Welcome to our new colleagues – July and August 2025
29th September 2025
In July and August 2025, we welcomed 41 new colleagues to our global team.
This included strengthening our global Forensic Accounting and Commercial Damages team, including senior hires Paul Farfel, David Paris, David Tenenbaum, and Matt Celand.
We’re always looking to expand our team; please take a look at our current vacancies for the latest opportunities.
David Attar
Associate Consultant | Forensic Accounting and Commercial Damages
Washington, D.C., United States
David Attar is a recent graduate of the University of North Carolina, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Economics with minors in Data Science and Public Policy.
He rejoins HKA as a full-time member of the Forensic Accounting and Commercial Damages practice, building on his prior internship experience with the firm. David looks forward to continuing his professional development with the Washington, D.C. Forensic Accounting and Commercial Damages team.
Natasha Barlow
Associate Consultant | Forensic Accounting and Commercial Damages
Sydney, Australia
Natasha joins our Forensic Accounting and Commercial Damages practice in the Sydney office as an Associate Consultant. Before joining HKA, Natasha worked on Forensic Accounting and Investigations teams in Canada, supporting clients from both the private and public sectors.
Natasha holds an Honours Bachelor of Business Administration (Accounting) from Wilfrid Laurier University and an Honours Bachelor of Mathematics from the University of Waterloo. She is working towards becoming a member of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand.
Jamie Broug
Analyst | Advisory
Sydney, Australia
Jamie Broug has joined the Advisory team as a highly motivated Analyst in the Sydney office. He is currently completing a Bachelor of Business, majoring in Extended Finance, and a Bachelor of Creative Intelligence and Innovation at the University of Technology Sydney. After engaging with HKA through an Industry Innovation Partnership, followed by an Innovation Internship, Jamie is excited to continue his career journey with HKA’s Commercial Advisory team. Drawing on his university studies, he contributes to economic, financial, valuation, ESG, critical, and creative thinking. By combining his two degrees, he brings both analytical and creative insight to the team. In addition, he is an active member of HKA’s innovation team, SPARK.
Outside of work, Jamie is passionate about financial investments and recently joined the Australian Student Asset Management fund to further his practical learning. Jamie brings ambition, diligence, and a collaborative spirit to his work and looks forward to continuing to support the success of a high-performing team at HKA.
Matthew Celand
Director | Forensic Accounting and Commercial Damages
Sydney, Australia
Matthew brings over 15 years of experience in forensic accounting, financial investigations, and expert witness services. A Chartered Accountant with a Master’s degree in Mathematics and currently pursuing a Master’s in Data Science, Matthew has a strong track record of delivering complex financial analyses and expert reports for litigation, regulatory inquiries, and dispute resolution.
Prior to joining HKA, Matthew held senior roles where he led high-profile matters, including construction disputes, misappropriation of funds, wage underpayment, and casino regulatory matters. His expertise spans data modelling, SQL, Power BI, and Tableau, and he has successfully built strong networks with law firms and corporate clients across Australia and internationally.
Cameron Chalmers
Analyst | Forensic Technical Services
Sydney, Australia
Cameron Chalmers joins the FTS team in Sydney following his work on a collaborative project between HKA and the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) earlier this year. He is currently studying a double bachelor’s degree in mechatronics engineering and creative intelligence and innovation, two disciplines that helped him succeed in delivering an agentic AI pipeline for that collaborative project.
Before joining HKA, Cameron spent 8 years racing and working in various categories of Australian motorsport, led UTS’ driverless motorsports team, and continues to teach first-year mechanical engineering at the university.
His role in FTS currently focusses on developing a framework for improving the independent consulting expert (ICE) lifecycle, particularly search, acquisition, and onboarding, as well as supporting the expert support team. He looks forward to solving the complex challenges of monitoring, improving, and automating the framework in the months to come and helping to improve FTS’s operational efficiency.
Hongxi Chen
Accounts Receivable Specialist
Warrington, United Kingdom
Hongxi began his career as an accounting apprentice, completing AAT Level 3 and gaining valuable hands-on experience in the field. He then achieved a First-Class Honours degree in Accounting and Finance from Manchester Metropolitan University, further solidifying his academic foundation.
