John D'Amico, a Partner with Marks Paneth LLP, has over 25 years of experience in providing audit, accounting, and consulting services to not-for-profit organizations and governmental agencies. Prior to joining Marks Paneth John worked at a Big 4 firm and other regional accounting firms. His areas of expertise include Single Audits under Uniform Guidance, government auditing standards, cost allocations, and internal controls. John has audited a significant number of not-for-profit clients including higher education, social service agencies, religious organizations, professional organizations, and foundations. The majority of these organizations were government-funded agencies. Some of his clients that he has serviced are Fordham University, Wagner College, NYU Medical School, Cornel University, Wildlife Conservation Society (The Bronx Zoo), Heartshare Human Services, American Arbitration Association, and American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). Also the City of New York and the New York City Board of Education. John has authored articles and conducted workshops and numerous seminars on not-for-profit topics including OMB A-133 requirements. John received a Bachelor of Business Administration degree and a Master of Science degree in Accounting from Pace University. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants. He is licensed to practice in the state of New York.

Nina Bahazhevska, CPA is a partner and the lead of Quality Control at NCheng LLP. With over 20 years exclusively dedicated to serving a diverse array of NFP organizations—from social services and cultural institutions to educational entities and religious organizations—Nina has carved out a niche as a leading expert in audit quality and regulatory compliance. Educated at the Zicklin School of Business, Baruch College, Nina is a member of the NYSSCPA’s Not-for-Profit Organizations Committee and chairs their Not-For-Profit Industry Conference. She has written for the CPA Journal and AICPA publications and has spoken at various webinars and events, such as the FAE Annual Nonprofit Conference, focusing on Uniform Guidance and Single Audits. As of 10/1/2024

Amy West is currently the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of AHRC New York City (“AHRC”). AHRC is an organization that provides critical services to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. In her role Amy oversees the wide array of financial and administrative functions, strategic financial initiatives, real property and special projects that enable AHRC to fulfill its mission. Amy has direct responsibility for AHRC's operating budget of over $300 Million and manages a staff of ninety.   Prior to joining AHRC, Amy served for eight years as the Director of Finance of the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation. Amy also held the position of Vice President of Finance and Budget at the United States Fund for UNICEF and worked as an auditor for Ernst & Young LLP specializing in the healthcare and not-for-profit industries. She began her career as the Coordinator of Fiscal Operations for the New York Public Library. Amy graduated Summa Cum Laude from Hunter College with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting. She is the Chair of the AICPA’s Not-For-Profit Industry Conference and serves on the AICPA’s Not-For-Profit Advisory Council. As of 10/1/2024

Alexander Buchholz has amassed more than 15 years of experience in public accounting, including with a Big Four accounting firm. He is also the Practice Leader of the Firm’s Cemetery Division. Alex is responsible for the development of the audit approach as well as the supervision of staff. Additionally, he is responsible for managing the audit so that it is performed on a timely basis with as little intrusion to client operations as possible. Alex’s expertise is in Single Audits and internal control/compliance audits. His industry experience is in healthcare and Not-for-Profit entities, including skilled nursing facilities, social service agencies, charter schools, diagnostic and treatment centers, homecare service entities, adult homes, and other long-term care facilities as well as special-needs entities and cemeteries. Alex also serves as a peer reviewer. Alex is also an adjunct professor at Brooklyn College and Lehman College of the City University of New York in the Department of Accounting, where he teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in accounting and auditing. He conducts internal training seminars for the Firm and frequently speaks to outside organizations and associations. Alex is also a former member of the Firm’s continuing professional education (CPE) committee, with special emphasis on Single Audit training. He also writes various articles on accounting and auditing topics for a variety of professional publications. He has professional affiliations and civic involvement in the following: American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants (NYSSCPA), Academic Advancement of Higher Education (Former Chair), Health Care Committee (Former Member and Chair), Not-for-Profit Committee (Former Member), Foundation for Accounting Education (Former Member), National Conference of CPA Practitioners, New York State Association of Cemeteries, New Jersey Society of Certified Public Accountants (NJCPA), Nonprofit Interest Group, Greater Washington Society of CPAs Nonprofit Interest Group, Metropolitan Cemetery Association, New Jersey Cemetery Association, American Academy McAllister Institute of Funeral Service (Board Member and Chair), St. Mary’s Healthcare System for Children (Board Member), and New York State Board of Public Health Accountancy (Board Member). His education includes Baruch College Master of Business Administration degree in Finance & Investments, and Brooklyn College Bachelor of Science degree magna cum laude in Accounting.