Coastal business professionals receive recognition

FedPoint CIO Michael Crones Elected to National Defense Industrial Association New England Board

PORTSMOUTH — FedPoint, a federal and military benefits administrator and marketplace operator, announces that Michael Crones, the company’s chief information officer, has been elected to the board of directors of the New England chapter of the National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA).

NDIA is the leading U.S. defense industry association promoting national security. Its mission—and the mission of its affiliates—is to engage leaders in the U.S. military, government, industry, and academia to promote and advocate for best policies, practices, products, and technologies for warfighters and others who keep the U.S. and its citizens safe. NDIA provides annual education and events for Department of Defense (DoD) contractors, focused on ensuring that current cybersecurity and compliance best practices are passed down to all stakeholders in the military supply chain on an ongoing basis.

“We strongly support Michael’s appointment to the NDIA New England board,” said FedPoint CEO Kevin Hill. “This is a win-win situation. As a federal contractor serving the military and federal civilian markets, we benefit from the resources and information on cybersecurity best practices that NDIA provides. Similarly, we have no doubt that NDIA will benefit from the impressive knowledge and practical experience Michael brings. When the public and private sectors come together to support a common goal—in this case, cybersecurity—the results are powerful.”

Crones said he has been a member of NDIA New England for 10 years and was honored to be invited to join the board to continue supporting the organization’s mission of promoting a strong and diverse security ecosystem in New England.

“Given the ever-increasing role that data and technology play in defending our nation, helping contractors in the military ecosystem maintain a strong, secure cybersecurity posture to protect our nation from evolving threats has never been more important,” said Crones. “NDIA provides an ideal platform for leaders from the public and private sectors to come together to support our nation’s security and defense needs.”

Crones noted that in support of NDIA New England’s mission, the organization is hosting its 8th^t annual cybersecurity event on Tuesday, September 10, titled “Secure Horizons: Navigating Threats in an Era of AI and Government Enforcement.” The event will be held at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Massachusetts, and will bring together speakers from the U.S. government and industry thought leaders to present and discuss topics ranging from threats from China and AI to cybersecurity maturity model certification and compliance.

Andres Mejia Named Racial Unity Team Board Member

STRATHAM — Racial Unity Team (RŪT, pronounced root) announced the appointment of Andrés Mejía to its board of directors. Mejía, who is director of organizational learning and talent development at the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation, will serve as board member for Kathleen Blake, who stepped down due to other commitments.

The New Hampshire native was unanimously accepted by the RŪT Board of Directors. “I am thrilled to welcome Andrés as our newest board member,” said Board Chairman Ken Mendis. “He is no stranger to New Hampshire and understands the needs of Granite State residents.”

Mejias served as the first director of diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice for New Hampshire School Administrative Unit 16, which consists of seven school districts. Prior to assuming the SAU 16 position, he spent 13 years leading equity, diversity, inclusion, and social justice initiatives in New Hampshire and Massachusetts.

“The addition of Andrés to the board embodies the spirit of community and adds new talent with deep community knowledge and a passion for diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice. RŪT is very fortunate to have him join our team as a board member as we continue to expand our community outreach programs to the school, the Art and Poetry Challenge, Bookshelf Diversity, and Arts In Action, for which we received the 2023 Governor’s Award for Arts Education,” said Mendis.

In fulfilling RŪT’s mission and vision, Mejia will be instrumental in helping to grow and expand the impact RŪT will have in hard-to-reach communities to make a difference that will ensure a future in which Granite State residents fully embrace, respect, and encourage racial diversity and unity so that New Hampshire nurtures a true sense of belonging for all who live, work, and visit here. To learn more about the work of the Racial Unity Team or to volunteer, visit their website at www.racialunityteam.com.

Leone, McDonnell & Roberts Announces Promotions

SEACOAST — Leone, McDonnell & Roberts, Professional Association, a leading accounting and auditing firm with offices throughout New Hampshire, announces the promotions of Angela Zakon, accountant, to manager and Zane Angelopoulos, Sydney Carlisle, Hannah Cloutier, accountant, and Matthew Creamer to senior staff positions.

Angela Zakon, CPA joined the firm in 2008 and is based in the North Conway office, specializing in tax and auditing services. She earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Case Western Reserve University, where she completed with distinction in 1992. Before joining Leone, McDonnell & Roberts, Angela worked for one of the “Big Four” firms, where she gained valuable experience and developed a passion for teaching and training.

A resident of Center Conway, Angela enjoys spending time with her family, as well as gardening, hiking, and skiing. She serves the community as treasurer for two local nonprofits, White Mountain Community Health Center and Assistance Canine Training Services (ACTS).

Zane AngelopoulosSomersworth resident, joined the firm in 2022 and works in the Dover office on tax and audit assignments. He completed his Bachelor of Science in Accounting (2022) and just a few months later earned his Master of Science (2022) from New England College. There, Zane received the NEC Scholar Athlete Award, the NEC Management Division Award, and graduated with a 4.0 grade point average. He enjoys spending time with his family, playing golf, hockey, and skiing.

Sydney Carlisle started in July 2021 after completing an intensive internship with the company. She is based in the Lakes Region and works in the North Conway office. She graduated with distinction from the University of New Hampshire, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with minors in Accounting and Entrepreneurship. She works on a variety of tax and audit assignments and enjoys problem-solving and helping clients achieve their goals. Outside of the office, Sydney enjoys spending time with family and friends and can be found at the beach, skiing, or hiking throughout New England.

Hannah Cloutier, Chartered Accountant I also graduated with distinction from the University of New Hampshire in 2022, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting and Finance. In 2022, she began her career at Leone, McDonnell & Roberts in Dover, after completing an internship and gaining valuable hands-on experience. Hannah is a resident of Stratham and enjoys spending time with her family and dogs, as well as hiking and playing golf.

Matthew Creamer joined Leone, McDonnell & Roberts in 2023 and specializes in auditing and auditing services. Prior to joining Dover, he gained valuable accounting experience through internships and a full-time position with a large accounting firm, where he specialized in working with nonprofits and employee benefit plans. He earned a bachelor’s degree in 2021 from the University of New Hampshire and then a master’s degree in accounting in 2022. Matthew, an Epping resident, enjoys spending time with his family, playing guitar, snowboarding, and visiting the Lakes Region.

“We are pleased to recognize Angela, Zane, Sydney, Hannah and Matthew for their well-deserved promotions,” said Managing Partner Evan Stowell. “Their outstanding track record, leadership and commitment to our clients, and their technical expertise make our firm better. We congratulate them and look forward to their continued growth and development within the firm.”