Austin, TX – Carr, Riggs & Ingram (CRI), a top 25* nationally ranked accounting and advisory firm, announced today the appointment of Steve Kangas, CPA, as Partner-in-Charge of its Austin office. Kangas, who was recently named to the Forbes 2025 Best-in-State CPAs list for Texas, will lead the firm’s expanded Central Texas operations following CRI’s December 2025 combination with Austin-based DK Partners, PC.

Kangas brings 28 years of public accounting experience to his new leadership role. He joined DK Partners in 2007 and became a partner in 2011, ultimately serving as Managing Partner before the firm’s combination with CRI. His career began at PricewaterhouseCoopers, where he rose to the level of Experienced Audit Manager. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Tennessee and a Master of Accountancy from the University of Memphis.

Kangas specializes in audit, attestation, and advisory services for clients across multiple sectors, including financial institutions, government and public sector entities, nonprofits, agribusiness, and government contracting. His service offerings include agreed-upon procedures, compilations, financial statement preparation, governance and risk assessments, internal audits, internal controls, litigation support, and reviews.

The leadership appointment follows CRI’s strategic combination with DK Partners, announced in December 2025. Founded in 1984, DK Partners built a strong reputation across Central Texas for deep client relationships and personalized service. The combination marked CRI’s continued investment in high-growth Texas markets, adding four partners and approximately 30 professionals to the firm’s Austin presence.

For more information about Steve Kangas and CRI, please visit criadv.com.

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Brownsville, TX – Carr, Riggs & Ingram (CRI) recently named Esmeralda Yniguez of McAllen as the new partner-in-charge of their Rio Grande Valley area practices, a market that comprises locations in Brownsville, Harlingen, and McAllen. Esmeralda succeeds Jeannette Smith as the partner-in-charge of this market.

“Esmeralda brings a unique combination of technical excellence and cultural understanding that perfectly positions her to lead our Rio Grande Valley practice,” commented CRI Rio Grande Valley’s outgoing partner-in-charge, Jeannette Smith. “Her bilingual capabilities and diverse experience serving governmental entities, nonprofits, and businesses enable her to connect with clients in meaningful ways. Esmeralda’s collaborative leadership style makes her the ideal choice to guide our team forward.”

As a partner with Carr, Riggs & Ingram, L.L.C. and CRI Advisors, LLC, Esmeralda has served clients across the Rio Grande Valley for more than 13 years. Proudly bilingual in Spanish and English, she works with governmental entities, nonprofit organizations, and small-to-medium-sized businesses in the manufacturing and distribution sectors, providing financial audits, single audits, agreed-upon procedures, reviews, and business consulting.

Before transitioning to public accounting, Yniguez built a strong foundation with over a decade in the manufacturing industry, holding leadership positions in human resources, inventory control, procurement, and logistics. This diverse background enables her to provide clients with practical, tailored recommendations for strengthening internal

controls and addressing business challenges. She holds her CPA credential and has earned a Bachelor’s degree in Accountancy, a Bachelor’s degree in International Business Management, and an MBA in Business Administration from the University of Texas-Pan American. To learn more about Esmeralda and CRI, please visit criadv.com.

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Tulsa, OK – Carr, Riggs & Ingram (CRI) recently appointed Justin Moore as the new partner-in-charge of its Tulsa, Oklahoma, location. This transition took effect on January 1, 2026.

Leadership Transition

“Justin brings nearly 30 years of tax planning and business valuation expertise to this leadership role,” said Ray Roberts, CRI’s Western Regional President. “His experience with closely held businesses in construction, manufacturing, and healthcare has earned him a reputation for solving complex problems and maintaining strong client relationships. Justin’s client-focused approach and deep understanding of business succession and valuation make him an excellent choice to lead our Tulsa practice.”

Justin’s appointment comes at a pivotal moment for both the accounting profession and the Tulsa business community. Nationally, privately held businesses are experiencing an unprecedented wave of ownership transitions as baby boomer entrepreneurs approach retirement, driving a surge in demand for business valuation and succession planning expertise. Locally, Tulsa’s economic diversification—with billions in new investment flowing into the aerospace, advanced manufacturing, and technology sectors—is creating opportunities for strategic tax planning and business advisory services. Justin’s nearly three decades of experience in business valuation and tax strategy for closely held businesses position him to guide clients through these complex transitions, from ESOP formations to ownership succession, at a time when such expertise has never been more critical to the region’s continued economic growth.

Professional Background

Justin is a partner and Certified Public Accountant at CRI Advisors, LLC†, with nearly 30 years of experience in public accounting. He provides tax preparation, consulting, and tax planning services to closely held businesses and individuals, serving clients across various industries, including construction, manufacturing, distribution, and physician practices. Justin earned his bachelor’s degree in accounting from Oklahoma State University and his master’s degree in taxation from the University of Tulsa.

For more information about Justin Moore and CRI, please visit criadv.com.

