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Meet Our Staff
Gift & Associates recruits talented professionals with diverse accounting backgrounds, thus developing a well-rounded team that is equipped to provide sound business advice and accounting services to clients across varying industries. A commitment to continuing education ensures members of the Gift & Associates team remain knowledgeable about the latest financial and legislative issues that affect small and medium-sized businesses.
Stephen P. Gift, CPA, CFP, PFS Founder and Owner
Stephen P. Gift
Stephen P. Gift founded Gift & Associates in 1984 with a dedication to excellence and a desire to provide comprehensive accounting services to small and medium-sized businesses across central Pennsylvania. Over nearly three decades, Stephen has developed the firm into a trusted business partner of more than 750 clients, ranging from small retail operations to large restaurant chains.
Steve holds designations as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Financial Planner® (CFP) and Personal Financial Specialist (PFS). He is a member of the following professional organizations:
Steve is a founder of the Small Business Resource Group (SBRG), which is composed of five companies that joined forces to provide professional expertise and advisory services in:
Steve also serves on Graystone Tower Bank’s Advisory Board. Steve and two of his sons recently completed a seven-day hike in France and Italy. After the hike, they explored the wines of Bordeaux. Close
Shawn M. Brubaker, CPA Accounting Manager
Shawn M. Brubaker
Shawn M. Brubaker joined Gift & Associates in 2000, and has 12 years of professional accounting experience. His previous experience includes working in the banking industry,
which allows him to provide a banking perspective to clients. Shawn focuses on helping small businesses with financial administration and providing tax services to clients.
Shawn is a member of the Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA). He serves on the advisory board for Estamos Unidos de Pennsylvania and is treasurer of
the Mechanicsburg Art Center. In his free time, Shawn enjoys riding his Harley, kayaking and canoeing.
Shawn retired from the Pennsylvania Army National Guard after 20 years of service. He served in Operation Iraqi Freedom and earned the Purple Heart for wounds received during
combat operations in 2005.
James J. Bruzga, CPA Accounting Manager
James J. Bruzga
James J. Bruzga joined Gift & Associates in 2006 after being a partner in Vogt & Bruzga for 19 years. He has 31 years of professional accounting experience.
He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA).
Jim is a member of Knights of Columbus, works with his homeowner’s association board and assists the local volunteer fire company with administrative tasks.
When he’s not working or volunteering, Jim enjoys exercise, music, tennis, reading and watching sports. He has been married for 29 years and has four sons. He is slowly learning to play the guitar.
Charles J. Henry, CPA Accounting Manager
Charles J. Henry
Charles J. Henry has worked in public accounting for 17 years, spending 10 of those years at Gift & Associates. He uses his expertise to help clients manage cash flow and understand their financial statements.
Chuck is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA).
Chuck combines his professional talents and love of hockey by serving as treasurer for the Mechanicsburg Ice Hockey Club.
An avid Pittsburgh fan, Chuck watches the Penguins and Steelers play whenever he can. He also enjoys attending his children’s activities, roller hockey and golfing. He’s proud to be one of the few golfers who have achieved a hole in one.
Jesse Lambert, CPA Accounting Manager
Jesse Lambert
Jesse Lambert joined Gift & Associates in 2004 after earning a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Pennsylvania State University. Prior to coming to the firm, Jesse was site operations manager for a million-dollar concessions operation.
Jesse assists small businesses with their accounting needs and also provides tax services to clients.
Jesse is an active member of Harrisburg Keystone Rotary Club and is the recorder for Cathedral of St. Patrick’s Knights of Columbus Council. He enjoys volunteering in the community, spending time with family and friends, traveling, running, downhill skiing and hiking.
An avid hiker, Jesse has hiked the Grand Canyon, and stayed overnight at the bottom of the canyon in the Phantom Ranch. Close
Terry E. Lemon
Business Development Manager
Terry E. Lemon
Terry Lemon originally joined Gift & Associates in 1994. Over the years he has helped grow Gift & Associates by welcoming new businesses to the firm and ensuring exceptional client service.
Terry has first-hand experience and knowledge of clients’ needs, having owned and operated numerous businesses himself. He uses this insight to help Gift & Associates remain responsive to the requirements for running a successful company.
David L. Maaskant, MBA Accounting Manager
David L. Maaskant
David L. Maaskant joined Gift & Associates in 2008. He holds a Master of Business Administration in financial analysis. Prior to coming to the firm, David worked as the finance manager for a small business in Harrisburg.
David is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and B2B of Central PA, where he serves on the board.
Jason Vathis, CPA, CFP® Accounting Manager
Jason Vathis
Jason Vathis joined Gift & Associates in 2004. He has earned both the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) designations. Jason has 10 years of experience and worked as a senior accountant in the health care field before coming to the firm.
Jason focuses his work on helping clients with personal and business taxes and financial planning. He is a member of the Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA) and serves on the board of the Boys & Girls Club of Harrisburg.
Jason enjoys hunting, fishing, home remodeling, classic cars and sports. His face may be familiar, as he is a former model for Boscov’s print ads.
Jamie Beane
Staff Accountant
Jamie Beane
Jamie Beane has been with Gift & Associates since 2003. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from Penn State University. Jamie discovered her passion and talent for accounting shortly after being employed at the firm.
Jamie helps small businesses plan for the future as well as assists individuals with tax matters. She is also involved in the technological advancement of the firm.
Jamie enjoys running, cooking and spending time with her family when not working.
Support Staff
- Lori Backenstoes
- Kelly Baer
- Erin Casner
- Janet Hestor
- Melissa Lowe
- Myra Miller
- Irene Mouchlizis
- Lori Rineer
- Christine Sobolewski
- Alison Speck
- Rachel Daubert
- Diana Canapp
