John Casassa Awarded Joel Aronson Character Award

Posted on August 5, 2025August 5, 2025

AAFCPAs is proud to announce that John Casassa, CPA, MBA, MST has been honored with the Joel Aronson Character Award. This annual, partner-nominated award recognizes team members who embody the integrity, dedication, and generosity exemplified by Joel Aronson, Founder of AAF Wealth Management.

The award celebrates individuals who demonstrate compassion, selflessness, and a steadfast commitment to supporting communities in need. John’s selection reflects his genuine passion for his work, his quiet yet impactful leadership, and his dedication to both clients and the community.

Here’s what John’s colleagues had to say about his contributions:

He brings a positive approach to every task, inspired by his deep commitment to his clients and their missions.
His leadership is defined by intelligence, drive, and kindness, making a lasting impact on those around him.
He eagerly takes on challenging projects, contributing significantly to the firm’s growth and success.
His volunteer efforts, including his work with the Bentley Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program and the creation of the E3 College Ambassador program, highlight his unwavering dedication to giving back.

How One CPA Is Quietly Making a Big Difference

John is no stranger to recognition for his exceptional contributions, having also received the firm’s 2023 peer-nominated Emerging Leader Award.

A Distinguished Career and Commitment to Service

John Casassa, CPA, MBA, MST, is a manager at AAFCPAs, specializing in advising mission-driven nonprofit organizations, including charter schools, federally qualified health centers, and research institutions. Beyond financial statement assurance, he brings strategic insight, operational efficiency, and data-driven decision making to help clients optimize performance and drive sustainable growth.

A dedicated community leader, John serves as president of the Chesterbrook Community Foundation and Program Director for Bentley University’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program, where he mentors students and supports underserved communities.

John holds a Master of Science in Taxation and a Bachelor of Science in Corporate Finance and Accounting from Bentley University and a Master of Business Administration from Nichols College. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Massachusetts Society of Certified Public Accountants.

“John’s quiet leadership and genuine passion for helping others perfectly reflect the spirit of the Joel Aronson Character Award,” said Carla McCall, CPA, CGMA, Managing Partner of AAFCPAs. “His dedication to his clients, colleagues, and community is an inspiration, and we are honored to celebrate his accomplishments.”

About the Joel Aronson Character Award

The Joel Aronson Character Award is an annual honor that celebrates team members who carry forward the values and legacy of Joel Aronson. Recipients are recognized for their integrity, generosity, and commitment to making a difference in the lives of others.

Past Recipients include Julius N. Wakaba, CPA (2019), Nichole A. Reilly, CPA, MBA (2020), Richard O’Neil, CPA (2021), Alison M. McLaughlin, CPA, MSA (2022), and Olga Yasinnik, CPA, MBA (2023).

About the Author

John Casassa, CPA, MBA, MST

John advises sophisticated nonprofits, including charter schools and charter management organizations, private foundations, and affordable housing developers, as well as multi-program Community Development Corporations (CDCs). His experience extends to a wide variety of community-oriented lenders supporting the sector, including Community Development Finance Institutions (CDFIs), quasi-public agencies, and other specialized lending organizations. John has specialized expertise in tax credit-based financing used widely in the community development industry, including New Markets Tax Credits, Low-Income Housing tax credits, federal …

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