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Greenville, NC – Carr, Riggs & Ingram (CRI), a Top 25* nationally ranked accounting and advisory firm, today announced the merger of Greenville-based Cayton & Associates with the firm, effective January 6, 2026.

The merger adds 12 professionals to CRI’s team, strengthening the firm’s presence across Eastern North Carolina. It marks CRI’s seventh acquisition since securing strategic investment from Centerbridge Partners and Bessemer Venture Partners in late 2024.

Founded in 2001, Cayton & Associates is a well-established firm serving businesses and individuals throughout Eastern North Carolina. The firm specializes in tax preparation and planning, outsourced business accounting, compilations, and reviews, and has built strong relationships in the real estate, construction, and development areas. The team will continue serving clients from their current Greenville office under the CRI brand.

“Cayton & Associates exemplifies the type of firm we want to partner with—client-focused, results-driven, and aligned with our values. This merger allows us to invest further in the Greenville market while preserving the relationships and local insight clients depend on,” said CRI Chairman Bill Carr.

“We’re excited to join forces with CRI and provide our clients access to deeper resources while continuing the personalized service they expect from us,” said Angela Cayton, Managing Partner of Cayton & Associates. “This partnership positions us to better serve the evolving needs of businesses across Eastern North Carolina.”

Cayton & Associates clients will continue working with the same professionals they know and trust, now supported by CRI’s broader platform. Through the merger, clients gain access to CRI’s expanded advisory capabilities, industry-focused teams, and specialized portfolio companies, which span investment banking, wealth management, data analytics, and business consulting services.

Since its strategic investment partnership in late 2024, CRI has continued to expand its presence in more than 40 markets nationwide. The firm’s growth strategy emphasizes cultural alignment, client retention, and long-term investment in local communities. To learn more about CRI, please explore criadv.com.

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“Jose’s unique background, combining Big Four experience with a master’s degree in finance, gives him an entrepreneurial perspective that resonates with our diverse client base,” commented CRI Eastern Regional President Kelly Bollinger. “Jose’s commitment to exemplary service and his deep understanding of tax strategies for international businesses make him an ideal leader for our Miami practice.”

As a partner with CRI Advisors, LLC^†, Jose brings more than 20 years of experience in accounting and taxation. He specializes in international and domestic tax matters for corporations, partnerships, and individuals, with a particular expertise in the complex interplay between U.S. and Puerto Rico taxation. His in-depth knowledge of tax holidays, exemptions, and cross-border tax strategies makes him a trusted advisor to clients in industries such as commercial real estate and hospitality.

Before joining CRI in 2019, Jose built his expertise at other recognized leading firms, including BDO USA and PwC, where he honed his skills in international tax planning and compliance. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a concentration in accounting from Sacred Heart University in Puerto Rico and later completed a Master of Science in Finance degree from the University of Miami, focusing on investments and private equity. This unique combination of tax expertise and financial acumen allows him to bring an entrepreneurial perspective to client engagements. Jose holds his CPA credential and is bilingual in Spanish and English. He is a member of both the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants (FICPA).

To learn more about Jose and CRI, please visit criadv.com.

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Shreveport, LA – Carr, Riggs & Ingram recently named Michael Gould as the partner-in-charge of their Shreveport practice. This transition took effect on January 1, 2026. Michael succeeds Tom Simms as the partner-in-charge of CRI’s Shreveport location, who has served in this role since 2012.

Tom Simms, outgoing CRI Shreveport partner-in-charge, stated: “Michael Gould exemplifies everything we value at CRI – technical excellence, client commitment, and community engagement. Over his 22 years with the firm, he has built exceptional relationships across multiple sectors while maintaining deep involvement in Northwest Louisiana through his board leadership roles. Michael’s combination of expertise and collaborative approach makes him the ideal leader for our Shreveport office. I’m confident our team will continue to thrive under his guidance.”

Michael is a partner with Carr, Riggs & Ingram, L.L.C.* and CRI Advisors, LLC†, bringing more than 22 years of experience serving nonprofit organizations, local governments, healthcare entities, and construction companies throughout Northern Louisiana and Texas. He specializes in audit, review, and compilation services, as well as Medicare and Medicaid cost reporting and employee benefit plan audits. Gould holds the CPA, CITP (Certified Information Technology Professional), and CGMA (Chartered Global Management Accountant) credentials. He earned his bachelor’s degree in accounting from Louisiana State University – Shreveport.

Active in professional and civic leadership, Gould is a member of the AICPA and Society of Louisiana Certified Public Accountants, and served as past president of the Shreveport Chapter of LCPA. He serves on the boards of several community organizations, including the Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse of Northwest Louisiana, The Arc Caddo-Bossier, and the LSUS Alumni Association. Gould was recognized as a Greater Shreveport Chamber 40 Under Forty honoree in 2020.

For more information about Michael Gould and CRI, please visit CRIadv.com.

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Austin, TX – Nationally-ranked accounting and advisory firm Carr, Riggs & Ingram continues its strategic expansion into key growth markets with the addition of DK Partners, PC, an Austin-based accounting and advisory firm that has served businesses and individuals throughout Texas for more than 40 years.

