Lancaster, Pa.-based IPA 100 firm RKL LLP (FY24 net revenue of $138.01 million) has announced that former COO Mike De Stefano has been elected CEO, effective Sept. 1, 2026. He will succeed Ed Monborne, who has led the firm for 15 years. As part of the planned transition, RKL alumna Rachel Sargent returned in August to assume the role of COO. Under Monborne’s leadership, RKL has grown from a two-office regional accounting firm into a broad-based advisory firm with clients across the U.S. and globally. De Stefano, elected CEO by the firm’s partners, brings deep experience in firm strategy and operations, having started his career at RKL before returning in 2019 as CFO and later serving as COO. “My confidence in Mike began over two decades ago during his first tenure with the firm,” said Monborne. “Welcoming him back as CFO and then COO has undoubtedly made our firm stronger and more future-ready, and I can’t wait to see how the firm continues to grow and thrive under his leadership.” “I’m honored by the trust of our leadership and team in being named CEO-elect,” said De Stefano. “The foundation for the firm’s growth under Ed’s leadership has always been his belief and commitment to our people. At RKL, our people are why we are successful in serving our clients and communities. I can’t think of a better platform to continue to champion and build on.” Sargent, who began her career at RKL as an auditor, most recently held finance leadership roles, including CFO and vice president of finance and integration at a lubricant sales and distribution company. Her appointment as COO supports RKL’s focus on operational excellence and client service.