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Senior Management

Kathleen Hatke Aro, JD -- President
Ms. Aro was appointed Accounting Aid president in 2004. She is an attorney with experience in both for-profits and nonprofits, holding an MBA from the University of Michigan as well as a law degree from George Washington University and BA from Purdue University. As an attorney, Aro represented individuals and businesses in labor and employment matters for more than 15 years and engaged in volunteer pro bono work for various nonprofit organizations for more than 10 years. Ms. Aro's past positions include senior attorney and strategic planner/controller for Michigan Consolidated Gas Company, attorney for Dickinson Wright PLLC, and also served as legislative staff for the National Collegiate Athletic Association. Her community involvements include executive director for Just-Us-Families and vice-president and chair of the YMCA Metropolitan Detroit Camping Services Board of Directors.

Marshall Hunt, CPA -- Director of the Tax Assistance Program
Mr. Hunt joined Accounting Aid Society as director of the Tax Assistance Program in 2001, after 34 years of experience in tax administration with the IRS. Prior to joining the staff, he had been a tax volunteer for 20 years, including serving nine years on the Accounting Aid Board of Directors. Mr. Hunt, a CPA since 1972, is active in the Michigan Association of Certified Public Accountants. He was named to the prestigious IRS Advisory Council (IRSAC) in 2008.  Mr. Hunt is also a member of the Steering Committee of the National Community Tax Coalition and the Tax Division of the American Institute of CPAs. He holds an MS in Taxation from Walsh College and a BBA from the University of Michigan-Dearborn. He has been an adjunct lecturer in the School of Management at the University of Michigan-Dearborn teaching tax and accounting courses since 1986. Mr. Hunt has received many national and state awards for his work in helping improve the lives of low-income families and minorities.

Gabrielle Thomas -- Director of Development 
Ms. Thomas brought her skills to Accounting Aid in May 2005 when she was hired as a contract grant writer. She was promoted to director of development a year later. In addition to grant writing and business planning, she has nine years of private sector experience in production supervision, project management and program development. Ms. Thomas earned an MBA from University of Detroit and a BS in Food Science from Michigan State University. She is currently finishing a Post Baccalaureate Certificate in Nonprofit Management at Wayne State University. 

Karen Newman -- Operations Manager
Ms. Newman brought 25 years of experience in federal government service when she joined Accounting Aid Society in October 2008. She worked in the Examination Division of the IRS as a Tax Auditor manager and retired in 2005. She also worked for the taxpayer Advocate Services and was founder/director of The Student Tax Assistance Program. She holds a bachelor's degree from Spring Arbor University in management and operations development.

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