July/August 2007

Shannon T. Rusnak, CPA, CFE and a partner in Matson, Driscoll & Damico’s Houston, Texas office and Richard J. Yochem, CPA and a senior manager in the firm’s Orlando, Florida office, have both successfully completed the certification process with the National Association of Certified Valuation Analysts (NACVA) to earn their designation of Certified Forensic Financial Analyst (CFFA).

In the litigation arena, forensic accountants are often called in to provide their expertise on situations involving business disruption, dissenting shareholder actions, divorce and partner disputes.  Forensic accounting services are also commonly used in conjunction with the purchase or sale of a business, succession planning, buy/sell agreements, charitable contributions, estate and gift taxes and initial public offerings.

John A. Damico, Managing Partner for MD&D, says, “In keeping with our commitment to provide standout litigation consulting services to all of our clients, MD&D has always encouraged our forensic accounting professionals to work towards credentials such as the CFFA and others offered by NACVA. We are very proud of Shannon and Rick’s achievement.”

In addition to demonstrating proof of substantial experience providing litigation consulting, CFFA applicants must also complete one to two weeks of intensive training offered by NACVA’s Forensic Institute and pass a comprehensive examination.  Other requirements to earn the CFFA designation include holding one of NACVA’s three business valuation credentials: Certified Valuation Analyst; Accredited Valuation Analyst or Government Valuation Analyst, or a comparable credential such as a CPA or Master’s degree in economics, accounting, finance or business administration.

To maintain their CFFA credentials, Shannon and Rick will need to periodically obtain continuing professional education in areas related to Business Valuation and/or Litigation Consulting and participate in programs sponsored by NACVA that promote quality and adherence to industry standards.

The National Association of Certified Valuation Analysts is a global, professional association that supports Business Valuation and Litigation Consulting disciplines within the legal, CPA and professional communities.

MD&D is a forensic and investigative accounting firm specializing in insurance loss accounting and litigation services.  The firm currently has 30 offices internationally.  For more information about its capabilities, please visit MD&D’s website at www.mdd.net.

You may contact Shannon and Rick directly at the numbers and email addresses provided below.

Shannon T. Rusnak – Houston, TX
713-621-3010
srusnak@mdd.net

Richard J. Yochem – Orlando, FL
407-531-1050
ryochem@mdd.net