He started his professional journey in credit control and is now looking to broaden his expertise as an Accounts Receivable Specialist. With practical knowledge of widely used accounting software such as Sage, QuickBooks, and Xero, Hongxi is well-equipped to navigate the technical demands of the role. He is also planning to begin his studies to become a Chartered Accountant, demonstrating his commitment to continuous professional development.
Lauren Clarke
Senior Finance Analyst
Warrington, United Kingdom
Lauren began her academic journey studying Business Management at Manchester Metropolitan University, where she also completed a placement year in a finance role. This experience sparked her interest in financial analysis and laid a strong foundation for her professional development.
After university, Lauren joined a Medical Communications firm as a Project Finance Analyst. Within two years, she progressed to the role of Senior Finance Analyst. In this position, she was responsible for building financial reports, preparing budgets and reforecasts, and collaborating closely with project stakeholders. These responsibilities helped her develop strong analytical and communication skills, while also enhancing her proficiency in Excel and PowerPoint.
During this time, Lauren began studying for her CIMA qualification. She is currently preparing for the final level and hopes to sit her final exam in November. Her goal is to become fully qualified at the start of next year.
Iain Coutts
Technical Director | Forensic Technical Services
Glasgow, United Kingdom
Iain joins HKA’s growing Aviation Team, which includes specialists across more than 150 aviation-related disciplines. The team provides a broad spectrum of advisory services – from technical guidance on airport design to managing regulatory compliance, resolving disputes, and conducting investigations and audits.
With over 20 years of experience in airport and transport planning, Iain has a strong track record of delivering complex aviation, mobility, and infrastructure projects across both the private and public sectors. His expertise spans airport master planning, technical due diligence, aerodrome safeguarding, sustainable transport design, and the emerging field of advanced air mobility.
Romeo Diswe
Lead Consultant | Advisory
Sydney, Australia
Romeo is a highly accomplished Professional Civil Engineer with over 30 years of experience in project management and planning. His experience spans different countries, such as the Middle East, Asia, and Australia, giving him a diverse perspective on project management and project planning/ programming practices and techniques.
Romeo’s expertise encompasses a wide array of projects, including hospitals, high-rise buildings, industrial and commercial buildings, major infrastructure projects, tunnels, power plants, and large-scale utility works. He specialises in the full spectrum of project lifecycle management, from feasibility studies and tenders to meticulous progress monitoring, critical path analysis, and advanced forensic planning. He is also highly proficient in the use of Primavera P6, Microsoft Project, and other planning software.
Romeo has a strong academic background in civil engineering and holds a master’s degree in project management.
Patrick Doyle
Manager | Digital Forensics and Data Solutions
Houston, Texas, United States
Patrick Doyle is an experienced cybersecurity professional with a strong background in technical security, data analysis, and risk management. Skilled in evaluating complex IT environments, analyzing large data sets, and delivering clear, actionable insights to support organizational objectives.
He has hands-on experience across security frameworks, compliance assessments, and IT governance, with a proven ability to translate technical findings into business and operational improvements. Certified CISSP, CISA, and QSA, bringing a blend of cybersecurity expertise and analytical skills to support decision-making, investigations, and organizational resilience.
Bridget Duncklee
Associate Consultant | Construction, Claims and Expert Services
Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States
Bridget Duncklee joins the Minneapolis office as an Associate Consultant after graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Iowa State University.
Bridget brings experience in process improvement, quality control, and data analysis from previous roles in product and manufacturing engineering. She is excited to begin her professional career at HKA and looks forward to applying her skills while further developing her knowledge of construction.
Marine Dupuy
Associate Consultant | Construction, Claims and Expert Services
Montréal, Québec, Canada
Marine is a recent graduate of McGill University with a background in chemical and software engineering. Through internships and extracurricular activities, she gained experience in project management and research in college.
She joins the Montreal office as an Associate Consultant and looks forward to developing her expertise in construction claims and delay.
