GHJ partners honored as Leaders of Influence: Minority CPAs for shaping the profession through innovation, service and advocacy.
LOS ANGELES, CA – GHJ, a national advisory and accounting firm, today announced that three Firm partners have been named to the Los Angeles Business Journal’s 2025 “Leaders of Influence: Minority CPAs” list. Audit and Assurance Practice Leader Satpal Nagpal, Nonprofit Tax Practice Leader Lizbeth Nevarez and Advisory Practice Leader Anant Patel are the recipients of this prestigious recognition. This highlights each leader’s unique contributions to the accounting profession, their communities and the broader Los Angeles business landscape.
“Satpal, Lizbeth and Anant exemplify the values that define GHJ’s culture,” said GHJ Managing Partner Tom Barry. “We are proud to see their impact acknowledged by LABJ and are thoroughly honored to have them shaping the future of the Firm and the profession through their leadership and innovation.”
VISIONARY LEADERSHIP IN ACTION
Satpal Nagpal
In his role at GHJ, Satpal serves on the Firm’s Executive Committee and has contributed to modernizing GHJ’s Audit and Assurance Practice through strategic technology integrations and global partnerships. He is also deeply committed to mentorship and has served in board capacities over the years.
"It is an honor to be recognized alongside so many distinguished professionals,” Satpal noted. “This award reflects the hard work of our incredible team and the power of innovation and mentorship to drive meaningful progress in our profession."
2025 marks the fifth time Satpal has been featured on this list from LABJ.
Lizbeth Nevarez
Lizbeth, a trailblazer in nonprofit taxation and a passionate advocate for community empowerment, is being recognized on this list for the sixth time. She was recently promoted to Partner and is a co-sponsor of GHJ’s Women’s Empowerment Cohort.
"As someone whose journey into this profession was shaped by resilience and community support, I am grateful to be recognized in a way that allows me to pay it forward,” Lizbeth stated. “This honor reinforces the importance of creating space for diverse voices in leadership."
A former DACA recipient and the first in her family to graduate from college, Lizbeth is dedicated to building inclusive spaces for women and minorities in the accounting profession. She also currently serves on several nonprofit boards across Los Angeles County.
Anant Patel
Anant is a seasoned accounting veteran and trusted M&A advisor with experience in transactions exceeding $1 billion. He is being recognized by LABJ for the sixth time for this award.
"I am proud to be part of a firm that encourages forward thinking and supports professionals from all backgrounds,” Anant said. “Being recognized by the Los Angeles Business Journal is a reflection of the team effort behind every success."
Under Anant’s leadership, GHJ’s Advisory Practice has grown over 300%, a reflection of his entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to innovation. He currently serves as HLB Global Leader – Network Capabilities, where he represents GHJ alongside other professional services firm leaders across more than 150 countries.
ELEVATING THE PROFESSION
All three leaders are active members of the California Society of CPAs and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. Their continued dedication to service, mentorship and forward-thinking leadership contributes to the growth of GHJ and the accounting industry.
To view the full list of honorees, visit the Los Angeles Business Journal website.
ABOUT GHJ
GHJ is a national advisory and accounting firm with a mission to help its clients and team members #BeMore by pursuing their passions, building thriving businesses and creating a better future. Headquartered in Los Angeles with additional offices in San Jose, Buffalo and Denver and over 250 professionals and 22 partners throughout the U.S., GHJ serves thousands of clients worldwide. The Firm meets clients where they are and specializes in a diverse range of industries, including entertainment, food and beverage and media and advertising companies and nonprofit organizations.
Ranked as a Top-100 Firm, 7th Fastest-Growing Firm, Top Regional Leader in the West and Best Firm to Work For by Accounting Today, GHJ is recognized for its innovative approach and dedication to client success. This is driven by the belief that its collective diversity of thoughts, backgrounds and experiences are exactly what makes GHJ a place where employees can each #BeMore – together. Employees are invited to pursue their passions, deliver exceptional service and support the causes they care about. The Firm embraces hybrid work and prioritizes diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility (DEIA). Additionally, GHJ Foundation supports the community through financial contributions and volunteerism.
GHJ is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), the AICPA Governmental Audit Quality Center (GAQC), the California Society of CPAs and the California Association of Nonprofits (CalNonprofit). As a member of HLB International, the global network of independent advisory and accounting firms, GHJ provides clients with seamless access to expertise in over 150 countries to deliver solutions that meet both local and global needs.
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