Whole Company Alignment 2025A Milestone Moment

12/22/2025 - By Celia Nofsinger

Gallery of 11 Pictures

Looking back on the year, one of our firm's most meaningful highlights was bringing our entire team together for an exciting milestone: our first-ever Whole Company Alignment. It was a time filled with connection, learning, celebration, and a healthy dose of fun!

Over the course of two days, we reinforced the core values that guide everything we do and bring to life our purpose to “Empower People, Achieve Success.” These values serve as our foundation of The Saltmarsh Way:

  • Be a Trusted Advisor – Providing guidance that our clients rely on.
  • Communicate with Impact – Sharing information clearly, thoughtfully, and intentionally.
  • Wins as a Team – Celebrating shared success and supporting one another.
  • Make the Journey Fun – Creating moments of joy along the way.
  • Cultivate a Growth Mindset – Always learning, always improving.
  • Lead with Integrity – Doing what’s right, every time.

During the meeting, we celebrated our annual Fundamental Awards, recognizing team members who exemplify our values and bring our 33 fundamentals to life:

  • The Trusted Advisor – Teri Elkins, Senior Accounting Specialist
    • Embodies what it means to be a true partner—trusted, dependable, and always acting in the client’s best interest. This individual delivers excellence with consistency, builds genuine relationships, and sets the standard for quality and professionalism.
  • The Seedling – Ellie Cotton, Tax Accountant
    • Continually growing and taking initiative to learn, improve, and stretch beyond their comfort zone. They demonstrate curiosity, ownership, and an unstoppable drive to evolve personally and professionally.
  • The Team Player – Bailee Merkel, CPA – Tax Senior
    • Consistently shows up for others, lifts teammates higher, and strengthens the firm through empathy, collaboration, and a spirit of unity. This person puts “we” before “me” and helps everyone succeed.
  • The FUNdamental – Celia Nofsinger, Marketing Associate
    • Brings energy, joy, and positivity into everything they do. They know how to celebrate others, foster connection, and keep things fun while still getting results—making work feel meaningful and enjoyable for all.
  • The Key Communicator – Maddie McGillis, Talent Acquisition Coordinator
    • Models the power of clear, honest, and timely communication. They listen to understand, respond with intention, and create clarity and alignment that builds trust across teams and clients
  • The Foundation – Julie Edwards, CPA, Tax Supervisor
    • Exemplifies integrity, reliability, and results. They are steadfast in doing what’s right, delivering on commitments, and upholding the reputation of our firm through their consistent excellence and adaptability.
  • The All-Star – Connie O’Donnell, Tax Supervisor
    • Embodies all 33 Fundamentals, representing the heart of who we are and inspiring others through their actions, attitude, and unwavering commitment to our shared values.

Our first Whole Company Alignment was more than an event, it was a celebration of who we are, what we value, and where we’re headed. By connecting on a deeper level and exploring downtown Tampa together, we strengthened teamwork, created lasting memories, and discovered new possibilities across our teams. Looking ahead, we aligned on goals and set the stage for the future as we continue to empower our clients and communities.

Explore our photo gallery above to see our culture in action!

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