Three REDW Advisors & CPAs Leaders Named to Forbes First-Ever America’s Best-In-State CPAs Ranking
(ALBUQUERQUE – April 22, 2025) — REDW Advisors & CPAs is pleased to announce that three members of its senior leadership team have been named to Forbes Best-In-State CPA list. This first-ever ranking by Forbes identifies 1,000 of the finest CPAs from across the country. They are:
Jessica L. Bundy, CPA, recently appointed as Partner-in-Charge of the Albuquerque office, specializes in audits of employee benefit plans and internal audits. As the leader of the Risk Advisory practice, she serves a variety of clients to help them improve processes and controls in various operational and financial areas. Bundy is recognized as a dynamic community leader, also participating in the 2025 Leadership NM Core Class. Additionally, she serves on the Board of Directors for the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce. Bundy’s professional affiliations include the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA), American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), and the New Mexico Society of CPAs (NMSCPA).
Dean N. Willingham, CPA, CCIFP, CGMA, a Principal at REDW, has over 25 years of experience in public accounting, and is an expert in audits, reviews, and compilations for a wide range of commercial entities including construction, government contractors, manufacturing, and technology companies. Willingham excels in consulting with clients on technical and strategic matters, leveraging his innovative and forward-thinking skills to deliver creative solutions that drive enhanced operational efficiency and strategic growth. He is known for his commitment to the “3 Rs” with his clients: Responsiveness, Resourcefulness, and Relationship. Willingham has demonstrated exceptional leadership in several professional associations, including serving in pivotal roles such as Past-Chair of the New Mexico Society of CPAs and multiple terms as a Board Member of the Construction Financial Management Association and the American Subcontractors Association, earning several awards for his outstanding service and contributions.
John D. Hawkins, JD, CPA is a Principal in the REDW Tax practice group based in Salem, Oregon. As a Certified Public Accountant backed by a law degree, Hawkins advises individuals, corporations, trusts and estates, retirement plans, and tax-exempt organizations on smart tax strategies and compliance with complex tax rules and regulations. Prior to joining REDW, Hawkins advanced steadily through the ranks from intern in 1986 to partner and, ultimately, in 2022, Chairman of the Board at Grove, Mueller & Swank, P.C. (GMS). In late 2023, GMS joined forces with REDW to better serve their combined clients, particularly those in the Pacific Northwest. In addition to being a Certified Public Accountant, Hawkins is a member of the AICPA, the Oregon Society of Certified Public Accountants (OSCPA), and Oregon State Bar. He served as past-chair of the OSCPA’s Board of Directors and is currently a member of its Estate Planning Committee, as well as a member of the Willamette Valley Estate Planning Council. He also serves on the Oregon Society of CPA’s Tax Committee, which serves as a resource and provides testimony to the Oregon legislature for keeping abreast of changes to federal tax law. He is an incoming member of the AICPA Council in May 2025.
To create its inaugural list of America’s Top 200 CPAs, Forbes assembled an editorial team with broad experience in CPA practice, coverage of accounting news, and knowledge of CPA practice. The team then identified a wide array of eligible candidates through thousands of interviews with industry insiders, outside nominations, editorial research, and an independent advisory board of experts. To qualify for consideration, CPAs were required to be active and licensed. Several thousand CPAs from a variety of backgrounds, specializations and locations were ultimately considered. Candidates were rated in ten weighted categories, including achievements, professional honors, influence on the profession, thought leadership, and community service. Although their lifetime achievements were considered, emphasis was placed on their most recent accomplishments. The CPAs with the highest scores made the final list. As with all Forbes lists, candidates do not pay any fee to be considered or selected.
About REDW Advisors & CPAs:
Founded in 1953, REDW is celebrating more than 70 years of trusted expertise and growth. From its offices across the Southwest and Pacific Northwest, nearly 375 professionals serve the audit, tax, cybersecurity, business, and financial needs of a wide range of clients, both regionally and nationally, including mid-market businesses, construction & real estate, technology, healthcare, hospitality, professional service providers, and government, including Tribal Nations and their enterprises. The firm takes pride in attracting top talent from across the country who see REDW as a place where they can grow both personally and professionally. For more information, learn about REDW, the firm’s history, or connect on linkedin.com/company/redw.
