We invite you to meet our team

Homer R. Zion, Jr., CPA - Managing Partner

Homer is a founding partner of ZSA and holds a B.B.A in Accounting from Kent State University.  He began his career with a regional accounting firm in Northeast Ohio in 1980, where he progressed from staff assistant to manager during his nine-year tenure.  From 1988, until the founding of Zion, Synek and Associates in 1991, Homer was V.P. of Finance for an industrial metals commodities broker and dealer and started a metals distribution business.  As V. P. of Finance, Homer gained a significant amount of experience in managing and operating private businesses.  That experience including the previous aspects of public accounting, have served Homer well as a business and tax consultant in servicing the needs of small business owners.

Homer and his family reside in Independence where he is an active member of his church, past Independence Kiwanis member, and volunteers his time by coaching little league baseball for the city and assistance for the Independence High School music program where his children have been involved.  He is the father of four, Kristen, Emily, Nathan & Geoffrey.

Kenn M. Synek, CPA, CVA - Partner

Kenn holds an accounting degree from Cleveland State University and a master of taxation degree from the University of Akron.  He began his accounting career in 1988 with a local CPA firm, eventually becoming manager of that firm's audit practice.  Kenn joined ZSA in 1998 and became a partner in 2001.  He leads the firm's accounting and auditing practice and is a Certified Valuation Analyst, specializing in the valuation of closely held businesses.

Kenn has served in leadership positions in several local civic and nonprofit organizations.  He currently serves as chapter treasurer for the Huntington's Disease Society of America, and is also a member of HDSA's National Finance Committee.  Kenn has previously served as Wampum Bearer (Treasurer) for the Cuyahoga Valley Longhouse of the Native Sons/Native Daughters program, a father/child organization rooted in Native American traditions.  He currently serves as Wampum Bearer for the National Native Sons/Native Daughters program.

A lifelong resident of Independence, Kenn is a former member of the Citizens' Finance Committee of the Independence Local School District.  In November 2011, Kenn was elected to serve a four year term as a board member for the Independence Local School District.

Kenn and his wife Laura are proud parents of David, Gregory, Jill and Brian.

Shawn J. Mendham, CPA

Shawn received his B.A. in Accounting from MountUnionCollege and earned his CPA designation in 2001.  Prior to joining ZSA, Shawn spent three years as a senior accountant with a regional public accounting firm that specialized in high net worth individuals.  While Shawn's experience has been focused primarily in the tax arena, he also has a strong background in accounting and auditing.

Shawn and his wife Jamie reside in Wadsworth with their daughter.

Thomas J. Gottlieb, CPA

Doug O. Bury, CPA

Doug earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business Administration from Central Michigan University in 2006 with an emphasis in Accounting. His focus is helping clients with their tax returns and various other accounting services. He has  recently obtained his MBA at Indiana Wesleyan University. Doug recently earned his CPA certification.

Doug and his wife Kristen reside in North Royalton.

Lynn M. Holler

Lynn has worked in the accounting field for over 20 years, and she joined ZSA in 2000. Prior to joining our firm, she spent ten years working as an administrative assistant and tax preparer for a financial advisory firm specializing in financial services for high net worth individuals. Lynn has received a certificate in tax preparation and specializes in providing tax and accounting serices for small businesses.

Lynn resides in Parma with her daughter. 

Jason J. Sternad

Jason earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration focus in Accounting & Marketing degree from Bowling Green State University. He worked with our team part-time while finishing his degree, and became a full-time member of the team following graduation. Jason is currently working towards earning his CPA certification.

Jason and his wife Allison reside in Brecksville with their son, Nolan.

Melissa A. Lauro

Melissa earned her Bachelor of Science in Accounting degree from The University of Akron. Her experience in the accounting field began during an internship with a small public accounting firm in Akron where she focused on tax return preparation and various other accounting duties. Melissa is currently taking the first steps in pursuing her MBA and will become eligible to sit for the CPA examination soon after receiving her master's degree.

Melissa resides in Doylestown where she is closely surrounded by family and friends.

Barbara L. Martin

Barbara has been with ZSA as an administrator since 2007. She joined our team, after working as an administrative assistant for an accounting firm in Southern Utah. Prior to that, Barbara worked in property management for numerous years. Barbara  has 3 children, and 1 grandchild. 

Barbara resides with her family in Elyria.