Founded in 1984, DK Partners has established a strong reputation across Central Texas for its deep client relationships, personalized service capabilities, and trusted expertise in audit, consulting, tax and advisory services, particularly in the government, nonprofit, banking, and privately held business sectors. Clients of DK Partners will continue to work with their familiar team in Austin, now under the CRI brand, ensuring continuity of service. Meanwhile, they will gain access to CRI’s national platform of specialized services and resources—supporting every stage of growth and complexity.

CRI is one of the country’s fastest-growing and most innovative accounting and advisory firms, operating in more than 40 markets across the U.S. In addition to offering comprehensive accounting services such as accounting and auditing, tax, advisory, and outsourced accounting, the firm operates nine portfolio companies—Auditwerx (SOC reporting and IT audits), CRI Advanced Analytics (data analytics), CRI M&A Advisors (investment banking), CRI Simple Numbers (business consulting), CRI TPA Services (retirement plan administration), Level Four Advisory Services (wealth management), Paywerx (payroll management), ProSport Accountants (professional athlete tax services), and The Preferred Legacy Trust Company (trusts and estates).

CRI has financial tools and accounting resources available at CRIadv.com.

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Florence, AL — Top 25* nationally ranked accounting and advisory firm Carr, Riggs & Ingram (CRI) continues its expansion across the Southeast with the addition of Florence, Alabama-based firm, Abroms & Associates, P.C. The merger strengthens CRI’s position in northern Alabama, highlighting its continued investment in key markets across the region after its strategic partnership with Centerbridge Partners and Bessemer Venture Partners in late 2024.

“Abroms & Associates has long been recognized for its dedication to clients and its deep roots in the Shoals community,” said Bill Carr, CRI chairman. “Their focus on excellence and genuine client care aligns perfectly with CRI’s culture and values. This merger not only strengthens our footprint in northern Alabama but also reflects our ongoing commitment to investing in talented teams and expanding into growing markets. We look forward to building a shared legacy of client service while expanding the depth of resources and expertise available to clients.”

“For decades, our firm has been proud to serve Florence and the greater Shoals community with the personal attention and trusted guidance our clients have come to expect,” commented Marty Abroms, President and Managing Shareholder of Abroms & Associates. “Joining CRI allows us to honor that legacy while expanding the depth of resources and expertise available to our clients. Together, we’ll continue building on the strong relationships that define our community—now with the added reach and capabilities of a nationally recognized firm.”

Founded in 1981, Abroms & Associates has established a reputation for integrity, accuracy, and client-first service across various industries, including real estate, manufacturing and distribution, and nonprofits. The firm’s professionals will continue to serve clients from their Florence location under the CRI name.

CRI’s expansion into Florence builds upon its substantial presence in Alabama and marks another step in the firm’s long-term strategy to pair local relationships with national-scale resources. With more than 2,500 professionals in 40 markets across the United States, CRI delivers a full range of audit, accounting, tax, and advisory services designed to help clients achieve their goals with confidence and clarity.

CRI has financial tools and accounting resources at CRIadv.com.

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San Antonio, TX —Top 25* nationally ranked accounting and advisory firm Carr Riggs & Ingram announces expansion into the San Antonio, Texas market with the addition of Williams Steinert Mask CPAs (WSM). This latest merger for CRI and its foray into a new market demonstrates the firm’s intentional growth approach after entering into a strategic partnership with Centerbridge Partners and Bessemer Venture Partners in November 2024.

As a third-generation family-owned accounting and advisory practice, WSM has served the greater San Antonio area for over sixty years. The firm primarily provides tax, attest, outsourced accounting, and consulting services to real estate, construction, nonprofit organizations, and other businesses and individuals. The addition of WSM will bring a location in San Antonio and one in Bulverde, Texas, along with three partners, Chris Williams, Tonya Steinert, and Kirk Mask, and their professional staff to CRI.

“Williams Steinert Mask has built a strong legacy of client service in San Antonio, and we are excited to continue that journey together,” commented Bill Carr, CRI Chairman. “Expanding our presence in Texas has long been a cornerstone of CRI’s growth strategy, and this merger establishes us in one of the state’s most dynamic markets and enhances our ability to broaden our reach and deliver greater resources to clients across Texas and beyond.”

CRI is one of the country’s fastest-growing and most innovative accounting and advisory firms, now operating in 38 markets across 12 states, following the merger of WSM. In addition to offering comprehensive accounting services such as accounting and auditing*, tax, advisory, and outsourced accounting, the firm operates nine portfolio companies—Auditwerx* (SOC reporting and IT audits), CRI Advanced Analytics (data analytics), CRI M&A Advisors (investment banking), CRI Simple Numbers (business consulting), CRI TPA Services (retirement plan administration), Level Four Advisory Services (wealth management), Paywerx (payroll management), ProSport Accountants (professional athlete tax services), and The Preferred Legacy Trust Company (trusts and estates).

CRI has financial tools and accounting resources available at CRIadv.com.

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