TEAM
FOUNDER
Regan Lohman, MSA
Regan brings more than 14 years of accounting, finance and auditing experience to L&A. Regan partners with companies in various stages to support as CFO, assist in debt and equity transactions, and create operational efficiencies within an existing finance department. Regan has experienced the full life cycle of startup, including IPO and wind-down. Prior to starting L&A, Regan worked in Ernst & Young LLP’s audit practice and has subsequently worked with a variety of startups in multiple industries including technology, biotechnology, renewable energy, CPG, advertising, and professional services. Regan received a B.B.A. in Accounting from the University of Iowa and a M.S. in Accountancy from the University of Missouri, Kansas City. In the off chance Regan isn’t working, you can find her at her local CrossFit gym, at the beach with her family, or on the golf course.
Senior Director
Leslie Locke, CPA
Leslie is a Certified Public Accountant with over 17 years of experience in accounting for startups in a wide range of industries including biotech, advertising, and solar energy. She has helped several companies prepare for IPOs and acquisitions. She specializes in technical accounting, including revenue recognition, financial instruments, stock based compensation, business combinations, software development, leases, grants, and IFRS. Leslie has extensive experience preparing for and managing audits and transactions. She has also lead the charge on systems implementations including ERPs and equity management solutions. When she’s not reading the ASC, you can usually find her hiking, kayaking, playing with her dogs, or reading.
Senior Director
Dan Asbaty, CPA
Dan is a Certified Public Accountant who brings more than 12 years of accounting, finance, and operations experience to L&A. Prior to joining L&A, Dan worked six+ years in public accounting and consulting, servicing clients in many industries including manufacturing and distribution, biotechnology, renewable energy, technology, construction, and real-estate. Most recently, Dan was the Director of Finance for a Private-Equity-owned manufacturing company in San Diego. During his tenure, Dan led the Finance and Operations departments and was instrumental in successfully selling of a Company from its founders to a Private-Equity Group. Dan received a B.S. in Accounting from the Ramapo College of New Jersey. Outside of work, Dan enjoys skiing, golfing, and staying active in San Diego and Salt Lake City. He is also involved in his community as a little league baseball coach and volunteer with Landmark Education. Dan and his wife, Christina, welcomed a baby boy in November 2021.
Senior Director
Chris Coelho, CPA
Christopher is a Certified Public Accountant with over 21 years of experience in accounting and auditing, providing professional services to companies in various industries including aerospace & defense, electronics development and manufacturing, life-sciences, retail and not-for-profit. Christopher has extensive experience in financial reporting, assessing complex accounting transactions, developing and facilitating technical training and evaluating the effectiveness of a Company’s controls. He has a degree in Accounting & Information Systems from the University of Massachusetts – Amherst and holds active CPA licenses in California and Massachusetts. On weekends you will often find Christopher and his family at a local Cars & Coffee, at the zoo or safari park or enjoying a live event of one of our local sports teams.
SENIOR DIRECTOR
Ian Thompson, CPA
Ian is a Certified Public Accountant who brings more than 13 years of both public and private finance, accounting and reporting experience to L&A. Prior to joining L&A, Ian served as a Senior Finance Manager at BioMed Realty Trust (formerly NYSE: BMR), where he was involved in BioMed’s financial reporting function before transitioning to finance and portfolio reporting following the $8 billion acquisition of the Company by Blackstone in 2016. Ian played an integral role in the transition following the acquisition, as well as the underwriting and due diligence efforts leading up to the $14.6 billion recapitalization of the Company in 2020. During this time, Ian’s team worked closely with executives and Blackstone to report on Company performance to the Board of Directors and institutional investors. Prior to BioMed, Ian spent 3 years in public accounting where he led audit engagements for a variety of public and private clients in Southern California. Ian received a Bachelors of Accountancy from the University of San Diego and obtained his MBA with honors distinction from USC Marshall School of Business. Outside of work, Ian enjoys going to the beach and watching Padre games with his wife and family. Ian and his wife Kristen welcomed their fourth boy in March 2023.
Director of Operations
Shannon Wittman, MBA
Shannon has over 15 years of experience for various small to mid-sized companies in the financial services, solar, tech, biotech, and life science industries. She has focused her time establishing and streamlining accounting processes. Shannon has managed a team of accounting professionals and has overseen AP, AR, GL, Payroll functions within an accounting department. With that, she has facilitated the implementation of ERP systems, equity management tools, and various software solutions to establish proper controls and efficiencies. She has also prepared and lead teams through public and private financial audits, as well as M&A transactions. In her spare time, Shannon enjoys spending time with her family and dogs, being active outdoors, or attending a local sporting event.
Senior Manager
Eileen Hand, MBA
Eileen has been an accounting and finance professional in San Diego for over 11 years, spending the last five years consulting for a wide range of businesses, including tech, biotech, and professional services companies. Prior to becoming a consultant, she spent five years in various roles at a fortune 500 utility company. Eileen’s experience overseeing the financial health of businesses in various industries gives her a unique perspective when developing management strategies integral to the continued success of businesses. Eileen excels at working with company management to streamline their accounting and finance needs so her clients can focus on their core business. Eileen enjoys spending off-hours sampling new restaurants in San Diego, going to the beach, and spending time with her family.
