CPAs Gretchen Kalk-Castro and Kylee Fraze Norman are the newest partners at Northwest Indiana-based CLH, CPAs & Consultants.
Between the two, they have 30 years of experience at the accounting firm.
“Our two new partners, Gretchen and Kylee, represent a new generation in accounting leadership that we’re very excited to support,” said Bob Lange, CPA and managing partner at CLH, in a press release. “We’re so proud of both of them, and we know they’ll serve as great ambassadors for accounting as our firm works to train and develop emerging talent.”
CPA Tony Gillisse, who is a partner at CLH, agreed.
“That’s a major focus for CLH,” he said. “We’re not just seeking to build a talent pipeline for our own firm’s growth. We’re looking to take our entire industry to the next level by showing people how much opportunity exists in accounting careers.”
Kalk-Castro, who has been with the company for 23 years, started off as an intern.
“We’re not your traditional, stereotypical accountants,” Kalk-Castro laughed. “We’re not holed up in our offices, isolated from the outside world. We love the vibrant company culture that’s developed over the years. I’m proud to have had a hand in helping CLH shift from a more conventional business environment to one that’s more modern, comfortable, and one that is active in the community.”
Fraze Norman, who joined CLH in 2015, said the firm “empowers women professionals not just within the CLH offices, but in the greater accounting industry in our Region.”
She is excited to build on the company's foundation established during its first 31 years.
Both new partners said they are determined to show that a career in accounting is “more than than spreadsheets and numbers,” but a commitment to the communities they serve.
“I think a lot of people continue to believe that accounting is a ‘stuffy’ job,” Fraze Norman said. “But it’s more about problem solving, demonstrating competence and leadership through your technical skills, and helping business owners to improve their own companies.”
She said community building is a priority too.
“We also have incredible opportunity to build into the surrounding community by serving with nonprofit organizations and putting our professional skills to use there,” she said.
Kalk-Castro agreed that CLH doesn't have a stereotypical office.
“We’re definitely not a dull crew at CLH,” she said. “CLH has fostered a more forward-thinking perspective on careers in accounting, and I’m excited to show our younger staff how this industry can offer them an enriching future. There’s so much more to the career than just crunching numbers.”
CLH, CPAs & Consultants is a full-service certified public accounting firm with offices in La Porte, Michigan City and Valparaiso.
