Mike De Stefano now leads RKL, a top accounting and advisory firm in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, after assuming the CEO role on September 1. This change concludes a 15-year leadership period for Ed Monborne, who will retire in December. The firm’s partners elected De Stefano, continuing a planned succession that also named Rachel Sargent as COO in August 2025.
De Stefano’s career includes roles in public accounting, corporate finance, and executive leadership. He first joined RKL in 1995, working in tax and audit services for 14 years before leaving in 2009 to become controller, then CFO and vice president of finance at a petroleum wholesale and logistics company. He returned to RKL in 2019 as CFO and was promoted to COO in 2022.
Under Monborne’s leadership, RKL grew from a regional firm to a nationally recognized company with clients across the U.S. and internationally. Monborne joined RKL in 1994 after working at KPMG and PwC, taking the CEO position in 2011.
The firm’s succession plan has been in development for years. De Stefano’s extensive experience with RKL—from his initial tenure and later as CFO and COO—should ensure a smooth transition. This approach also reflects RKL’s commitment to stability amid industry challenges, including talent shortages and regulatory demands.
“I’m excited for this next chapter for RKL,” De Stefano said in a statement on Aug. 31. “We remain focused on delivering the client service, trusted advice, and deep expertise our clients count on while continuing to build on the firm’s strong momentum.” His recognition as a regional leader, listed among the Central Penn Business Journal’s Leaders in Business and Finance and Power List for Banking, Finance, and Wealth Management, and among the region’s 300 most influential leaders, confirms his influence in the field.
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Why Internal Leadership Wins for RKL
Monborne’s farewell note praised De Stefano’s long-term contributions. “My confidence in Mike began over two decades ago during his first tenure with the firm,” Monborne said in a statement. “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.” The transition indicates RKL’s reliance on internal leadership to guide growth rather than seeking outside candidates.
De Stefano’s experience in public accounting and corporate finance may help align client needs with operational efficiency, a key concern as firms demand more specialized advisory services. His return also suggests a shift toward more direct leadership, given his recent COO role overseeing daily operations alongside the CEO.
RKL’s diverse client base, spanning multiple industries, should experience minimal disruption from the change. The firm’s focus on continuity in communications signals an effort to maintain service quality while adjusting to market shifts. For now, the transition appears seamless, with no signs of major restructuring or workforce reductions.
A Smooth Transition for Clients and Growth
De Stefano’s appointment follows a structured succession plan that has been years in the making. His deep understanding of RKL’s operations, combined with his financial and operational expertise, positions him to maintain the firm’s growth trajectory. The move reflects a deliberate choice to reinforce internal leadership rather than pursue external hires.
Monborne’s tenure saw RKL evolve into a national firm with expanded services and a broader client footprint. His departure leaves behind a company well-prepared for the next phase under De Stefano’s direction.