Paul Farfel
Partner | Forensic Accounting and Commercial Damages
New York, New York, United States
Paul is a senior forensic accounting expert and litigation consultant with over 35 years of experience helping companies meet their accounting and reporting obligations, promote trust in their capital markets, and resolve disputes in ways that protect financial integrity, brand reputation, and stakeholder confidence. His expertise includes financial and forensic accounting and auditing, fraud detection, financial analysis, regulatory compliance, financial damages, risk management, due diligence, dispute resolution, and litigation consulting.
Paul has improved outcomes in litigation, arbitration, and regulatory investigations by identifying exposures, refuting allegations, preparing fact and expert witnesses for deposition and testimony, and challenging damages claims related to asset misappropriation, financial mismanagement, and fraudulent accounting and reporting. He has extensive experience serving financial institutions, including commercial and investment banks, wealth and asset managers, and insurance companies.
His notable forensic accounting investigations include matters connected to the 2008 credit crisis, Ponzi schemes by investment managers, and regulatory investigations by the SEC, PCAOB, DOJ, FTC, and other agencies. He has also investigated potential FCPA violations and supported global financial institutions in meeting Sarbanes-Oxley requirements.
Allison Fields
Associate Consultant | Forensic Accounting and Commercial Damages
Phoenix, Arizona, United States
Allison graduated from the University of Arizona in May 2025 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, majoring in Business Economics. She returns to HKA as a full-time Associate Consultant following her internship in Forensic Accounting and Commercial Damages last summer in the Phoenix office.
Prior to joining HKA, Allison gained experience in commercial real estate on the brokerage side. She is enthusiastic about beginning her career at HKA and looks forward to growing professionally within the FACD team.
Mohamed Haidar
Manager | Construction, Claims and Expert Services
Montréal, Québec, Canada
Mohamed joins the Montréal office as a Manager in Construction, Claims, and Expert Services. He is a civil engineer with a master’s degree in construction and engineering management.
Over the last decade, Mohamed has managed a variety of major projects, ranging from infrastructure and roadwork and stadium construction in the Middle East, to heavy civil works on a mining site in the north of Québec. His most recent role prior to joining HKA was tailings program manager and interim director for all tailings, water management, mine services, and railway projects for an iron mining company.
Sonia Hernandez
Senior Business Support Administrator
Miami, Florida, United States
Sonia Hernandez brings over 25 years of experience as an Executive Administrative Assistant supporting senior leaders. Her background includes years at Ernst & Young, LLP, where she led office initiatives and supported top-level executives with professionalism and care.
Sonia oins the Miami office as Senior Business Support Administrator and is looking forward to her career at HKA.
Madalyn Klefeker
Associate Consultant | Construction, Claims and Expert Services
Chicago, Illinois, United States
Madalyn Klefeker recently graduated from the University of Notre Dame with a degree in Chemical Engineering.
Madalyn brings hands-on experience in project management, large-scale manufacturing, and technical engineering design and is looking forward to joining the Chicago Office.
Madison Kohm
Associate Consultant | Construction, Claims and Expert Services
Chicago, Illinois, United States
Madison graduated from Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business in May with a bachelor’s degree in finance. She will be joining the Construction Claims group in Chicago as an Associate Consultant, focusing on business support initiatives.
Madison brings experience from the defense industry, specifically within the construction sector, and looks forward to applying this background alongside her finance knowledge to support clients at HKA.
Archit Kumar
Associate Consultant | Government Contracts
Washington, D.C., United States
Archit Kumar is a recent graduate of the University of Virginia with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and a minor in Business. After a previous internship, Archit rejoins HKA in their Government Contracts practice in Washington, D.C.
Archit looks forward to working with high-performing colleagues and further developing his expertise.
Nate Lasinski
Associate Consultant | Forensic Accounting and Commercial Damages
Chicago, Illinois, United States
Nate Lasinski joins our Forensic Accounting and Commercial Damages team. He graduated from the University of Michigan in 2022 and has worked in business consulting and engineering for the last few years.
Nate has experience in design, engineering, business consulting, project and program management, and client relations. He hopes to leverage his past experience to grow a successful career here at HKA.
