ATLANTA- Mauldin & Jenkins, a leading provider of assurance, tax and advisory services nationwide, is pleased to announce the appointment of eight professionals to Partner, effective September 1, 2026.
“Each of these professionals has made a clear and lasting impact on Mauldin & Jenkins,” said Managing Partner Hanson Borders. “They have built trusted relationships, supported the development of their colleagues and approached their work with professionalism and integrity. Their appointment reflects both their individual accomplishments and the confidence we have in their continued leadership.”
Newly appointed Partners are:
Kirk Arich, CPA: Kirk is a Partner in the firm’s Governmental practice and specializes in serving state and local governments. Services provided to clients include traditional audit and attest engagements, including agreed-upon procedures, examinations, reviews, and financial statement compilations. Kirk is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), the Georgia Society of Certified Public Accountants (GSCPA), and the Georgia Government Finance Officers Association (GGFOA).
Jason G. Clem, CPA, CVA, CVGA: Jason is a Partner in the firm’s Advisory practice, specializing in business valuation, litigation support, consulting, planning, and assurance services for governmental entities and nonprofits. As a Certified Valuation Analyst (CVA), he performs valuations for management planning, estate and gift tax matters, and litigation support, helping clients understand value and identify growth opportunities. He is a member of the AICPA, ASCPA, NACVA and Corporate Value Metrics – Value Growth Community.
Benjamin Ellis, MBA, Chief Information Officer: Benjamin is a Partner and serves as Chief Information Officer (CIO) at Mauldin & Jenkins, where he leads the firm’s technology vision and strategy. With more than two decades of experience in technology and operations, he plays a key role in advancing innovation across the firm to meet the evolving needs of its clients and professionals. His expertise includes mergers and acquisitions, cybersecurity, regulatory compliance, and digital transformation initiatives.
Kevin D. Hakes, CPA: Kevin is a Partner in the firm’s Private Client Services practice and a trusted advisor to middle-market business owners, closely held enterprises, and high-net-worth families. His clients are primarily focused in the areas of manufacturing and distribution, real estate, and private wealth. Kevin delivers strategic planning, complex entity structuring, and proactive consulting services designed to enhance his clients’ long-term financial success. He is a member of the AICPA and the GSCPA.
Hays Lacey, CPA: Hays is a Partner in the firm’s Private Client Services practice. She provides tax and advisory services to individuals, trusts, nonprofit organizations, and closely held and family-owned businesses and their owners. She has extensive experience with S corporations and partnerships across the professional services, agricultural, construction, manufacturing, and real estate industries, helping clients navigate tax planning and compliance matters. She is a member of the AICPA and GSCPA.
Brian Nicholson, CPA: Brian is a Partner in the firm’s Governmental and Education practices, providing audit, attest, and internal control consulting services to clients. His experience spans a range of state and local governmental organizations, including cities, counties, education systems (K-12 and higher education institutions), and other special purpose entities. Brian serves on the firm’s Education Committee and is a member of the AICPA, GSCPA, SCACPA, GFOASC, and SCASBO.
Krystle Stell, CPA: Krystle is a Partner in the firm’s Governmental practice, bringing nearly two decades of public accounting experience to her role. Though her foundational background lies in small business and nonprofit development, she now specializes exclusively in state and local government accounting. Of her nearly 20 years in the industry, Krystle has proudly spent the last 12 with Mauldin & Jenkins. She is a member of the AICPA, ASCPA, GFOA, GFOAA, and the Birmingham Women’s Leadership Association.
Paul Stuart, CPA, CMA: Paul is a Partner in the firm’s Private Client Services practice, advising closely held businesses and their owners on tax planning, compliance, and strategic growth opportunities. His expertise includes real estate development and brokerages, Qualified Opportunity Zone Businesses, financial institutions, professional services, distributors, individuals, and high-net-worth families. He is a member of the AICPA, TSCPA, Institute of Management Accountants and Chattanooga Tax Practitioners.
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About Mauldin & Jenkins
Mauldin & Jenkins is annually recognized as a Top 100 Certified Public Accounting firm by Inside Public Accounting and Accounting Today and provides assurance, tax and advisory services to clients. Founded in 1918, the Firm serves clients across a wide range of industries, including government, banking, technology, healthcare, construction, manufacturing, energy, not-for-profit, financial services, private client services, and higher education. For additional information, please visit mjcpa.com.
