News

Kaitlyn L. Mariano, CPA, Named to Central New York 40 Under Forty

Dannible & McKee, LLP, a leading certified public accounting and consulting firm, announces that Kaitlyn L. Mariano, CPA, tax partner, has been named to the Central New York 40 Under Forty Class of 2026. Mariano is the eighth Dannible & McKee team member to receive this prestigious honor, which recognizes young professionals for outstanding achievements in their professions and commitment to community service.

“Kaitlyn has grown into an exceptional leader,” said Nicholas L. Shires, CPA, partner-in-charge of tax services at Dannible & McKee. “She approaches every challenge with a team-first mindset and integrity. This recognition is a testament to her hard work and the positive influence she has on the firm and our community.”

Mariano began her career at Dannible & McKee in 2012 and has steadily advanced within the firm, earning promotions to tax senior accountant in 2015, tax manager in 2022, tax senior manager in 2023 and tax partner in 2025. She works on a variety of tax engagements, with a focus on contractors, manufacturers, nonprofit organizations, multistate taxation and high-net-worth individuals. Mariano is also a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants (NYSSCPA).

Beyond her professional work, Mariano is an active leader in the community. In 2019, she and her husband founded Eye Got This, Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering blind and visually impaired athletes. Through fundraising and community support, the organization provides adaptive sports equipment at no cost to participants. Mariano also serves as a board member for the County North Children’s Center, a nonprofit childcare center serving local families. In addition, she volunteers with GiGi’s Playhouse, an organization that promotes awareness and achievement for individuals with Down syndrome, and EPI – Empowering People’s Independence, which supports individuals with developmental disabilities and brain injuries.

Mariano graduated from Le Moyne College with a Bachelor of Science in accounting in 2011 and a Master of Business Administration in accounting in 2012.

Since its launch in 1998, the 40 Under Forty Awards have recognized hundreds of the region’s most accomplished young leaders. Formerly presented by the Central New York Business Journal, the awards are now presented by Victoria Coit of Cuse Culture Media Group and Jennifer Cline of Nordique Consulting Group, who are carrying the longstanding tradition forward.

Past Dannible & McKee recipients include:

• Mickel Pompeii, CPA
• Charla Roth, CPA
• Nicholas Shires, CPA
• Brian Potter, CPA
• Samuel Lyon, CPA
• Kaitlyn Axenfeld, CPA/CFF, CFE
• Christine Petrone, CPB, CFE