Casey Lidstad
Associate Consultant | Forensic Accounting and Commercial Damages
Chicago, Illinois, United States
Casey joins HKA as an Associate Consultant on the Forensic Accounting and Commercial Damages team in the Chicago office.
Casey graduated from Indiana University in May with degrees in Finance and Operations Management. She has experience in the railcar leasing industry and is excited to leverage that knowledge to dissect complex problems and support clients.
Lauren Loupe
Associate Director | Forensic Accounting and Commercial Damages
Houston, Texas, United States
Lauren Loupe is a seasoned finance and accounting professional with over 15 years of experience delivering strategic financial leadership across diverse industries. She has proven expertise in generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) financial reporting, tax strategy, treasury operations, and multi-entity consolidation.
Before joining HKA, Lauren was Vice President, Finance for a privately held holding company generating over $500 million in annual revenue. Her industry experience includes oil and gas, professional sports/entertainment, farming, ranching, real estate, and automotive retailing. She is adept at managing complex portfolios for high-net-worth family offices, collaborating with Big Four accounting firms, and leading cross-functional teams through audits, divestitures, and compliance initiatives. She also has extensive experience preparing written correspondence to successfully defend tax positions with state and local tax authorities.
Celina Mac
Associate Consultant | Forensic Accounting and Commercial Damages
San Francisco, California, United States
Celina Mac joins our San Francisco office as an Associate Consultant after receiving a Bachelor of Arts in Statistics from the University of California, Berkeley.
Celina brings experience in statistical analyses, research, and data-driven problem solving across academic and professional settings. She is excited to increase her experience in global consulting and build new connections with HKA.
Ucindami Mafeni
Senior Managing Consultant | Forensic Accounting and Commercial Damages
London, United Kingdom
Ucindami Mafeni is an Economist who specialises in econometrics. He has academic and professional experience related to causal analysis in competition, litigation, international trade, and financial economics. He has academic and research experience with the Paris School of Economics, the University of Chicago, and the World Bank Group, and consulting experience with Oxera and Grant Thornton.
Ucindami has led the econometric and quantitative analysis in several securities litigation class action claims, anti-trust cases related to cartels and abuses of dominance, disputes in the digital asset space, international trade remedies, and economic regulation in the gas, energy, and water sectors. He is keen on applying state-of-the-art quantitative methods in econometrics, data science, and machine learning.
Caden McCulloch
Associate Consultant | Forensic Accounting and Commercial Damages
San Francisco, California, United States
Caden McCulloch is a former intern rejoining as a full-time Associate Consultant in the San Francisco office. In May 2025, Caden received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from the University of California, Berkeley.
Caden looks forward to expanding his expertise in the FACD practice, specifically with intellectual property cases, and seeing the colleagues he worked with during his internship.
Thomas Moreno
Director | Forensic Technical Services
San Francisco, California, United States
Thomas is a California-licensed general contractor with over 27 years of experience in the construction industry. His consulting expertise includes project management and forensic analysis of construction defects to identify property structure problems, including moisture intrusion, fenestration, structural damage, and structural failure. Thomas inspects construction sites, assesses the scope and estimates the cost of repairs, and evaluates construction defect loss.
In addition to his experience assessing construction defects, Thomas has supervised construction crews, prepared procurement bid packages, and provided cost estimates. He routinely analyzes critical path method scheduling, cash flow, design standards, and contracts, and he is an expert in change order management and insurance property loss evaluation.
Thomas has worked on commercial, residential, and industrial construction projects across the United States. He has testified as an expert witness in depositions and trials, drawing on his decades of technical and project management experience.
Luke Newell
Associate Consultant | Forensic Accounting and Commercial Damages
Washington, D.C., United States
Luke Newell graduated from the University of Virginia in May 2025 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance and a minor in Business Analytics. He rejoins HKA as a full-time employee after completing his internship in Washington, D.C., last summer.
Luke is joining the FACD team and looks forward to contributing to Government Contracts and FACD projects across a variety of industries. He is excited to deepen his expertise and build new connections within the firm.
