Kara Stark Elliot

Driven. Intentional. Authentic.

Current Employer & Job Title: The Hoffman Eells Group CPAs P.C. / CPA and Partner

Age: 36

Hometown: Plattsburgh, NY

Education: BS Accountancy and Global Perspectives – Bentley University and MS Accounting – Keller Graduate School of Management

Kara is the girl next door, in the literal sense. Proud to be part of the community she loves, running into clients while out and about at the grocery store or on the kids sports field. Looking at the opportunity to help people achieve their goals as a gift, Kara couldn’t be happier working in the town she grew up in and doing her part to make it a great place to live.

What aspect of your organization’s culture do you protect or promote most fiercely—and how have you influenced it?

I care deeply about protecting our firm’s family-first culture. We operate with the understanding that while our work is important, it should never come at the expense of our families.

What makes that culture real, not just something we say, is how consistently we show up for one another when it matters. There’s an unspoken expectation that if someone needs to step away for their family, the rest of the team steps in and supports them without hesitation.

Where are you making your greatest impact right now and how do you measure it?

I believe I am making my greatest impact within my organization and that impact naturally extends outward. By strengthening how we operate and support our clients, we are better positioned to serve the businesses and individuals in our community.

Where do you invest your time outside of work, and what motivates your commitment to those efforts?

Most of my time outside of work is invested in my family, along with close friends who, in many ways, feel like an extension of that family. Many of those relationships are also deeply connected to the community and local businesses, so there’s a natural overlap between our personal and professional lives.

I’m also actively involved in board leadership, particularly in organizations focused on behavioral health and access to care, where I’m able to contribute to work that has a meaningful impact on families in our community.

What is something about you that would surprise people?

That I am intuitive. I pick up quickly on what someone needs, whether that’s clarity, support or a more direct approach and adjust accordingly. It allows me to connect with a wide range of personalities and build relationships that are genuine.

The North Country’s “Gen IQ” reflects how well we lead across generations. Where are we getting it right and where do we need to evolve?

If we’re serious about growth, we have to be just as serious about making it possible for families to live and work here. Childcare isn’t just a family issue, it’s a workforce issue, an economic issue and a barrier to growth. We have talented, capable people who want to contribute and stay in this community, but without reliable, affordable childcare, they are forced to make impossible decisions.

What is one idea you hope to see shape the future of leadership in our region?

What I’m seeing more of, and want to continue to build, is a mindset that there is room for everyone to succeed. The people I surround myself with believe in supporting one another, sharing opportunities and celebrating each other’s wins, which ultimately strengthens both businesses and the community.