Giving Back Starts at the Top: How CJBS Partners Lead Through Service

At CJBS, our commitment to serving others extends far beyond our work in accounting, tax, and advisory services. It starts with our leadership team, whose dedication to their communities reflects the values we uphold as a firm.

We believe that being a trusted advisor means more than helping our clients thrive financially—it also means showing up for our communities with time, heart, and hands-on involvement. That’s why we’re proud to highlight the nonprofit and community organizations our partners are actively involved in, each reflecting a personal passion and a shared belief that giving back builds stronger businesses and better lives.

Here’s a closer look at how our leadership team is making a difference.

Lorena Johnson Engelman, CPA – Senior Member

Promoting Wellness and Stability with Leyden Family Service

Lorena Johnson Engelman is a dedicated board member at Leyden Family Service and Mental Health Center, an organization that has provided essential behavioral health and social services to individuals and families across the Chicago area for nearly 70 years. Leyden’s mission—to offer accessible, compassionate care to those in need—aligns closely with Lorena’s personal values and professional commitment to community support.

Leyden serves people of all ages through programs in mental health counseling, substance use recovery, crisis intervention, senior outreach, and more. Lorena’s involvement on the Board of Directors gives her the opportunity to support the organization’s long-term planning and financial sustainability, helping ensure that services remain available to the communities that need them most.

Her work with Leyden reflects a deep belief in the importance of mental health care and family support as cornerstones of a strong, healthy society.

Learn more about Leyden Family Service.

Jeffrey Stuart, CPA – Managing Member

Strengthening Community Through Faith

As a Partner at CJBS and a lifelong member of his local parish, Jeffrey Stuart has found a meaningful way to serve through St. Norbert’s Church in Northbrook, Illinois. He currently serves on the finance committee board. The church, part of the Northbrook Catholic Community, plays a vital role in bringing people together through worship, education, and charitable outreach.

Jeffrey’s involvement is a reflection of his long-held values of service and spiritual stewardship. Whether supporting local events or contributing to parish leadership efforts, he brings the same level of thoughtfulness and responsibility to his community work as he does to his clients. For Jeffrey, giving back through faith-based service is both a calling and a way to help foster deeper connections within the Northbrook area.

Learn more about St. Norbert’s Church.

Ryan Guedel, CPA – Member

Giving Rescued Animals a Second Chance + Feeding Our Communities 

For Ryan Guedel, giving back means speaking up for those without a voice. Ryan serves on the board of Furever Home Dog Sanctuary, an all-volunteer nonprofit committed to rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming senior and medically challenged dogs.

This cause is close to Ryan’s heart. He brings both passion and professional guidance to Furever Home’s leadership, helping the organization manage growth sustainably while staying true to its mission of compassion. Whether it’s supporting adoption events or ensuring the nonprofit remains financially sound, Ryan believes that every dog deserves a safe, loving home—and that community-driven animal welfare is a cause worth fighting for.

Learn more about Furever Home.

Ryan also serves as Treasurer of the Board for the Hunger Resource Network, a nonprofit dedicated to fighting food insecurity across Chicagoland. In this role, he ensures the organization’s financial health by setting and monitoring budgets, creating systems to evaluate the success of events and programs, and aligning internal reports with donations and grants received. His efforts help ensure every dollar received is put to work feeding as many people as possible.

Learn more about the Hunger Resource Network.

Matt Bergman, CPA – Senior Member

Empowering Students Through Scholarship

Matthew Bergman is a proud supporter and board member of The Sommer Foundation, a nonprofit that provides college scholarships to students who have lost a parent.

The foundation’s mission is deeply personal and profoundly impactful: to ease the financial burden of higher education for young people navigating life after loss. Matt contributes not only his expertise in financial stewardship but also his time connecting with scholarship recipients and supporting the Foundation’s events and fundraising initiatives.

By investing in students’ futures, Matt helps the Foundation honor the legacies of lost loved ones and nurture the resilience of tomorrow’s leaders.

Learn more about The Sommer Foundation.

Andrew Lotts, CPA, CGMA – Senior Member

Supporting At-Risk Youth with Maryville Academy

Andrew Lotts lends his time and leadership to Maryville Academy, a nonprofit that has supported children and families in crisis for over 140 years. Maryville’s mission—to help children reach their fullest potential—resonates deeply with Andrew, who believes that investing in the next generation is one of the most important ways to strengthen communities long-term.

Through its programs in education, health care, and family support, Maryville serves thousands of children across Illinois. Andrew’s role as Treasurer on the Board of Directors allows him to contribute his financial expertise and strategic thinking to an organization that’s creating life-changing opportunities for youth.

Learn more about Maryville Academy.

Gabriela Ursu, CPA – Member

Advancing the Accounting Profession Through Service

As a Partner at CJBS and a passionate advocate for education and professional development, Gabriela Ursu serves on the Not-for-Profit Committee of the Illinois CPA Society. This committee brings together leaders from across the state to discuss accounting standards, governance, and transparency in the nonprofit sector.

Gabriela’s involvement helps guide best practices for the many charitable organizations served by accounting professionals throughout Illinois. She is committed to strengthening the impact and accountability of nonprofits by promoting sound financial practices and sharing insights on evolving industry standards.

Her leadership reflects a broader commitment to supporting the organizations that are building a more just and equitable world.

Learn more about the Illinois CPA Society.

Why This Matters at CJBS

Community involvement is part of the culture at CJBS. It reflects the values our team brings to both client relationships and everyday decisions.

The nonprofit work of our partners represents a commitment to service that extends beyond the office. It supports how we approach our work: with care, integrity, and a focus on long-term relationships.

Whether advising a local nonprofit, helping a business navigate financial decisions, or volunteering time to causes we care about, we take pride in being present and engaged.

At CJBS, giving back is a responsibility we take seriously—and it starts with leadership.