Kola Adeyemi, CPA
Goldman Sachs
2005 College Scholarship Recipient
Kola Adeyemi received a bachelor's degree in accounting from Rutgers University in August 2006 (highest honors). He also holds an associate's degree in accounting from Essex County College (2004), where he served as the alumni president in 2006.
He joined the NJSCPA as a student member in 2005 and participated in the Scholars Institute that same year. In April 2005, he received the NJSCPA/Ernst & Young Minority Leadership Award of $2,500 and the NJSCPA/National Basketball Association Scholarship of $3,000 and was recently featured in the NJSCPA Scholarship Fund 50th Anniversary celebration video as a past scholarship recipient.
Kola received his CPA license in October 2008. He is a member of the American Institute of CPAs and the National Association of Black Accountants. He began his career in 2006 at PricewaterhouseCoopers in the assurance, banking and capital markets practice. Kola is currently with Goldman Sachs in the finance division working as an associate.
- Interests: playing in chess tournaments, watching movies and staying current with the news
"The NJSCPA was of tremendous assistance during my undergraduate education. I remember that the NJSCPA scholarships I received came just in time to pay for some extra summer classes. And even after college, the events I attended enabled me to make and keep key contacts who have helped advance my professional career.
Anthony F. Marone, Jr., CPA
Capital Trust, Inc.
2000 High School Scholarship Recipient
Tony Marone has been a member of the NJSCPA since receiving a $5,000 high school scholarship in 2000. The scholarship helped Tony attend Rutgers University, where he earned both a bachelor's degree and an MBA, and introduced him to the NJSCPA which continues to be a tremendous learning and networking resource.
After graduating in 2005, Tony earned his CPA license while working in the real estate assurance practice of PricewaterhouseCoopers. Tony currently serves as vice president and controller of Capital Trust, Inc., a finance and investment management firm focused on the commercial real estate industry. Tony is an active member of the NJSCPA, having served as chair of the Scholars Institute Advisory Board, as a member of
Tomorrow’s CPA Editorial Board and in other capacities.
When he is not at work or volunteering with the NJSCPA, Tony enjoys spending summers at the infamous Jersey Shore.
- Favorite movie: “The Count of Monte Cristo”
- What’s on his iPod: Still the Same” by Bob Seger
- Favorite books: anything by R.A. Salvatore
Sarah Krom, CPA
Sharpe, Kawam, Carmosino & Co., LLC
2004 College Scholarship Recipient
Sarah graduated from the Richard Stockton College of NJ in December 2004, after receiving $3,000 from the NJSCPA Atlantic/Cape May Chapter scholarship program. She is currently a team member at Sharpe, Kawam, Carmosino & Co., LLC in Boonton. She works on many of the larger clients for audits and reviews and is actively participating in the firm’s business development group.
She is chair of the NJSCPA Young CPAs Council and an AICPA Ambassador.
Best vacation spot: Cabo San Lucas Mexico
“I am grateful to the Society for all that they offer me: the scholarship, networking, growth opportunities and professional development," says Sarah. When asked about being involved with the Society, she commented, "I would not feel right if I didn’t turn around and give back to the profession that has nurtured me since 2004.”
Brent Ashton, CPA
Ernst and Young LLP
1990 High School Scholarship Recipient
Brent Ashton was awarded an NJSCPA High School Scholarship in 1990 and received his B.S. degree from Washington University in St. Louis. He began his career at Ernst & Young LLP and 16 years later is a partner in the assurance service division.
Brent joined the NJSCPA in 1997 and is currently the president of the Scholarship Fund. He has served as chair of the Student Programs & Scholarships Committee and the Scholars Institute Advisory Board.
- Pet - Simba, Yellow Lab
- iPod Music - Black Crowes
- Movie - Original Star Wars
- Activity - Tennis and hiking with my wife, Shari, and our dog
- Favorite Vacation spot - All of France
"Without the scholarship I would have not been an accounting major. I would not be a CPA. I would not be at Ernst & Young. I have my career and my livelihood because of the NJSCPA Scholarship."