National Business Women’s Week: Honoring Our Fearless Five

During National Business Women’s Week, we celebrate the trailblazing women who inspire change, lead with courage, and set new standards for excellence. At Berman Hopkins, we are proud to spotlight our female partners — the Fearless Five— whose leadership, vision, and dedication have made a profound impact on our firm, our clients, and our industry.

Each of these exceptional leaders brings a unique perspective, a wealth of expertise, and a passion for empowering others. Their stories reflect the progress women continue to make in shaping the future of public accounting.

Abbey Redden, Tax Partner

Abbey Redden brings over 30 years of experience in public and corporate accounting. Her journey has taken her around the globe, including a stint in China, where she served as a tax consultant, before joining Berman Hopkins in 2009 and becoming a Tax Partner in 2014. Abbey specializes in tax consulting and compliance for closely held businesses, high-wealth individuals, and estates & trusts. She is also a Certified Financial Planner.

Abbey is known for tackling challenges head-on, asking the tough questions, and thinking strategically. Her client relationships are built on trust and a deep understanding of each business’s unique needs, allowing her to deliver tangible, lasting results.

Agnes Gregory, Tax Partner

Since joining Berman Hopkins as a Tax Partner in 2021, Agnes Gregory has been a catalyst for transformation. With over 20 years of public accounting experience and a background as CFO of a manufacturing company, she brings a rare combination of technical expertise and operational insight. Agnes advises clients across industries, including construction, healthcare, manufacturing, and professional services, serving high-net-worth individuals and leading complex projects such as business acquisitions and succession planning. Her work includes consulting on due diligence, transaction structuring, tax gain calculations, and operating agreements. Constantly striving to grow, she embodies the qualities of a dynamic leader driven by an unwavering commitment to excellence.

Known for her team-oriented approach and genuine willingness to support others, Agnes inspires those around her. She invests in mentoring interns, associates, and staff accountants within the tax department, fostering professional growth. Her influence is evident not only in the success of her clients but also in the strength and growth of Berman Hopkins.

Carla McRae, Partner & Chief Operating Officer

Carla brings over 20 years of dynamic, results-driven experience that spans public accounting, finance, and executive leadership. She began her distinguished career at Berman Hopkins before spending several years in the private sector, where she led multi-million-dollar expansions and orchestrated successful organizational sales. In 2020, she returned to Berman Hopkins and took control of our Advisory department. Within two years, from the ground up, she has developed it into a multi-million-dollar department. She is now the COO of the firm.

As Chief Operating Officer of the firm, Carla now oversees daily operations and strategic initiatives that drive growth and efficiency. Her leadership extends beyond operations—she is instrumental in shaping company culture, developing innovative processes, and mentoring emerging leaders. Carla’s strategic vision and hands-on approach have made her an indispensable driver of the firm’s success and long-term sustainability.

Carol Felsing, Tax Partner

Carol Felsing joined Berman Hopkins in 2023 as a Tax Partner following the strategic merger of her firm, Felsing LLC. With a distinguished career spanning over 30 years, Carol is a trusted authority in the financial realm. She assists clients with trust and estate planning, compliance services, litigation support, IRS representation, and tax planning. Having served as both trustee and executor, her expertise has been sought by the State of Florida on complex taxation matters.

Carol’s career reflects an unwavering commitment to excellence and service. Her clients benefit from her ability to deliver solutions that are both strategic and personalized, establishing her as a highly valued leader within the firm.

Laura Anne Pray, Audit Partner

Laura Anne Pray brings over 20 years of extensive experience in accounting, auditing, and tax services for public housing authorities, their component units, and affiliated entities. She began her career as an associate staff auditor with Berman Hopkins, and her deep commitment to the firm’s mission, vision, and core values led to her promotion to Audit Partner in 2018.

Laura Anne oversees public housing authority and not-for-profit audits, serving as a trusted business adviser who helps clients navigate complex financial and regulatory challenges. Her specialized expertise in this sector has been a key driver of significant revenue growth for Berman Hopkins.

Laura Anne is also dedicated to mentoring her team, investing in their personal and professional development. She inspires curiosity, encourages thoughtful questions, and motivates her team to push beyond their comfort zones to achieve meaningful goals. Her leadership fosters a positive, collaborative work environment, resulting in higher employee retention and job satisfaction within her department.

A Tribute to Leadership

The “Fearless Five” are more than just leaders — they are mentors, innovators, and champions for progress. Their dedication reflects the essence of National Business Women’s Week, celebrating women who transform industries, break barriers, and inspire others.

At Berman Hopkins, we are proud to stand alongside them and honor their achievements. Their leadership fuels our mission to build value-added relationships and deliver exceptional results. This week, and every week, we celebrate their contributions and the powerful example they set for women in business everywhere.