About Us
Our People | Firm Brochures | Our Clients
As a D.C. accounting firm catering to the financial needs of the metro D.C. business community, investors, entrepreneurs and association executives all find McQuadeBrennan's accounting and advisory services to be exceptionally comprehensive. Our audit services, tax planning and compliance, and investment advisory services can make a difference for you and your organization. We have special expertise in the nonprofit, private equity, mortgage banking, real estate, and government contractor industries.
Our clients expressed a need for us to provide investment services. We founded Columbia Financial Advisors, LLP as a complement to McQuadeBrennan services, so clients can get comprehensive portfolio management and straightforward advice on how to reach their investment goals. Many of the same staff work at both McQuadeBrennan and Columbia Financial, allowing clients to have truly integrated accounting and investing services. We are uniquely built to provide customized solutions that exceed your expectations.
Our Top 5 Attributes Revealed from the 2010 Individual Client Survey:
- Accessibility of our people
- Timeliness in responding to your inquiries
- Ability to listen and understand
- Helpfulness in diagnosing tax issues
- Effectiveness of tax saving solutions
Our People
Brian McQuade CPA, Managing Partner
Brian is a Certified Public Accountant, as well as an investment advisor, contributing significantly to McQuadeBrennan’s wealth management practice area. He is personally involved and responsible for all services provided to his clients including audits, reviews, tax, and financial planning and management advisory services.
Brian is an avid golfer and lives in Chevy Chase, MD.
Education
- Bachelor of Science in Accounting, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Activities
- Member, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
- Member, The Greater Washington and Maryland Society of Certified Public Accountants
- Board Member and Chairman of Finance Committee, Catholic Charities Foundation of Washington, DC
- Member of the Board of Directors and Vice President, The University Club of Washington, DC
- Member Board of Advisors, Pamplin School of Business, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Kathleen Norris CPA, Director Of Investment Services
Kathleen is an investment advisor with over 20 years of experience. She is an advisor at Columbia Financial Advisors, LLP, McQuadeBrennan’s investment advisory arm. Prior to joining Columbia Financial Advisors, Kathleen worked with Merrill Lynch and UBS Paine Webber. She managed about $50 million of investments at Merrill Lynch and UBS, which included extensive work withindividual clients, small businesses, and trade associations. Her investment philosophy is based on a keen understanding of a client’s objectives, and their short and long term goals. Each client’s risk tolerance is assessed and is key to establishing a portfolio to help them achieve their goals.
Kathleen is a fitness fanatic, and loves to golf and bike. She also enjoys hanging out with her children Mary, Jack and Casey, and her husband, Jeff.
Education
- Bachelor of Science in Marketing, Penn State University
Frank Hodas CPA, Director
Frank's primary responsibilities with McQuadeBrennan are in the firm’s private equity service group, outsourced CFO services, and assurance. He understands the importance of providing clients and investors alike with accurate and timely financial information that they can rely upon. Frank has extensive experience in private equity and venture capital having served clients in this industry for nearly five years.
Frank enjoys traveling, playing softball, golf, and is very devoted to Penn State football having grown up in western Pennsylvania.
Education
- Bachelor of Accountancy, The George Washington University
Activities
- Member, Finance Committee, Delta Sigma Pi
- Member, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
- Former Regional Vice President, Delta Sigma Pi
David Swartz CPA, Manager
David has six years of experience in dealing with a number of accounting issues over a broad range of industries. He has worked with nonprofit organizations, mortgage companies and real estate developers.
David is a key member of the McQuadeBrennan nonprofit audit team. He understands the complexities of the industry and regularly conducts nonprofit organization audits from start to finish. He has specific experience working with nonprofit organizations that receive HUD funding.
David enjoys playing golf in his spare time and is a Hokie for life.
Education
- Bachelor of Science in Accounting, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Activities
- Member, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
- Member, Virginia Society of Certified Public Accountants
- Member, National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors
Farah Aleem, Senior Associate
Farah is a member of McQuadeBrennan’s outsourced accounting team. She has special expertise in the non-profit industry and brings to each engagement the necessary industry knowledge. Farah begins all engagements with a thorough understanding of an organization’s daily operations, allowing her to find solutions to financial issues as they occur.
Farah enjoys reading, running, and tennis.
Education
- Bachelor of Accounting, University of Maryland
Adam Freedenberg, Senior Associate
Adam’s responsibilities with McQuadeBrennan are in the firm’s outsourced CFO service team and tax services. His tax experience includes tax projections and preparations for individuals and corporations. Adam analyzes a company’s financial statements to strategically plan for their growth initiatives.
Adam enjoys playing tennis and golf in his spare time.
Education
- Bachelor of Accounting, University of Delaware
Firm Brochures
Firm Profile
Accounting Outsourcing Solutions
Topline Growth Strategies for Nonprofit Organizations
Columbia Financial Advisors: Asset Management
Download our firm's brochures for more information on McQuadeBrennan. These files are accessible with Adobe Reader, which you can download for free at www.adobe.com
Our Clients
" We've outsourced our accounting to them, and they've done a terrific job for us. They're familiar with what we do. When we talk to them about what we're doing, they get it quickly. It's worked out well for us.''
-Bruce Baschuk, President, J Street Development
" Brian does my personal taxes and has been with me through four different companies over the last 20 years. He's very professional, and he gets the job done.''
- Gene Merrill, President, George Mason Mortgage
" Until we started with them, I have never been able to sleep well knowing that our financial work is being covered well. I give them four stars out of four."
- David Strauss, Executive Director, Association of Farmworker Opportunity Programs
" Brian and his team have been doing all of our audits and giving us investment advice for over 20 years. Brian is very helpful in explaining the financial statements to our executive committee. He breaks it down well for the non-accounting minded. It's been a good partnership with him.''
- Mike Acott, President, National Asphalt Pavement Association
