Lauren Barksdale is a Managing Director in Audit. Lauren has almost 12 years of experience serving one of the firm’s most complex and challenging financial services clients in the Audit practice. Throughout her career at KPMG, Lauren has developed an extensive background in the insurance industry, specifically within the life insurance segment. Lauren serves as the Richmond office lead for the American Heart Association, has participated in the firm’s Quality Performance Review program, and is an active people management leader.
Matt Cooper is a Managing Director in Tax. Matt has 24 years of experience and returned to KPMG in 2022 after a 16-year stint in industry. He oversaw all aspects of accounting, SEC reporting, tax planning and compliance at a life science-focused private equity and venture capital firm that also functioned as a family office. He was also responsible for tax compliance, planning and SEC tax provision reporting for fund portfolio companies across a range of industries. Since returning to KPMG, he has focused primarily on private equity funds and operating partnerships.
John Hodges is a Partner in Audit and a member of the Financial Services practice, currently on secondment in the United Kingdom. John joined KPMG in 2008 and has more than 16 of experience providing assurance services to a variety of SEC registrants.
.
Mandy Lushch is a Managing Director in Operations. Mandy is responsible for overseeing the strategic direction, operations, and financial performance of the Chief Digital Office’s Systems of Record group, which is responsible for maintaining and enhancing applications in the firm’s Finance, Talent and Culture, Risk and Growth and Strategy divisions. Mandy joined KPMG in August 2019 following a 20-year career in operations, internal audit and SOX compliance.
Cara Pates is a Managing Director in Tax. She joined KPMG as a tax intern in 2011 and now has 12 years of experience in the Accounting Methods & Credit Services (AMCS) group, focusing primarily on research tax credits. Throughout her career, Cara has served clients across industries like Aerospace & Defense, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, software, financial services, and consumer products. She leads the Mid-Atlantic Carolinas business unit for the Credit, Grants & Incentives practice and is on the steering committee for the AMCS KPMG Network of Women (KNOW).