La Salle University
Michael DeAngelis Award Honorees
Dennis McGowan, ’06, CPA, is a member of the leadership team at the Center for Audit Quality (CAQ), where he serves as Vice President, Professional Practice. The CAQ is a public policy organization serving as the voice of U.S. public company auditors and matters related to the audits of public companies. In this role, Dennis has a front row seat to the leaders of the largest public accounting firms’ commitment to audit quality.
Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, Dennis is a key architect of the CAQ’s regulatory and policy strategies, supporting the public company auditing profession in upholding the highest standards of integrity and performance.
A sought-after speaker and expert on public company audit matters, Dennis is a prominent voice in the financial reporting ecosystem. His role involves regular engagement with senior officials at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, where he advocates for policies that enhance audit quality and investor protection. He leads a team of senior audit executives to address the most pressing technical and policy challenges facing the profession today.
Dennis’s commitment to service extends beyond his professional responsibilities. As a Board Member and Treasurer of Annapolis Pride, he is a dedicated advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. That work is fueled by a deeply personal mission: to be the visible and supportive adult he needed to see when he was younger. By championing representation and inclusion, Dennis helps ensure the next generation of leaders sees a clear and welcoming path to success.
Before joining the CAQ, Dennis spent a decade at PwC, where he specialized in the financial services industry. He began his career in PwC’s Philadelphia office before relocating to Atlanta, GA. He holds a BS in Business Administration from La Salle University and is a licensed CPA in Pennsylvania.
Today, Dennis lives in Washington, DC, with his husband, Kevin, and their two dogs, Maggie and Harry. Whether he is navigating the complexities of audit policy or enjoying life in the District or Annapolis, he remains guided by the Lasallian values of faith, service, and community.
Jeff Fletcher, ’05, is a Partner in the Asset Management Practice at KPMG LLP. In his role, Jeff provides specialized tax services and strategic guidance to clients, with a focus on the real estate and private equity markets. He is responsible for leading client engagements and developing the practice’s talent, ensuring the delivery of high-quality service and technical excellence.
Jeff began his career with KPMG LLP as a campus recruit, joining as a tax intern in January 2004 while still attending La Salle University. Following his internship, he was offered a full-time position and began his career in 2005 as a Tax Associate. He has held roles of increasing responsibility throughout his tenure, leading to his promotion to Partner. Throughout his career at KPMG, Jeff has played a key role in the growth of the Asset Management Practice and demonstrated a strong commitment to developing his teams. His leadership is characterized by a focus on mentorship, a quality recognized by his selection for the Michael A. DeAngelis Award. This award celebrates his dedication to assisting and developing his colleagues, echoing the legacy of the professor for whom it is named. His disciplined approach, honed as a collegiate athlete, has been vital to navigating complex client needs and achieving sustained growth.
Born and raised in Delaware, Jeff holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from La Salle University, from which he graduated with honors. While at La Salle, he was a four-year letterman on the football team and received the Scholar-Athlete award from the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame Philadelphia Chapter his senior year. Jeff resides with his wife Shannon and their two daughters, Lindsay and Taylor.
John Reardon Young Alumni Award
Ryan Burns, ’17, is a Senior Manager in PwC’s Private Assurance practice, where he brings nearly a decade of experience serving a diverse portfolio of clients across industries including industrial and residential manufacturing, telecommunications, and hospitality. Since joining PwC full-time in October 2017—after initially interning with the firm during his time at La Salle—Ryan helps deliver high-quality audit services to private equity-backed and family-owned businesses. His experience also extends to complex, high-impact engagements, including supporting clients through IPO filings and the preparation of offering memorandums.
In his role, Ryan combines technical accounting expertise with a practical, client-focused approach, helping organizations navigate evolving financial reporting requirements while maintaining a clear focus on their strategic objectives. As a Certified Public Accountant, he is committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and professionalism in his work.
Ryan earned both his Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Master of Business Administration from La Salle University through its rigorous four-year BS/MBA program. During his time at La Salle, he participated in the Business Scholars program and was actively involved in the Accounting Association (President), La Salle Ambassadors (Treasurer), Beta Gamma Sigma, and the Club Soccer team. These experiences helped shape his collaborative mindset and leadership skills, which continue to influence his approach to client service and team development today.