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Private Client Services

Maximizing wealth for you and your heirs

While building wealth can take a lot of time and effort, it can disappear with alarming speed. Taxes, poor financial management, uninformed decisions, and economic turbulence can all take their toll, leaving you and your family with much less than expected or desired. Let our Private Client Services team keep you from ending up in this situation.

YHB’s Private Client Services Team has an outstanding record of helping business owners and other high net worth individuals maximize the value of their assets for themselves, their children, and other heirs. Our professionals have developed long-term relationships with scores of wealthy families in the area for one simple reason: We’re very good at what we do, and the personalized, responsive, and caring service we provide make clients feel we’re a member of the family.

In addition to tax planning and preparation, asset protection, financial planning, and estate and trust services, we also offer a menu of family office services to select from. These include bookkeeping, managing finances and assistance with decision-making. We also provide training in wealth management for younger members of your family.

We invite you to take a closer look at how we can be of service in helping you tax-efficiently build, preserve and transfer wealth in ways that achieve your objectives and leaves the legacy you desire. Please let us know how we can be of assistance in these or other areas:

Let's Talk

Contact us when it’s time to move forward.

Sarah Hegenbart
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Sarah Hegenbart
CPA
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ABOUT SARAH

Sarah Hegenbart is a Tax Manager based in our Winchester office, having joined YHB in 2012.

Sarah graduated from Shepherd University in 2012 with a dual major in Accounting and Business Management, achieving Summa Cum Laude honors and being recognized as a McMurran Scholar. In 2015, she obtained her CPA license in Virginia, followed by acquiring her CPA license in West Virginia in 2017.

With a specialization in high net worth individuals and pass-through entities, Sarah excels in handling intricate tax matters.

Sarah is an active member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), Virginia Society of Certified Public Accounts (VSCPA) and West Virginia Society of Certified Public Accountants (WVSCPA).

OTHER INTERESTS

Outside of her professional endeavors, Sarah is actively involved in her community. Since 2017, she and her husband have been dedicated foster parents, and Sarah contributes her time to assist the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources in training new foster parents. She also serves on the advisory board for the Children’s Home Society’s Monarch Family Support Center, supporting the well-being of families.

Before her career in tax, Sarah served as a C-130 engine mechanic in the Air Force, stationed at Yokota Air Base in Japan.

Michael Creamer
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Michael Creamer
CPA, CFP, CDFA, BFA
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About Michael

Michael is Principal in our Rockville office who possesses an impressive educational background and over three decades of experience in the field. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from St. Joseph’s University, which has equipped him with a solid foundation in financial principles. Additionally, Michael has an education certificate from the College for Financial Planning, further enhancing his expertise.

He became a certified public accountant (CPA) in 1992 and a certified financial planner (CFP®) in 1997. He is an investment advisor representative, an accredited investment fiduciary, an accredited domestic partnership advisor (ADPA) and a certified divorce financial analyst (CDFA™). He also is a licensed life, and health insurance agent. Michael is a member of the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA), the Maryland Association of CPAs (MACPA), and the Financial Planning Association.

Expertise

Specializing in accounting and tax compliance, Michael has cultivated extensive experience across a diverse range of industries. He has worked closely with real estate management and development firms, professional service businesses, retailing, franchises, hi-tech industries, investment companies, start-ups, not-for-profit organizations, and medical practices.

In addition to his exceptional accounting and tax compliance skills, Michael provides valuable guidance to his clients in various financial areas. He assists them with income tax planning, investment management, and retirement planning, ensuring their long-term financial success. By leveraging his extensive knowledge and insights, Michael helps his clients make informed decisions that align with their financial goals.

James Snyder
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About Jim

Jim began his career at YHB in 1989 with a B.S. degree in accounting from James Madison University. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the Virginia Society of Certified Public Accountants and the Leesburg Daybreak Rotary Club. He is an Advisory Board Member of the Loudoun County Salvation Army, and Treasurer of the Loudoun Small Business Development Center. He also serves as a Board Member of the James Madison University School of Accounting Guiding Executive (SAGE).

Experience

He is experienced in providing income and estate planning services, business consulting, and estate and trust administration services to successful individuals in many professions, especially engineering, law, technology and real estate. He also provides strategic guidance and planning for clients involved in stock option transactions and wealth transfer. At YHB, Jim is the principal in charge of our IT systems, serves on the firm’s Retirement Plan Committee and is heavily involved in training staff. He primarily works out of our Leesburg office.

Expertise

As an advisor to many prosperous families, Jim specializes in helping clients integrate tax planning with investment decision-making to achieve their financial objectives. He is particularly proficient in trust and estate administration and taxation, and in developing tax-saving asset protection and wealth transfer plans. In addition to advising clients about the financial aspects of estate planning and administration, Jim provides empathetic support for dealing with the family issues involved.

