30 Under 30: Then and Now

Ten years ago, we named a group of young NJCPA members to our inaugural “30 Under 30” list in recognition of their leadership, success and drive. We recently checked in with them to see what they’ve been up to since 2011. In this third and final update, here are six past 30 Under 30 Award winners who continue to inspire us today. Look for additional updates in the Spring and Summer 2021 issues of New Jersey CPA.

DANIELLE DVORAK, CPA, MS
Senior Tax Manager at Friedman LLP

Danielle’s involvement in the NJCPA has been a true catalyst in her career, including landing her first full-time job through Scholars Institute and gaining leadership skills throughout various positions on the Emerging Leaders Council and Strategic Planning Committee. She has since been elected as a member of the AICPA Council, recognized as a 2020 NJBIZ Accounting Power 50 and was an NJCPA Woman to Watch winner.

CHRISTINA M. FESSLER, CPA
Supervisor of Accounting at Point Pleasant Schools

While Christina found her niche in public education, she touts her work on the board of trustees for a local not-for-profit for seven years as providing first-hand opportunities that helped shape the culture of an organization. In that capacity, she held multiple positions on the board including second vice president and treasurer. She recommends always asking for a “seat at the table” and serving on local boards.


MICHAEL J. KIRCHNER, CPA, MBA
Assistant Corporate Controller/International Controller at Mistras Group, Inc.

With experience in both public accounting and private industry, Michael knows what it takes to excel in the profession. He has also held several leadership roles at the NJCPA, including president, vice president, secretary, treasurer and director of the Mercer Chapter as well as a presenter in the career awareness program. Looking back, he would advise others to focus on technology and analytical writing.

ANTHONY F. MARONE, JR., CPA, CGMA
Managing Director of Blackstone and CFO at Blackstone Real Estate Debt Strategies

Tony was fortunate enough to be on the balcony of the New York Stock Exchange early in his career in 2006 and returned again in 2013 to ring the bell for Blackstone Mortgage Trust, Inc. (BXMT) as CFO. As an NJCPA scholarship winner, Tony learned early on to appreciate all of the support he has been given along the way in transitioning from academia to the workforce, and that one is never done learning.

DAVID-MICHAEL VAN HERWYNEN, CPA/ABV, CVA
Manager at Prager Metis CPAs

No stranger to tests, shortly after passing the CPA Exam, David-Michael also passed the National Association of Certified Valuation Analysts’ CVA Exam, and, a few years later, he passed the American Institute of CPAs’ ABV Exam. Since then, he has been working with accounting firms to build up their valuation departments. He has also learned the valuable lesson of networking and how, many times, it plants the seeds for future relationships.

JENNIFER WUENSCH, CPA
Senior Audit Manager at EisnerAmper LLP

Very few people can say that they’ve stayed with the same company for 16 years as Jennifer can. EisnerAmper has provided her opportunities to work with unique clients across multiple industries. While she’s advanced to her current role as senior manager in the audit department, Jennifer is most proud that she’s had the opportunity to become a mentor to staff and seniors. Looking back, she would recommend finding a good work/life balance.