Meet Our Leadership Team

Peter R. Hall, CPA, CFP
Founder

Peter Hall, CPA, CFP, holds a Master's Degree in Taxation from CW Post College and has been a Certified Public Accountant and firm owner since 1977.

With extensive industry expertise across sectors such as distribution, retail, construction, real estate, hospitality, and professional services, Mr. Hall excels as a proactive, part-time CFO for many of his business clients. He also offers comprehensive tax education to individual clients and provides specialized estate planning and asset protection services for high-net-worth individuals. Over the years, Peter has assisted hundreds of small businesses and professionals by delivering innovative solutions to the unique challenges they encounter throughout the business lifecycle.

In addition to his professional practice, Peter is an active member of the New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants and the National Conference of CPA Practitioners. He also serves on the boards of several not-for-profit and community organizations.

James E. Hall, CPA, CEPA
Managing Partner

James Hall has been a dedicated professional in the accounting industry since 2006 and has been a licensed CPA with the State of New York since 2014. He earned a Master of Science in Taxation from SUNY College at Old Westbury. With a comprehensive proficiency in both business and individual tax and accounting, James specializes in optimizing backend processes for businesses, including cash flow management, streamlining accounting functions, and structuring businesses for sustainable future growth.

In addition to his expertise in tax and accounting, James has earned a certification as an Exit Planning Advisor. He has developed a specialized focus on small business succession planning, utilizing the Value Acceleration Methodology taught at the renowned Exit Planning Institute.

James served as the President of the Nassau/Suffolk Chapter of the National Conference of CPA Practitioners (NCCPAP) for the 2021–2023 term. In this leadership role, he worked to guide a network of over 600 professionals toward more effective practice management, educational development, and growth strategies. Currently, James serves as the Chairman of the organization's annual three-day educational conference, where he helps shape its content and direction.

Lori B. DiMarco, CPA
Partner

Lori B. DiMarco is a highly accomplished tax professional with extensive experience in the accounting field. She holds a Master of Science in Taxation from C.W. Post, Long Island University, and a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from Dowling College, where she graduated Summa Cum Laude.

Lori is an active member of several prestigious organizations, including the National Conference of CPA Practitioners (NCCPAP), where she served as Director of the Nassau-Suffolk Chapter for the 2022–2024 term. She is also involved with the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), where her prior firm previously participated in the Peer Review Program, as well as the New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants (NYSSCPA) and the National Association of Tax Professionals (NATP).

Her ongoing involvement in these professional organizations demonstrates her commitment to upholding the highest standards of practice and staying current with industry developments.

John Samaritano, CPA
Director of Tax Services

John Samaritano, CPA, is a seasoned professional with over three decades of experience in tax preparation, planning, and business advisory services. A native of Long Island, NY, he graduated from Hofstra University with a BBA in Public Accounting and has been a licensed CPA with the State of New York since 1986.

Previously based in Melville, NY, John has built a successful practice supported by a dedicated team of five employees. His team specializes in serving a diverse range of industries, with a focus on professional service firms, including physicians, doctors, and dentists, as well as a variety of real estate-related activities and business types.

John Samaritano takes pride in his role as a trusted advisor to his clients, working proactively with them year-round to mitigate tax liabilities and navigate the challenges and opportunities they encounter in their businesses.

Paul C. Zacher, CPA
Senior Tax Consultant

Paul C. Zacher is a highly skilled and experienced professional who is deeply committed to the long-term success and wellbeing of his clients, their businesses, and their families. A native of Long Island, Paul earned his BBA in Comprehensive Accounting from the University of Wisconsin, where he achieved Dean's List honors. He has been a licensed CPA in New York State since 1983 and brings over 40 years of expertise to the Hall CPA Group.

Paul specializes in real estate auditing, small business taxation, and trust and estate planning. He has extensive experience working with real estate and professional service organizations, particularly in the medical and legal fields.

As a trusted advisor, Paul Zacher takes a proactive approach to tax planning, working closely with clients throughout the year to address their unique challenges and identify opportunities that align with their business goals.

Michele Vegna
Office Manager

Michele Vegna is a vital member of our team, ensuring that the daily operations of our CPA firm run smoothly and efficiently. With her exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail, Michele plays a key role in overseeing the administrative team and managing the critical behind-the-scenes functions that support our partners and clients.

Her ability to coordinate multiple tasks, streamline processes, and foster a collaborative work environment makes her an indispensable part of our office. Michele works closely with the partners to facilitate all aspects of the firm's administrative needs, from managing schedules to coordinating client communications and overseeing internal operations.

Her dedication to maintaining a high standard of excellence ensures that our firm operates seamlessly, allowing our team to focus on delivering the best possible service to our clients. Michele's professionalism, expertise, and commitment to the success of the firm are instrumental in creating an organized and productive environment for everyone.

Jennifer Donley
Operations Manager Small Business Services

Jennifer Donley is the Operations Manager at Hall CPA Group, where she is dedicated to ensuring a seamless and efficient experience for every client. From overseeing the onboarding process to managing the flow of work across the team, Jennifer's strong organizational skills and process-driven approach have been key in optimizing the firm's operations.

She ensures that new clients are onboarded smoothly, addressing their needs promptly and thoroughly. Jennifer also collaborates closely with team members, ensuring tasks are completed on time and meet the firm's high standards. Her ability to systemize workflows and improve efficiency has played a major role in increasing productivity and client satisfaction at Hall CPA Group.

Known for her excellent communication and proactive problem-solving, Jennifer builds strong, lasting relationships with clients and ensures their expectations are consistently met. Her commitment to excellence makes her an invaluable part of the Hall CPA Group team.