Our Team | CAPATA | California CPA

Meet The Team

Kevin Cloward – Managing Partner

Managing Partner

Kevin Cloward

For over 20 years, Kevin has enjoyed working alongside business owners and high net worth families to reach their maximum potential in business and life. He understands there is a blurred line between the two and having a strategy that can complement both is important. Kevin specializes in creating a custom approach for tax compliance, planning, and business advisory. His expertise is working with: family offices, multistate corporations, multistate partnerships, limited liability companies, and S-corporations. Kevin also supports high net worth individuals in industries including: real estate, restaurants, hospitality, manufacturing, professional services, and private equity.

Education: Master of Science, Taxation, Golden Gate University Bachelor of Science, Accounting, Biola University

Personal: Married to Brandi for more than 15 years and blessed with six children
Hobbies include spending time with family, hiking and strength training

Gary Capata – Senior Partner

Partner

Gary Capata

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Gary is a Certified Public Accountant who specializes in tax strategy, forensic accounting, and litigation support. He is a forensic accounting expert who has testified throughout California. Clients Gary has worked with include members of the entertainment community, closely held corporations, corporate executives, attorneys, and medical professionals. Educated at the University of Southern California, Gary earned his undergraduate degree in Accounting and an MBA in Taxation and Finance in 1977. After graduating, he garnered additional experience, knowledge and technical training at Arthur Young & Co. before founding CAPATA in 1986. Gary has taught numerous continuing education and university-level courses in tax and accounting services for these prestigious organizations:
– California CPA Society
– American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
– University of Southern California
– University of California, Los Angeles

In 2010, Gary was recognized by the California CPA Society when he received their Public Service award for his record of commitment to public service through participation in charitable, governmental, and volunteer work.
– City Council Member, and former Mayor of Laguna Niguel (2007 & 2011)
– City Council Liaison to the Laguna Niguel Traffic and Transportation Commission; – Investment, Banking and Audit
– Committee; and the Parks and Recreation Commission
-Orange County Fire Authority Board, Budget and Finance Committee Chair Saddleback College Foundation
– Board of Trustees – Group Insurance Trust CAL – CPA
– Laguna Niguel Rotary, Chamber of Commerce, Lion’s Clubess

Sal Kureh – Partner

Partner

Sal Kureh

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Sal is a seasoned financial executive responsible for the strategic oversight, execution, and delivery of our accounting, audit, tax, and business advisory services. He plays a critical role in financial reporting, regulatory compliance, risk management, and corporate governance, ensuring operational excellence and adherence to industry best practices.

With 25 years of experience, Sal has worked extensively with clients in biotechnology, manufacturing, software, mortgage, and real estate. His expertise spans financial strategy, M&A due diligence, internal controls, business valuation, and performance optimization. He also provides litigation support, assisting clients with forensic accounting, economic damages analysis, and expert witness testimony. Additionally, he advises businesses on tax planning, compliance, and structuring strategies to optimize financial efficiency.

Sal has held senior leadership positions in both Big Four accounting firms and private industry, including serving as a CFO, where he led financial planning, capital structuring, and enterprise growth strategies. He is committed to driving financial integrity, operational efficiency, and long-term business success for our clients.

Emil Abedian – Partner

Partner

Emil Abedian

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Emil Abedian is a seasoned accounting and financial professional with over two decades of experience in tax, audit, and business consulting. As the founder of Abedian + Totlian, he has dedicated more than 16 years to providing comprehensive financial solutions to law firms and small to mid-sized businesses. His expertise lies in streamlining operations, managing back-office functions, and helping businesses achieve financial clarity and growth.

Before establishing Abedian + Totlian, Emil held key roles at renowned firms such as Ernst & Young and CohnReznick, where he honed his skills in auditing and financial strategy. His background also includes international experience, having earned a Master of Science in Business and Economics from Uppsala University in Sweden.

Beyond his professional work, Emil is deeply involved in community and business organizations. He serves as a Board Member and CFO for both the Mentor Foundation USA and the Swedish-American Chamber of Commerce in Los Angeles, where he supports initiatives focused on economic empowerment and business growth.

Now, as part of CAPATA, Emil continues to lead with a commitment to excellence, bringing his extensive expertise and leadership to serve businesses in Glendale, Newport Beach, and beyond.

