As we kick off the new year, CTBK is thrilled to announce the admission of two exceptional professionals to our Partnership group. These individuals have made a significant impact on our clients, our team, and the communities we serve. Their dedication to excellence, coupled with their embodiment of the firm’s core values, has set them apart as leaders and mentors within CTBK. It is with great pride that we announce the promotion of Gregg Gallson and Valerie Kaufman to Partner.
“Gregg and Valerie’s admission to the partnership reflects their unwavering commitment to our clients, our people, and our values,” said Zack Wagner, CTBK Partner and Integrator. “As integral members of our leadership team, they have consistently driven excellence and innovation. We are confident their leadership will continue to propel our firm toward an exciting future.” said Wagner.
Gregg Gallson, CVA
Gregg serves as the Director of CTBK Advisory Services, where he brings a wealth of expertise in M&A, business valuation, fractional C-suite roles, litigation support, forensic accounting, and debt and equity financing. Specializing in guiding closely-held, multi-generational businesses, Gregg provides the strategic vision and financial insight needed to navigate complex transitions and drive sustainable growth.
With career experiences in banking, entrepreneurship, and hands-on leadership in lower-middle-market businesses, Gregg has firsthand understanding of the challenges facing companies in this space. His expertise extends to Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition (ETA) and advising independent sponsors and private equity firms on deal structuring and execution.
At CTBK, Gregg plays an essential role in driving innovation, mentoring future leaders, and shaping the firm’s strategic direction as part of its Leadership Team. His ability to foster collaboration and deliver measurable results has made him a trusted advisor to business owners and stakeholders.
A graduate of Canisius College, Gregg is passionate about continuous learning, optimization, and staying ahead of emerging trends in technology and business strategy. Beyond his professional pursuits, he enjoys quality time with his wife and three children, reading and listening to podcasts and interviews at 1.5x speed, and diving deep into the wisdom of the Founding Fathers and Gilded Age entrepreneurs.
Valerie Kaufman, CPA, SHRM-SCP
Valerie serves as Chief People Officer at CTBK, specializing in People Operations, Career Development, Employee Engagement, and HR Strategy. Valerie began her journey at CTBK in 2012 as an Audit Senior, bringing a focus on client service and technical expertise. She was promoted to Audit Manager in 2016, specializing in Non-Profit Accounting. In 2018, she transitioned to Director of Talent Management, where she led talent development, resource forecasting, and key operational initiatives.
In 2022, Valerie became Chief People Officer, managing relationships across all firm levels and driving strategic initiatives reinforcing CTBK’s mission and culture. In this role, she also leads the firm in Recruiting, Mentoring, Learning and Development, and Performance Management, while aligning talent initiatives with the firm’s goals and objectives. Valerie is dedicated to fostering a supportive, growth-oriented work environment and ensuring engagements are staffed with the best resources to meet both business needs and career goals.
Valerie earned her degree from Valparaiso University and is passionate about fostering a supportive, growth-oriented work environment for all CTBK employees. Outside of work, Valerie enjoys spending time with her family and friends, especially her two sisters and her niece, whom she adores. She also has a beloved dog, Sadie, whom she adopted in 2019.
