HKA Expands Forensic Accounting and Commercial Damages Practice with New Senior Leaders

HKA Bolsters Forensic Accounting Practice with Key Hires from StoneTurn

In a strategic move to enhance its forensic accounting and commercial damages (FACD) practice, HKA, a leading risk and disputes consulting firm, has welcomed three senior leaders from rival firm StoneTurn as principals in its Dallas office. Additionally, the consultancy has brought on Brad Dragoon as a director in its FACD practice in New York City.

The recent additions of Jae Ellis, Melyana Melyana, and Veronique Chauveau to the HKA team come on the heels of partner Jeffrey Matthews’ departure from StoneTurn to join HKA in Dallas.

Ellis, a seasoned business development principal with over 25 years of experience, brings a wealth of expertise in managing relationships with law firms and corporate legal departments. His background includes roles at Huron Consulting Group, Deloitte, and Gardere Wynne Sewell LLP, as well as a JD from the University of Texas and a bachelor’s degree from Harvard University.

Melyana, who joins HKA as a principal, boasts nearly two decades of experience in fraud investigations, forensic accounting, and litigation support. Her previous positions at StoneTurn, Weaver, Charles River Associates, and Grant Thornton have equipped her with a diverse skill set that includes conducting money laundering investigations and compliance reviews.

Chauveau, another principal hire, brings over 25 years of experience in fraud investigations and estimating damages in dispute areas. With a background that includes roles at StoneTurn, Weaver, Charles River Associates, and Grant Thornton, she is well-versed in preparing expert reports and witnesses for deposition.

Dragoon, the newly appointed director, adds over a decade of experience in business intelligence, fraud investigations, and risk management strategies to the HKA team. His previous roles at Charles River Associates, FTI Consulting, and Kroll have honed his skills in financial analysis and compliance.

Ave Tucker, partner and strategic growth advisor at HKA, expressed excitement about the new hires, stating, “Their expertise and years of experience in forensic accounting and commercial damages matters will significantly supplement the capabilities of our current practice and allow us to continue to provide high-quality expert services to our clients.”

With these key additions, HKA is poised to further strengthen its FACD team across the Americas and deliver top-notch consulting services to its clients.