Sibel Horhor – Principal

Principal

Sibel Horhor

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With extensive experience in accounting and financial management, Sibel Horhor has been a trusted advisor to small and mid-sized businesses, providing expert tax, accounting, and advisory services.
As a key leader at Abedian + Totlian, she played a crucial role in delivering personalized financial solutions, helping businesses streamline their accounting processes and stay compliant with ever-evolving tax regulations. Her hands-on approach and strategic insights have made her a go-to resource for entrepreneurs and professionals across various industries.
Now, as part of CAPATA, Sibel continues to lead with excellence, offering proactive financial guidance and customized solutions that empower businesses to thrive.

Horace Hertz – Principal

Principal

Horace Hertz

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Horace Hertz is a seasoned financial executive with over 40 years of leadership experience across industries such as healthcare, technology, software, pharmaceuticals, and manufacturing. He has held senior roles including CFO, COO, Interim CEO, and Audit Partner, specializing in capital formation, strategic restructuring, IPO readiness, and public company governance. His extensive background includes guiding companies through multimillion-dollar fundraising rounds, mergers and acquisitions, and Sarbanes-Oxley implementations, along with deep expertise in financial compliance and audit oversight.
Horace holds a Master’s in Mathematics, combining strong analytical skills with practical business acumen to drive performance and value creation. Throughout his career, he has played a key role in scaling businesses, raising capital, and leading major corporate transformations. His previous positions include CFO at Premier BH, Inc., where he led financial operations for multiple skilled nursing facilities, and Partner at Squar Milner (Baker Tilly), where he managed the Technology Industry Group and the Los Angeles office. He also served as CFO at CNS Response, Inc., leading a successful reverse merger that raised $7M, and at Aspeon Corporation (NASDAQ), where he scaled the company to $80M in revenue and completed seven acquisitions.
Horace’s leadership and expertise continue to be a valuable asset to CAPATA, driving strategic financial growth and operational excellence.

Jim Hill – Executive Director of Administration

Executive Director of Administration

Jim Hill

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With over three decades of leadership experience, Jim Hill is a dynamic and results-driven executive recognized for building high-performing, cross-generational teams and driving strategic growth. Renowned for his expertise in leadership, communication, strategic planning, systems integration, and team building, Jim has a proven record of success in managing multi-million-dollar budgets, overseeing complex operations, and fostering employee engagement.

Jim’s professional journey spans diverse industries, including legal services, waste management, and non-profit management. He has held pivotal roles in operations, consistently delivering impactful results.

Prior to joining Capata, Jim spent two years with Strategic Sanitation Services, where he played a critical role in developing teams and transitioning the leadership structure from an entrepreneurial model to a professionally managed system. Many also know Jim from his eight years working alongside Robert Ming at Quadrant Law Group, where he took pride in building a distinctive firm. Together, they developed proprietary software, established innovative client and team systems, and fostered a culture that delivered exceptional work. The firm became a standout in the legal industry, known for its fantastic culture and deep client loyalty. Following the tragic loss of his managing partner, Jim sought opportunities to help grow organizations and is now excited to bring his expertise to Capata CPA.

Jim holds two bachelor’s degrees from Northwest University in Business Administration and Church Leadership and earned a Master’s in Leadership from Vanguard University.

Outside of his professional life, Jim is a proud husband to Ceri for over 32 years and the father of two adult sons. He values family, leadership, and the opportunity to create lasting impact in every role he undertakes.

Ana Lemus – Director of Operations

director of operations

Ana Lemus

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Ana Lemus serves as our esteemed Bilingual Director of Operations, responsible for overseeing the daily business activities of CAPATA. With a deep commitment to delivering exceptional quality work, Ana consistently takes initiative to enhance our existing systems, ensuring optimal service to our valued community while implementing industry-leading best practices.
Additionally, Ana holds the distinguished position of a Notary Public, commissioned in the state of California. She exhibits a steadfast dedication to her professional growth by actively pursuing continuing education in Administration and Human Resources through various management-focused extension courses. Ana embodies a motivated professional with an unwavering work ethic, consistently fostering a positive and energetic atmosphere within the workplace.

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Meet The Team

Kevin Cloward

Gary Capata

Sal Kureh

Emil Abedian

Sibel Horhor

Horace Hertz

Jim Hill

Ana Lemus

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