Elizabeth Zezula, CPA, is an Attest manager at Fenner, Melstrom & Dooling. After attending events of the AM&AA Detroit chapter for two years, she recently became a full member this year. In just a short time, however, she has risen to a leadership role as her commitment to building community and dedication to the AM&AA’s mission have had a real impact in both the local chapter and the greater AM&AA community as a whole.
How long have you been a member of AM&AA?
The Detroit Chapter is still relatively new, and we kicked off about two years ago. I began attending events and engaging with the group since those early days. This year I officially became a member, which has allowed me to deepen my involvement and take on a more intentional role in shaping our local community. It’s been exciting to help build something from the ground up, watching the momentum grow as more advisors come together to collaborate, share insights, and strengthen the middle-market deal community here in Detroit.
What drives your passion for your work and the M&A industry?
M&A sits at the intersection of strategy, finance, and people. I love helping business owners and investors navigate pivotal transitions while ensuring deals are structured with clarity, transparency, and long-term success in mind. Seeing the ripple effect of growth, innovation, and new opportunities is what keeps me energized.
What’s one piece of advice you wish you had when starting out in the industry?
The best deals are built on relationships, not just numbers. Early in my career, I focused heavily on technical work. I wish I had appreciated sooner how much success in M&A depends on listening, trust, and collaboration with advisors, lenders, and clients.
What’s currently top of mind in your business?
Working capital has become a key focus in nearly every deal I touch. Sellers are often surprised at how much impact working capital pegs, accounts receivable realizability, and inventory treatment can have on value. These adjustments directly affect the net proceeds an owner takes home, and they are often the difference between a smooth closing and a difficult negotiation. Helping clients prepare for and negotiate those nuances not only protects value but also creates confidence and clarity in the overall transaction.
How has AM&AA membership supported your professional growth?
AM&AA has given me a community of like-minded advisors who share both expertise and encouragement. A recent connection through the Detroit network paired me with a banker and an attorney on a sell-side engagement in manufacturing. Together we pressure tested the working capital peg, accounts receivable quality, and debt like items before going to market. That collaboration sharpened my approach, shortened diligence, and helped our client enter negotiations with confidence.
What kind of legacy or impact do you hope to leave on the industry?
I’d like to be remembered as someone who elevated middle-market owners’ experiences during one of the most important financial events of their lives. My goal is to demystify the process, make sure their hard work is valued properly, and contribute to a culture of transparency and collaboration among deal advisors.
