Baker Newman Noyes Announces Six New Principals Across Practices
Assurance and tax specialists join firm’s leadership group
Baker Newman Noyes (BNN), a nationally recognized top 100 accounting and advisory firm, is pleased to announce six new principal promotions in its Boston, MA; Woburn, MA; Manchester, NH; and Portland, ME, offices.
Courtney Francis, Meredith Fuller, Chris Hussey, Stephanie Joyce, Jiten Kariya, and Kelly Pelletier, have all been promoted to principal, effective January 1, 2025.
“We are extremely fortunate to welcome six exceptional individuals to our principal group in 2025,” said BNN’s Chairperson of the Board & Director of Tax Services, Andrew Smith. “Courtney, Meredith, Chris, Stephanie, Jiten, and Kelly have shown the level of skill, integrity, passion, and commitment necessary to be leaders in our profession and to help move BNN forward into our fourth decade! While this is a huge achievement in their careers, we look forward to many more accomplishments ahead as part of their bright futures.”
Francis, CPA, provides tax and accounting services to high- and ultra-high-net-worth individuals and their related businesses. She specializes in helping clients with complex tax issues, including transactions, integration of entities with individuals and trusts, and qualified small business stock (QSBS). Francis is known for her ability to provide personalized service and attention to detail, ensuring that her clients receive the best possible advice and guidance. Francis is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the Maine Society of Certified Public Accountants (MECPA). She holds bachelor’s degrees in business administration and accounting & finance from the University of Southern Maine.
Hussey, CPA, joined the firm’s Manchester office in August of 2014. Hussey specializes in serving high-net-worth individuals and family groups. He also focuses on generational family businesses. In addition to serving clients, Hussey leads the firm’s recruiting efforts for the tax department. Hussey earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration and master’s in accounting from the University of New Hampshire. He is a member of the University of New Hampshire Center for Family Enterprise’s advisory board.
Joyce, CPA, JD, has worked in the tax department of the firm’s Portland office since 2010. Joyce specializes in tax planning and compliance for high-net-worth individuals and families, trusts and estates, as well as tax compliance for employee benefit plans. Joyce earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Syracuse University and a juris doctor from SUNY Buffalo Law School, with a concentration in financial transactions. She is a member of the New York State Bar, the Maine Society of CPAs, Maine Employee Benefit Council, and the Maine Estate Planning Council.
Kariya, CA, CPA, has been an integral part of the firms International and Transaction Tax Practice since joining in 2019. Before his tenure at BNN, he gained valuable experience at top-tier firms in India, including a big-four firm, where he worked for over four years. With more than a decade of expertise in international and transaction tax advisory services, Kariya has advised a diverse clientele, particularly in the life sciences, technology, real estate, manufacturing and distribution, and service sectors, encompassing both U.S. and international operations. His specialized knowledge spans international tax, transfer pricing, cross-border restructuring, and mergers and acquisitions.
Pelletier, JD, CPA, began her career in BNN’s tax practice in 2015. She helps to lead the firm’s Gifts, Estates, and Trusts group, a specialized team focused on high-level technical compliance and planning in the gifts, estates, and trusts practice area. She is a frequent presenter on gift and estate planning strategies and has developed a reputation throughout New England as someone that clients, law firms, and investment firms can turn to with complex estate and gift issues. Pelletier graduated from Northeastern University with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a minor in sociology. She earned her juris doctor from the University of North Carolina School of Law. She is a member of the Maine and Massachusetts State Bars and the Maine Society of CPAs and serves on the board for Sexual Assault Support Services of Midcoast Maine. In 2020, Pelletier was recognized as The Rising Star in the MSCPA’s Stars Among Stars Awards.
With the addition of these six individuals, BNN’s principal group is now composed of 45 principals across its five offices and tax, assurance, and advisory practices. BNN is an independent regional firm with more than 350 employees serving clients nationally and internationally.
“This is an exciting time for the firm, as we celebrate our 30th anniversary and fully implement a new leadership structure that will best support the firm through our next phase,” said Smith. “Welcoming these six talented and dedicated individuals to our principal group is the perfect kickoff to this momentous year. I know they will serve as leaders and mentors who champion the firm’s core values and put people, clients, and community first.”
BNN is ranked as a top 100 firm by Accounting Today and INSIDE Public Accounting. Throughout New England and beyond, the firm is known for its specialized knowledge and experience, award-winning client service, and collaborative approach. They are an independent member of HLB, a dynamic international advisory and accounting network.