Approach

In serving clients, Jim above all looks for different ways to provide value. To this end, he takes a team approach characterized by a high level of communication and responsiveness, so if he personally is not available to answer questions or help with an issue, another member of our firm will be. Also, he employs ProfitCents software to analyze a client’s financial situation and identify areas where there are issues or opportunities for improvement. He then advises clients about steps they can take to more fully achieve their objectives.

Other Interests

Jim enjoys gardening, hiking and being outdoors with his wife and two daughters, as well as serving as a Youth Ministries volunteer at his church.

 

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What Clients are Saying

 

“Jim has been proactive in helping me avert problems.” – Bruce G.

Elaine Cain
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Elaine Cain
CPA
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About Elaine

A Frederick County native, Elaine has been with Yount Hyde Barbour since beginning her accounting career in 1994. She holds a B.B.A. degree as well as a Master of Science degree, both from James Madison University. She is a member of several organizations such as the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the Virginia Society of Certified Public Accountants, the Frederick County Easement Authority, and the Winchester Kiwanis Club.

Experience

As the leader of our Family Wealth Services Team, she provides comprehensive tax, estate, trust, and gift planning and advisory services to wealthy families and individuals. Elaine also has extensive experience in conducting audits and providing tax compliance and consulting services to nonprofits and governmental entities.

Expertise

One of Elaine’s greatest strengths is her ability to explain financial matters in terms non-accountants can understand, and to proactively inform YHB clients of developments that may affect them. In addition, she has a thorough understanding of estate planning issues, as well as a proven ability to work with family dynamics. As a result, she can meet the full range of a client’s tax and estate planning needs, from serving as a trustee and managing finances to helping with business succession planning. She is especially good at helping clients get caught up with past-due tax returns.

Approach

To help clients develop effective tax and estate plans, Elaine takes extra measures to learn about their goals, circumstances, and needs, particularly any that may require special financial strategies. She strives to come to a full understanding of family relationships and issues that may affect the planning process, and to work through them to achieve consensus about the plans she helps develop. After assisting with plan implementation, Elaine keeps in contact throughout the year to help clients stay on top of their finances and make sure their plans are on track.

Other Interests

Elaine enjoys family vacations, particularly swimming at the beach in the summers. Her hobbies include shopping for and collecting antique Nippon ceramics, and riding motorcycles.

Derek McCarty
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Derek McCarty
CPA
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About Derek

Derek began his career in accounting with YHB in 2011 after a graduating with a B.S. in accounting from Shepherd University.  Derek became a licensed CPA in 2013.  He is a member of multiple organizations, including the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the Virginia Society of Certified Public Accountants, and a former President of the Tri-State Estate Planning Council.

Experience

As a member of the firm’s Private Client Services team, Derek has developed an in-depth understanding of individual, trust, estate and business taxation.   Derek stays up-to-date with the latest trends and regulations, regularly attending courses specifically designed towards matters affecting his clients.  Derek also assists with providing tax training and ongoing mentoring to YHB staff members.

EXPERTISE

Derek specializes in assisting individual and corporate fiduciaries with complex trust/estate tax and compliance related issues. In addition, he excels in providing individuals and business owners with sound tax and business planning, taking into consideration their unique concerns and issues.

APPROACH

In order to best serve his client’s, Derek takes the time to fully comprehend the client’s situation and concerns.  He then works closely with the client and other YHB industry leaders to develop a thorough strategy that works in the client’s best interest.  Derek also takes the time to ensure the client understands the strategy and to makes sure the client is both comfortable and satisfied with his recommendations.

 

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What Clients are Saying

 

“Sophisticated tax advice. Accurate and timely financial reports.” – Brian V.

Krystal McCants
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Krystal McCants
CPA
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About Krystal

Krystal is a 2003 Virginia Tech graduate and joined YHB in 2020. She has 20 years of public accounting experience working with and advising high net worth individuals, trusts, and closely held businesses. Krystal specializes in income tax planning, compliance, and review. She serves as an advisor to her clients by providing tax guidance and business planning strategies.

Giving Back

Since joining the industry, Krystal has held several leadership roles in the Virginia Society of CPAs. Currently, she serves as the Vice Chair of the Board of Directors and previously served as the Chair of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion advisory council. In 2023, Krystal was honored to be named one of the Washington DC Metro Area’s Top CPA’s by Washingtonian Magazine for the 7th time and was also voted as a Top Financial Professional by Northern Virginia Magazine for the 2nd time.

In addition to her contributions within the CPA community, Krystal is actively involved with her alma mater. She currently serves as a member of the Pamplin Advisory Council at Virginia Tech, which is a volunteer group established for the purpose of promoting, supporting and improving Pamplin.

