Firm promotes Within, Elevating Directors of People Operations, Finance, and IT to Newly Created Positions
May 1, 2024 – REDW Advisors & CPAs is pleased to announce three key leadership appointments in Katherine Bastow, SPHR-SCP, to Vice President of People Operations; Michelle Burdett, CPA, to Vice President of Finance; and Shawn Fisher to Vice President of Information Technology. The trio will support each of the firm’s four offices across Arizona, Oklahoma, Oregon, and New Mexico as well as support team members working across the globe.
“We have a great appreciation for our newly promoted VPs and their excellent and innovative contributions over the years which have enabled REDW to sustain strategic growth,” said Steve Cogan, REDW Managing Principal. “We are confident that in these elevated leadership roles they will boost our firm’s momentum and continued evolution as a multi-disciplinary organization serving clients’ audit, tax, cybersecurity, business, and financial needs, both regionally and nationally.”
Bastow has been a member of the firm since 2020, most recently as Director of People Operations. She has been an advocate for the dynamic transformation of what was once the standard workplace, driving numerous growth initiatives for flexible and hybrid work, learning and development, international talent, and in efforts for mergers and acquisitions. She has two decades of experience in organization development, talent acquisition, learning and development, coaching and mentorship, business strategy, and leadership of human resources and operational teams, notably as Vice President of Talent Acquisition with the corporate office of Hospitality Ventures Management Group, based in Atlanta. Previously, she served as Director of Human Resources for Hyatt Regency in Albuquerque, Relios Inc. jewelry design and manufacturing company, and with the luxury hotel company Rosewood Hotels and Resorts.
Bastow also served as Vice President of Professional Development with the Northern New Mexico Human Resources Association, and most recently a Member of the Albuquerque Arts Thrive Committee. She earned a Human Resources Graduate Certificate from North Sydney Technical College in Sydney, NSW, Australia; a Hospitality Bachelor’s Degree (Equivalent) in Business Management from the College of Tourism & Hospitality in Brisbane, QLD, Australia; and a Bachelor of Arts in Hospitality Management (Equivalent) from Cornell University. She holds her SPHR (Senior Professional in Human Resources) from the Human Resources Certification Institute.
Burdett has been a member of the firm since 2003, most recently as Director of Finance. Prior to her 20-year tenure with REDW, she was Controller for TEMA Contemporary Furniture, Group Accounting Manager for SunBridge Healthcare Corporation, and worked as a Senior Accountant with KPMG. In her new role, Burdett will develop and execute financial strategies that align with REDW’s goals and objectives; provide leadership in financial analysis, reporting, and performance measurements; and play a key role in mergers and acquisitions, including due diligence and integration of financial operations. Burdett earned her Bachelor of Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting from the University of New Mexico.
Fisher has worked in information technology since 2002. He has grown with REDW during his 18 years with the firm, starting at its IT help desk in 2006 and most recently overseeing the team and the firm’s IT operations as Director of Information Technology, a position he has held since 2018. In his new role, Fisher will further develop firmwide IT policy and budget, analyze IT needs, build vendor relationships, and support business and department goals and initiatives. In addition to his work with REDW, Fisher has volunteered for more than 20 years in youth sports, serving as a coach for a diverse array of sports including soccer, football, basketball, baseball, and softball. He earned his Bachelor of Business Administration in Computer Information Systems from Eastern New Mexico University.
These executive roles are the latest in a series of key new positions. In 2023, REDW appointed its first-ever Chief Operating Officer in Kerry Prine as well as its first-ever Vice President of Sales and Marketing in Byron Wheeler.
“Over the past several years, REDW has grown to more than 350 employees serving several thousand clients each day,” said Cogan. “As we are focused on growing responsibly, we are committed to team member development, client experience, and innovation. Michelle, Shawn, and Katherine will continue to be invaluable as we continue this trajectory.”
About REDW:
Founded in 1953, REDW is celebrating 70 years of trusted expertise and growth. From our offices across the Southwest and Pacific Northwest as well as partners across the globe, our more than 300 professionals serve the audit, tax, cybersecurity, business, and financial needs of a wide range of clients, both regionally and nationally, including mid-market businesses, construction & real estate, technology, healthcare, hospitality, professional service providers, and governments, including Tribal Nations and their enterprises. The firm takes pride in attracting top talent from across the country who see REDW as a place where they can grow both personally and professionally. For more information, learn about REDW, the firm’s history, or connect on linkedin.com/company/redw.
Alison Ballin
Director of Client Service, HMA Public Relations
Email: abalin@hmapr.com
Cell: 602.318.3775