From In-Charge Auditor to Audit Manager: Building a Career at DeLeon & Stang

Growing up in Sharpsburg, MD, and now living in Hagerstown, MD, Addie Blickenstaff has always called Washington County home. In June 2017, she joined DeLeon & Stang as an In-Charge Auditor, bringing her expertise and passion for accounting to the firm’s Frederick office. Eight years later, she’s an Audit Manager and an integral leader in shaping the firm’s audit services. 

As an Audit Manager, Addie leads attest engagements for a variety of nonprofit organizations and local governments. She oversees planning and execution, manages client relationships, and ensures her team’s work is accurate and compliant. Beyond client work, she's also helping shape the audit department itself—spearheading technology and process initiatives and guiding interns and new hires as they integrate into the firm's culture.  

“DeLeon & Stang has been incredibly supportive of my professional and personal growth,” Addie reflects. “The firm’s mentorship and open-door leadership have helped me gain confidence in managing teams, communicating with clients, and thinking strategically about how we serve our communities. They encouraged me to continue my education, supported me in earning my CPA certification—covering exam fees and study materials—and gave me many opportunities to lead engagements early in my career.” 

That support has continued throughout her time at D&S, opening doors to meaningful professional development. A highlight was attending the ASAE Conference last year, which Addie calls “a huge stepping stone for both me and D&S’s audit department in networking and learning best practices for growth and development.” 

"Honestly, I think my biggest achievement has been participating in the growth and leverage of our department," Addie reflects. "We’re in a much different place than we were structurally eight years ago, and I am proud to be part of that progress." 

Her contributions haven't gone unnoticed—she was nominated for the MACPA Women to Watch award and has received internal recognition for her leadership, mentoring, and process improvements.  

Balancing professional growth with personal milestones, Addie has welcomed two daughters during her time at D&S, with the firm supporting her every step of the way. Looking ahead, she is focused on continuing to grow as a leader—nurturing the next generation of auditors, strengthening client services, and helping shape the firm’s future. 

"D&S supports my dreams and wants to see me achieve," Addie says.