LOS ANGELES, CA (November 26, 2024) – GHJ, a national advisory, accounting and tax firm, is proud to announce that Search and Staffing Practice Leader Derrick Coleman and Nonprofit Tax Practice Leader Lizbeth Nevarez were named DEIA Visionaries by Los Angeles Times B2B Publishing. This prestigious list celebrates individuals who are at the forefront of implementing innovative strategies to enhance diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility (DEIA) in the workplace.

“Congratulations to Derrick and Lizbeth for this well-deserved honor. As leaders, they enforce a culture of belonging and inspire us all to think more broadly about how we can integrate inclusive principles in our day-to-day work,” said GHJ Managing Partner Tom Barry. “This visionary leadership enriches our Firm’s culture and deepens our engagement with the diverse communities we serve, and their perspectives will be vital as we continue to innovate how we deliver client service excellence.”

GHJ believes that fostering a culture of inclusion and belonging empowers employees to #BeMore by allowing them to pursue their passions and reach their full potential. By prioritizing the personal and professional growth of its team members, GHJ creates an environment where employees thrive, which in turn drives the Firm’s ability to deliver personalized and innovative service to its clients. A past winner of CalCPA and the Los Angeles Business Journal’s DEI-Focused Firm of the Year award, GHJ remains committed to supporting its people as the foundation for providing exceptional client experiences and achieving shared success.

DERRICK COLEMAN

Derrick has been instrumental in driving GHJ’s commitment to DEIA. As a founding member of the GHJ’s BIPOC Cohort, Derrick has fostered an environment of openness and mutual respect that supports the personal and professional growth of Black, Indigenous and people of color within the Firm. Derrick is also a member of GHJ’s DEIA Steering Committee, where he leads the Firm’s overall DEIA strategy and ensures all team members are equipped to succeed, regardless of their circumstances.

As an experienced recruiter who has worked with many top organizations in Los Angeles County, Derrick has spearheaded initiatives to source candidates from underrepresented backgrounds to ensure that his clients have access to a diverse talent pool. This strategic vision for inclusive recruitment and community engagement will continue to enhance the competitive edge in attracting diverse talent for GHJ and its clients.

A graduate of the African American Board Leadership Institute, Derrick serves as Catalyst for GHJ Foundation’s Board of Directors and is a Finance Committee Member for the Downtown Women’s Center. Derrick’s work with local community organizations underscores his commitment to social responsibility and the positive impact of inclusive leadership.

This is Derrick’s fourth time being recognized as a DEIA Visionary by L.A. Times B2B Publishing.

LIZBETH NEVAREZ

Lizbeth has played a pivotal role in advancing GHJ’s commitment to DEIA by bringing her unique perspective as a Mexican-American woman and DACA recipient to drive meaningful change. As a founding member of GHJ’s Women’s Empowerment Cohort, Lizbeth has championed gender equity and led conversations that inspire and support the professional growth of women within the Firm. 

She collaborates closely with a diverse array of organizations and works to elevate the voices and needs of underrepresented communities. Lizbeth’s extensive knowledge of the industry has elevated the Firm’s Nonprofit Tax Practice and helped a variety of nonprofits achieve compliance, make informed operational decisions and explore new funding opportunities. A regular speaker at nonprofit industry events and thoughtware contributor, Lizbeth has been recognized for her influence as a trusted guide for nonprofit organizations.

Beyond her work at GHJ, Lizbeth has served on the board of several nonprofits throughout her career to serve the Los Angeles nonprofit community. She is currently a board member of the Mexican-American Opportunity Foundation and Neighborhood Legal Services of Los Angeles County and serves as Secretary for GHJ Foundation.

Lizbeth has been recognized as an influential minority CPA by the Los Angeles Business Journal five times. This is her first time being recognized as a DEIA Visionary by L.A. Times B2B Publishing. 

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About GHJ

GHJ is a national advisory, accounting and tax firm with a mission to help its clients and team members #BeMore by pursuing their passions, building thriving businesses and creating a better future. Headquartered in Los Angeles with additional offices in San Jose, Buffalo and Denver and over 250 professionals and 21 partners throughout the U.S., GHJ serves thousands of clients worldwide. The Firm meets clients where they are and specializes in a diverse range of industries, including entertainment, food and beverage and media and advertising companies and nonprofit organizations.

Ranked as a Top-100 Firm, 7th Fastest-Growing Firm, Top Regional Leader in the West and Best Firm to Work For by Accounting Today, GHJ is recognized for its innovative approach and dedication to client success. This is driven by the belief that its collective diversity of thoughts, backgrounds and experiences are exactly what makes GHJ a place where employees can each #BeMore – together. Employees are invited to pursue their passions, deliver exceptional service and support the causes they care about. The Firm embraces hybrid work and prioritizes diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility (DEIA). Additionally, GHJ Foundation supports the community through financial contributions and volunteerism.

GHJ is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), the AICPA Governmental Audit Quality Center (GAQC), the California Society of CPAs and the California Association of Nonprofits (CalNonprofit). As a member of HLB International, the global network of independent advisory and accounting firms, GHJ provides clients with seamless access to expertise in over 150 countries to deliver solutions that meet both local and global needs. 

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