ABOUT MAST
Mast Financial Group was established due to an evident need in the school industry for superior financial services.
TRANSPARENCY // ACCURACY // AUTHENTICITY
Our educational philosophy:
At the heart of every school’s success story is an empowered and motivated administration and school board leading with a clear vision and road map to achieve its dreams.
We understand that everything in a school is interconnected, and it all comes back to the budget, fiscal responsibility and, ultimately, financial and academic performance. We believe that an integrated approach is critical to ensuring that all departments within a school are moving in the same direction to achieve the same end goal — with academic achievement at the forefront. Every decision, no matter how big or small, impacts the school community. We align ourselves with your goals, so that all aspects of your financial plan support the ultimate vision for your school.
How we are different:
We believe in building strong partnerships with our clients, staying in daily communication to stay connected. While our main focus is financial services, we make it a point to be involved in all areas of operations to ensure the left hand knows what the right hand is doing. This helps us really understand the school as a whole so we can support you in making well-rounded, smart decisions.
Meet the team
Adam Holcomb, CPA
// PRESIDENT & CEO
Adam Holcomb has nearly 20 years of experience in charter school finance and has a passion for supporting boards with financial operations and strategic planning. Adam is an expert in everything pertaining to school finances; from developing school budgets to back-office support, to short-term and long-term financing, to strategic financial planning. In addition to his knowledge in finance, he understands how all departments within the school work together, and the importance that perspective brings to creating an integrated strategic plan for carrying out the board’s vision. Adam is also an independent municipal financial advisor with Partner Capital Advisors where he guides charter schools through the facility financing process. When Adam isn’t working, he loves spending time outdoors with his wife and son—hunting, fishing, golfing, biking, and enjoying time on the water.
Adam received his B.S. in Accounting from Central Michigan University. He is currently a member of the Michigan Association of Certified Public Accountants, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. He also holds his Series 50 license.
Kim Goldman, CPA
// Director of Business Services
Kim Goldman has worked in the school finance world since 2011. Her favorite part of working for MAST is the talented team she gets to work with and that every day is a new challenge. She enjoys daily interaction with clients and the variety of people she gets to meet. Kim started her career in public accounting which provides unique insight into the audit process the schools go through annually. When Kim is not working, she enjoys staying active with her husband and two kids. If they are not traveling for soccer, you can find them enjoying the lakeshore. Kim received her B.S in Accounting from GVSU and is a Certified Public Accountant.
Ben Mercer, CPA, MBA
// Director of Business Services
Ben Mercer has 10+ years of experience working in charter school finance. Ben received his M.B.A from Central Michigan University and is a Certified Public Accountant. He supports School Boards and Academies with their financial related needs. Ben enjoys spending time with his wife and 4 kids while not at work, as well as BBQ’ing, golfing, and bourbon hunting in his spare time when the Michigan Wolverines or Detroit Lions are not playing.
Kristen Zizio
// Accounting Manager
Kristen Zizio has over 7 years of experience in charter school finance. She has worked as back-end support as well as serving schools as a finance director. Kristen has experience with facilitating financial audits, grant management, creating and managing school budgets, and all other financial operations related to charter schools. At MAST, she uses her school finance knowledge to support the business services team. Kristen received her B.B.A. in Accounting from Grand Valley State University. In her personal life, she enjoys camping, going to the beach, and spending time with her husband and son.