Shashank Panchal
Senior Consultant | Advisory
Sydney, Australia
Shashank Panchal is a project controls and cost management professional with over 13 years of experience in supporting the delivery of complex infrastructure and construction projects. He specialises in cost forecasting, risk management, and performance reporting, ensuring accurate financial oversight throughout the project lifecycle.
Known for his analytical approach and structured methodology, Shashank contributes to effective decision-making and project efficiency. He holds a Master’s in Construction and Project Management.
David Paris
Principal | Forensic Accounting and Commercial Damages
Washington, D.C., United States
David has conducted economic research and analyzed business strategies and performance of individuals and groups of firms in a wide range of industries, including high technology, franchises, industrial and agricultural machinery, financial services, consumer products, and automotive parts. He also has experience in cost–benefit analysis to evaluate the likely effects on competition and market outcomes from proposed changes in existing and draft government regulations.
David specialises in disputes involving patent, trademark, and copyright infringement, misappropriation of trade secrets, breach of contract, fraud, employment, and antitrust violations. He has supported clients on disputes involving lost profits, unjust enrichment, benefit of the bargain, and reasonable royalty damages, as well as on economic issues relevant to granting an injunction, including irreparable harm, secondary considerations of non-obviousness, and the calculation of actual and intended loss under the federal sentencing guidelines.
Mala Patil
Senior Consultant | Advisory
Sydney, Australia
Mala is an experienced project controls and scheduling specialist with a proven track record across major Australian infrastructure and government programs. She has delivered strategic scheduling solutions for client,s including Ports North, DECCA, TfNSW, MDBA, ANSTO, and Sydney Metro, integrating risk, cost, and governance into robust project frameworks. Skilled in developing Integrated Master Schedules and expertise in variation assessment, stakeholder engagement, and interface management to ensure alignment across complex delivery environments.
With a strong focus on governance assurance and performance reporting, Mala drives transparency and accountability throughout the project lifecycle. Her work consistently adds measurable value to high-stakes initiatives.
Deviprasad Pentapati
Director | Construction, Claims and Expert Services
Houston, Texas, United States
With over 20 years of international experience across North America, Canada, and India, Devi brings a wealth of expertise in construction advisory, dispute resolution, data analytics, project controls, and technology enablement and implementation. He has provided expert services on a wide range of complex infrastructure, transportation, oil and gas, water and wastewater treatment, and data center projects. His experience spans high-value projects such as the $4B+ Confederation Line Extension in Ottawa and the $7B+ Ascent Program at San Francisco International Airport.
Devi holds a master’s degree in civil engineering from the University of Kentucky. He is a licensed Professional Engineer in California and Texas, a certified Project Management Professional (PMP), Certified Construction Manager (CCM), Planning and Scheduling Professional (PSP), and a Risk Management Professional (RMP).
Anna Polkosnik
Office Manager | Business Support
London, United Kingdom
Anna Polkosnik brings with her over 14 years of experience in office operations across diverse industries—from construction and luxury fashion brands to the finance sector. Most recently, she led office operations at S&P Global across EMEA and APAC, overseeing everything from day-to-day operations to vendor management and coordinating complex budgets.
Anna has quite a few office relocations and fit-outs under her belt, so don’t be surprised if her influence also shows up in our future growth plans.
Jaryn Prendergast
Business Support Administrator
Sydney, Australia
Jaryn Prendergast is a business support professional with over six years’ experience across government and not-for-profit sectors. His background includes stakeholder coordination, client service, and business development support. Before joining HKA, Jaryn helped manage a commercial client portfolio at Relationships Australia NSW, supporting the delivery of workplace training and wellbeing services.
Jaryn has previously held client-facing roles at the ATO and Department of Human Services, where he developed strong communication, problem-solving, and organisational skills. Jaryn is proactive, reliable, and focused on providing high-quality support that helps teams deliver results.
Faye Purbrick
Director, Corporate Communications and Professional Recognition | Marketing
London, United Kingdom
Faye Purbrick has more than 25 years of experience in industries ranging from publishing and research to construction project management and professional services. She has launched professional services brands in Asia, the Middle East and North America, including creating an economics research business for MEED (Middle East Economic Digest) and other consulting brands.