MANAGER
Odette Acosta, CPA, MBA
Odette is a Certified Public Accountant with more than 10 years of accounting and finance experience. Prior to joining L&A, Odette worked as an auditor for six years in the public accounting sector in the San Diego and Imperial Valley areas. She audited a wide range of public and private companies in various industries including agriculture, manufacturing, construction, and life sciences. Most recently for the past four years, Odette worked under a FP&A team for a private San Diego healthcare company focusing on external GAAP and Statutory financial reporting, technical accounting, and budget management. Her FP&A team was a vital resource for executive management to make strategic business decisions. Odette has a Bachelor of Accounting & Business Administration from Chapman University and a Master of Business Administration from University of San Diego. Outside of work, Odette enjoys running, hiking, and spending time with her friends and family.
Manager
Jake Wilhelmy
Jake has been an accounting professional for 3 years and received his B.S. in Business Administration with an emphasis in Accounting and Finance from the University of New Hampshire. He previously worked at Ernst & Young, LLP in the commercial assurance practice for both public and private companies. Specifically working with mid-sized to large biotech and real estate companies, Jake has had experience overseeing a variety of complex accounting areas including mergers and transactions, adoption of accounting standards, and implementation of internal controls. He has successfully led teams through financial statements audits using strong attention to detail and critical thinking skills. Outside work, Jake enjoys golfing, relaxing at the beach, and traveling with his friends and family.
Manager
Lisa Suennen, MSA
Lisa is a Certified Public Accountant candidate, having received her MSA from Southern Methodist University. She previously worked at PWC as an assurance associate where she assisted in the audits of both private and public companies. Lisa brings dedication and attention to detail to the team and her clients, and she has a passion for process improvement. Outside of the office, Lisa enjoys running and hiking on the local San Diego trails, as well as trying out new baking recipes and traveling the states to visit friends.
Senior Associate
Makari Rasputin, MSA
Makari is a Certified Public Accountant candidate, having received his MSA with an emphasis in financial reporting from San Diego State University. He has worked with numerous small businesses in San Diego, providing operational accounting services, including cash management and financial reporting, and assisting in software implementation. He has experience with businesses in Tech, Biotech, Marketing, and Real Estate. If he isn’t working or attending sporting events, you can find him lifting weights, playing soccer, and attending music festivals.
Senior Associate
Tatiana Villegas, MBA
Tatiana has over 4 years of accounting experience in San Diego. Previously she worked as an accounting manager for a biotechnology company where she led various day-to-day accounting activities. She also prepared and provided support for specialized projects such as external audits and carve-out financials. She holds a B.S. degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Finance and received her MBA degree from California State University San Marcos. She has helped businesses in biotechnology, advertising, retail, professional sports, consulting, and software service industries. She has expertise in AP/AR, expense reporting, cash coding, account reconciliation, and monthly close. Tatiana values her clients’ needs and is proud to bring her experience and attention to detail to create well-organized financial records for her clients. In her free time, she enjoys working out, listening to music, and spending time with her family, friends, and her dog.
Senior Associate
Cassie Reed
Cassie is a Certified Public Accountant, having received her B.S. in Business Administration with an emphasis in Accounting from Sacramento State University. She has prior experience in the biotech industry with a focus on general ledger accounting for both pre-revenue and revenue-generating public companies with additional in-depth experience in Accounts Payable. In her free time, Cassie enjoys baking, fencing, needlecraft, and spending time with her family.
Staff Associate
Johnny Chiplin
Johnny is Certified Public Accountant candidate having received his B.S. in Business Administration with an emphasis in Accounting from San Diego State University. He comes to L&A with prior experience as a staff accountant in the manufacturing industry with a focus in operational accounting. In his free time, Johnny enjoys surfing, working on cars and attending live music events.
Staff Associate
Karen Whealdon
Karen is a student in progress to receive her B.S in Business Administration with an emphasis in Accounting from California State University San Marcos. She has worked with a variety of both small and large businesses in California providing accounting services such as, AP/AR, expense reporting, cash coding, account reconciliation, and monthly close. She has experience working with business in Biotech, Solar, and Advertising. In her free time, she likes catching new films, sword fighting, and hanging out with her friends and dog.
EXECUTIVE ADMIN
Erin Fink
Erin has 15 years of experience spanning C-Level executive support, office management, and project management. She has supported a wide range of industries including Real Estate, Healthcare, Organizational Development and Business Consulting. Erin excels at aligning business objectives with comprehensive administrative knowledge to achieve a maximum operational impact, conserve time and boost efficiency for the team. She received her B.A. in Communications from Gonzaga University and in her spare time, enjoys spending time with her family, exploring new restaurants, and traveling the world.
MASCOT
Sasha
Handles all the ruff work.