Approach

To help clients develop effective tax strategies, Krystal takes extra measures to learn about their future plans, circumstances, and needs, particularly any that may require special tax or financial strategies. She takes the time to listen and develop a full understanding of clients goals and how to achieve them. After assisting with plan implementation, Krystal keeps in contact throughout the year to help clients stay on top of their finances and make sure their plans are on track.

 
Joshua C. Kerr-Hobert
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Joshua C. Kerr-Hobert
CPA
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About Josh

Josh began his career at YHB in 1999, after earning a B.B.A. from the College of William & Mary. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the Virginia Society of Certified Public Accountants and a previous member of the Blue Ridge Kiwanis.

Experience

Josh has provided income tax and advisory services to a broad range of business and individual clients with complex needs for 18 years.  He has worked his entire career at YHB, having spent his first 12 years in the Winchester office and the last 6 years in the Middleburg office.  In addition to serving clients, Josh provides mentoring and training for YHB staff members and is a member of the firm’s Human Resources Committee.

Expertise

Josh specializes in helping individuals implement strategies that minimize their income tax liabilities and achieve their personal and business financial objectives. As a professional certified in strategy and performance management, he also excels in empowering business owners with information and insight that improves their decision-making process, maximizes their profitability and gives them a better sense of where they want to go and how to get there.

Josh is proud to provide his clients with the following solutions:

∙ Income tax planning and compliance for individuals and businesses
∙ Bill payment, financial reporting, and budgeting
∙ Vendor billing oversight including large projects such as home construction
∙ Wealth transfer planning
∙ Charitable contribution planning and tracking
∙ Private foundation administrative support services
∙ Equine business tax and consulting services including audit support
∙ Tax credit consulting services
∙ Document storage including client portal facilitation

Approach

Josh focuses on helping clients achieve peace of mind.  His service approach is customized for each client, resulting in close and highly individualized working relationships.  Josh takes pride in making complex financial matters easier to understand, in order to help clients with financial decision making and achievement of their goals and objectives.

 

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What Clients are Saying

 

Strong capability, combined with great team spirit. Our main contact, Josh Kerr-Hobert is an outstanding asset to our lives and family foundation. Not only is he brilliant and communicative, but he speaks English, not accountant-ese, which is truly appreciated. He is also a great human being and works well with others in our team, whether lawyers or financial advisors. Cannot express strongly enough how much we value him and his team. Thank you!” – Anonymous

Alex Fleming
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Alex Fleming
CPA, PFS
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Industries
About Alex

Alex Fleming graduated from Lynchburg College with a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting in May 2008.  He interned with YHB right after graduation and then joined the firm as a full-time professional the following year in August 2009.  During that interim year, he studied for and passed all four parts of the CPA exam and joined the AICPA and VSCPA.  Alex began his YHB career with the bank audit team but has transitioned to the tax department out of the Middleburg office.  He now specializes in complex tax planning and compliance for individuals, estate, trusts, private foundations, and privately-held companies.  Alex has also obtained the Personal Financial Specialist (PFS) certification from the AICPA in September 2017.

Alex is a native of Loudoun County, specifically the Middleburg area.  He is an active board member for the Middleburg Business and Professional Association, the Hill School Alumni Association, and the Piedmont Child Care Center.  He, his wife, and two sons now live near Warrenton with their two dogs.

 

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What Clients are Saying

 

“I have a lot of faith in Alex Fleming and his team at YHB.  They have assisted us greatly in our cross-border situation.  Their professional insight has helped us navigate a tax situation that only a true professional is versed in. ” – Robert I.

“Alex Fleming with YHB is very professional and has my highest recommendation for anyone considering a tax accountant.” – Robert R.

Debbie Scarpari
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Debbie Scarpari
CPA
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About Debbie

Debbie began her career in accounting over 20 years ago after receiving her Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Carlow University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She began her career gaining experience in both accounting and tax at a local Pittsburgh CPA firm, and she attained her CPA license after passing the exam on her first attempt.  She went on to work in the tax department of Sisterson & Co. LLP, a Pittsburgh regional firm. Debbie joined Wilhelm & Associates Ltd. in October 2019, joining the YHB family in 2021.

With her over 20 years of tax experience she has expertly specialized in the area of tax compliance and planning for high-net-worth individuals and their related trusts, partnerships, S corporations and private foundations.  She is an active member on the AICPA and PICPA (Pennsylvania Institute of CPAs).

For years, Debbie has dedicated her practice to complex tax returns and issues, tax research, and tax planning for businesses and individuals. She is a certified CPA in both Pennsylvania and Virginia.

In her free time, she volunteers and serves as the Treasurer of the Economic Club of Pittsburgh. She enjoys road trips with her husband to visit and explore historical settings and to walk through caves and along mountain trails.  Among her favorites of these are Gettysburg, PA, Fredericksburg, VA, Hocking Hills, OH and the Smoky Mountains near Gatlinburg, TN.  She also finds joy in spending time with family, reading, and taking walks around her neighborhood with her dog Charlie.