Our May Member Spotlight shines on Steven Alexander, Partner at CohnReznick!

Steven Alexander is a longtime friend, AAPL member and a valued Partner at CohnReznick for 34 years. He is a member of CohnReznick’s Assurance team and Financial Services Industry practice, where he focuses on accounting, auditing, and tax advisory services. When we asked him what advice he would give to his younger self, he said, “I need to give credit where credit is due and I heard Tom Hanks say in an interview ‘This too shall pass!’ Things are never as good as they may seem and just as important, things are never as bad as they seem.  Everything passes and don’t let individual successes or failures define you or your career.” When he’s not working, you can find Steven on the golf course working on his game or traveling somewhere new.

Read more about our future PGA player:

How long have you been an AAPL member?

6 years

What AAPL benefit do you MOST value?

I have been an accountant for 30+ years.  Through my career I have learned that any quality firm can provide financial statement and tax services.  What separates accounting professionals are those that can bring a level of industry expertise and insight to their clients.  They become trusted advisors that aid in the client’s growth and success.  The collaboration and networking provided by AAPL has been essential adding to my knowledge of the private lending industry as well as staying on top of topical developments, all of which adds value to the accountant/client experience.

What would you/your company like to contribute to fellow AAPL members and the private lending industry?

I would love to continue to be a resource to the industry.  Sharing my knowledge and learning from others. Discussing best practices and helping private lenders achieve their goals.

What is your favorite AAPL memory?

I am not sure of my favorite memory but the funniest memory that I will never forget is the first time that I was a speaker on a panel at the AAPL.  The moderator asked a question and as I began to answer I looked out into the audience and saw one of my partners shaking his head “no” to me as if I was saying something wrong.  It turned out that the entire panel did not hear the question correctly and we all answered a different question then the one be asked of us.

Why did you decide to enter the private lending profession?

Early on in my career I was exposed to a variety of lenders and took a liking to the space.  As my career developed the passion continued to grow.  I think that the private lending space and private funds in particular are still in the early stages and the industry will only continue to grow.  Being a part of that growth and watching the trajectory is exciting.

What are some accomplishments you are particularly proud of?

My wife and son.

What is the “one weird fact about you” that you always share during team building exercises?

I am a TikTok junky.  I don’t make content but spend about 30-45 minutes at night unwinding and scrolling.

Career advice for industry newbies?

I think my favorite piece of advice is…”There is no substitute for hard work”  If you want to be successful you are going to have to put the time and effort in to learn the industry.  Meet as many people as you can and ask questions.  Most people love to help others out.

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To see yourself in the spotlight or nominate a member, just complete this form. A member of the AAPL team will follow up with you.