Founder / CEO spotlight
Adele Chazin
Two decades ago, Adele Chazin, our founder and CEO, unwittingly set out to transform the way nonprofits manage their finances — from her basement. At the time, her daughter was just 6 years old, and Adele was balancing a successful career at an architectural firm with a deep desire for greater flexibility and fulfillment. She wanted to be present for her family while continuing to make an impact professionally. With a leap of faith, she set out to build something of her own—unaware that she was laying the foundation for what would become Chazin.
From the beginning, Adele’s vision was clear: to provide nonprofits with the specialized financial expertise they need to thrive. Her first client, Association for Psychological Science (APS), came through a referral from a friend, and that initial engagement opened her eyes to the critical role financial management plays in the success of mission-driven organizations. It didn’t take long for Adele to recognize that this was her calling.
“I have always felt that servicing nonprofits was my destiny,”
she reflected. That sense of purpose has been the driving force behind Chazin ever since.
Fast forward two decades, and APS remains a valued client—a testament to the power of trust, service, and enduring financial partnerships. Today, Chazin has grown from a one-person operation into a nationally recognized team of nonprofit accounting professionals, delivering comprehensive financial expertise and strategic guidance tailored to the unique needs of mission-driven organizations. From compliance with IRS regulations, GAAP, and FASB standards to ensuring smooth audits and financial transparency, the firm has built a reputation for excellence and reliability.
More than just an accounting firm, it serves as a trusted partner in the nonprofit community. Adele set the standard early on, expecting nothing less than integrity, precision, and impact from herself and her team. Those core values continue to shape our work today. As the nonprofit sector evolves, so do we—constantly learning, adapting, and refining our services to meet the ever-changing financial landscape nonprofits navigate.
For Adele, the true reward lies in witnessing the success of the organizations Chazin supports.
“Seeing the tangible outcomes—whether it’s a nonprofit expanding its reach, achieving clean audits, or transforming lives—reminds me why this work is so meaningful,”
she shared. It’s that direct connection between strong financial stewardship and community impact that continues to inspire both her and the entire Chazin team.
Her advice for those looking to succeed in the nonprofit sector? Passion, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to excellence are non-negotiable. Delivering quality and value must always be the priority—because when you focus on truly serving nonprofits with care and expertise, the impact and success will follow. As she puts it, “What drives me isn’t money or conventional success—it’s the commitment to providing high-quality services and always doing what’s right for our clients. I believe that true impact comes from integrity, excellence, and a genuine dedication to helping nonprofits thrive.” That mindset, rooted in purpose over profit, is what has fueled Chazin’s organic growth and continues to guide the firm’s work today.
Adele’s leadership is rooted in respect for the nonprofit community and a commitment to fostering a team that thrives. She believes in setting high expectations, holding herself and others accountable, and cultivating a culture where employees and clients alike feel supported. If she had to sum up her leadership philosophy in one word, it would be integrity—the guiding force behind every decision, action, and relationship at Chazin.
As we celebrate 20 years, we reflect with gratitude on how far we’ve come and look ahead with excitement for what’s next. Our mission remains stronger than ever: to empower nonprofits with the financial tools, guidance, and expertise they need to make a lasting impact. Here’s to the next 20 years of growth, service, and making a difference!