Faye worked for Hill International (and Parsons Brinckerhoff), building their proposals and marketing departments in the Middle East and acting as a publisher globally for EMAP/MEED, commissioning a variety of information reports covering construction, oil and gas, finance and banking, and petrochemicals matters, amongst others.
Her skills range from project management, strategic planning, negotiation and training to editing, digital media production, and research. Alongside her professional services work, she has also developed and led on local government reorganisation projects and business case development and engaged in policy development.
Caitriona Rohan
Business Support Administrator
Sydney, Australia
Caitriona Rohan brings a background as an Executive Assistant and Project Manager with years of experience spanning financial services, executive recruitment, and the public sector. She has a proven track record in supporting senior leadership, managing high-level projects, and delivering exceptional administrative and client-facing support.
Caitriona is known for having a strong ability to coordinate multiple priorities across fast-paced environments. She is recognised for resolving complex queries with a solutions-oriented approach, enhancing team collaboration, and driving high levels of client and candidate satisfaction. Caitriona is a strong analytical thinker with excellent attention to detail, organizational precision, communication skills, and thrives in dynamic, team-based settings where efficiency, professionalism, and service excellence are key.
Dave Sun
Associate Consultant | Construction, Claims and Expert Services
Chicago, Illinois, United States
Dave Sun joins the Chicago office as an Associate Consultant. He brings a strong academic foundation with dual Bachelor’s Degrees in Aerospace Engineering and Engineering Entrepreneurship from the University of Illinois.
His background includes hands-on experience in the renewable energy sector—particularly within lithium-related initiatives—as well as exposure to various aerospace research. Dave is eager to contribute to HKA’s mission and expand his understanding of the construction industry and global consulting landscape.
Matthew Smith
Manager | Forensic Accounting and Commercial Damages
Washington, D.C., United States
Matthew Smith joins our Washington, D.C. office as a Manager. He is an experienced economic consultant and data analyst. Matthew’s project experience includes commercial damages, forensic accounting investigations, and market manipulation.
He holds an MS in Applied Economics and a BS in Mathematics.
Ramya Sridhar
Associate Consultant | Forensic Accounting and Commercial Damages
San Francisco, California, United States
Ramya Sridhar is a recent UC Berkeley graduate with a degree in Economics. She has joined the San Francisco Forensic Accounting and Commercial Damages team as an Associate Consultant and looks forward to growing her knowledge in the field of commercial damages.
David Tenenbaum
Principal | Forensic Accounting and Commercial Damages
Chicago, Illinois, United States
Based in Chicago, David brings over 25 years of experience in the strategic assessment and financial valuation of intellectual property and other intangible assets across litigation, transactional, tax, and insurance-backed lending contexts.
David has built a distinguished career advising clients on complex IP matters, including patent, trademark, copyright, and trade secret disputes. He has led numerous engagements involving damages quantification, expert witness preparation, and valuation analysis in high-stakes litigation. His work spans a wide range of industries and has consistently helped clients develop and defend robust damages positions throughout the litigation lifecycle.
Nikhita Varala
Associate Consultant | Government Contracts
Washington, D.C., United States
Nikhita Varala recently graduated from the University of Virginia with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics. She joins HKA as a member of the Government Contracts team, building on prior experience as a litigation consulting intern at another firm. Nikhita looks forward to growing professionally and contributing to HKA projects with the Washington, D.C. office.
Amanda Yeo
Associate Director | Construction, Claims and Expert Services
Singapore
Amanda Yeo has over 20 years of professional experience working on construction projects in the building, transportation infrastructure, power and utilities, industrial, and manufacturing sectors. She has a background in quantity surveying and cost management, contract administration, construction claims, and dispute management. She specialises in quantum assessments covering variations, loss and expense, head office overheads, loss of profits, and interest charges and has assisted the named expert in the preparation of expert witness reports.
Prior to joining HKA, Amanda had gained extensive quantity surveying, pre- and post-contract management, and contractual experience with international contractors and consultancies. Amanda’s geographical experience includes Asia, Oceania, and the Middle East.
