiatives.
Tax & Accounting.
Tax & Accounting, Supervisor
Amanda D. Boles
Charity: Northshore Humane Society
Mrs. Boles is a Tax Supervisor with over 20 years of experience in public accounting and taxation. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Finance from the University of New Orleans and is responsible for preparing and reviewing corporate, partnership, trust, and individual tax returns with an emphasis on accuracy and compliance.
Tax & Accounting, Supervisor
Linda L. Clement
Charity: Susan G. Komen for the Cure
Mrs. Clement joined our firm in December 2023 as a Tax and Accounting Senior, bringing over 30 years of experience in public accounting. She specializes in tax, accounting, and auditing across a range of industries, including construction, retail, nonprofits, and government entities.
Tax & Accounting
Chandler E. Hendrick
Charity: Companion Animal Alliance
Ms. Hendrick began her career at the firm as an intern in 2018 while earning her Bachelor of Science in Accounting and a minor in Internal Auditing from Louisiana State University. She later completed her Master of Accountancy and now prepares and reviews tax returns and manages payroll services for clients.
Tax & Accounting
Bridgett A. White
Charity: Northshore Food Bank
Ms. White earned her Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from the University of Phoenix. She supports clients by processing payroll and sales tax, managing payroll tax filings, and reviewing bookkeeping records for accuracy and completeness.
Tax & Accounting
Hailee R. Fernandez
Charity: Northshore Humane Society
Ms. Fernandez graduated from Southeastern Louisiana University with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. She serves on the Tax and Accounting team, assisting clients with tax returns, bookkeeping, and payroll processing.
.jpg)
Tax & Accounting
Celeste N. Townsend
Charity: St. Catherine's Hospice
Ms. Townsend holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Southeastern Louisiana University and a Master of Accounting from Louisiana State University. She supports clients with tax preparation, bookkeeping, sales tax compliance, and payroll processing.
Tax & Accounting
Megan Reitzell
Charity: Northeast Louisiana Food Bank
Ms. Reitzell earned her Bachelor of Arts in Accounting from Louisiana Tech University in December 2022. Shortly after graduation, she began her professional career as an accountant. Since then, she has applied her education and growing expertise to support clients with accuracy, professionalism, and dedication.
Administrative.
Administrative &
Accounts Payable Associate
Leah G. Sacco
Charity: ASPCA
Mrs. Sacco supports daily office operations and ensures an efficient workflow. Her responsibilities include managing administrative tasks, coordinating communications, and assisting with scheduling and document organization.
Administrative &
Accounts Receivable Associate
Lizbeth A. Ruiz
Charity: River City Cats
Ms. Ruiz attended Polk State College and has professional experience as an Inventory and Collection Specialist. She manages daily office operations, ensuring an organized and efficient workflow, handling payment processing and receivables. Liz is a Karbon Expert whose keen attention to detail helps support both the administrative team and the firm’s financial processes.
Administrative Assistant
Kimberly A. Vollenweider
Charity: Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center
Mrs. Vollenweider graduated from Southeastern Louisiana University with a degree in Fashion Merchandise and Marketing. With over 20 years of experience in tax, accounting, client service, and office administration, she supports the firm in maintaining efficient and professional daily operations.
