About
BFS Strategic Partners
BFS Strategic Partners delivers high-quality compliance and operational improvement services to government and education organizations navigating complex federal and state requirements. Our work helps organizations strengthen internal controls, improve grant management, and enhance accountability across programs and operations.
For more than 28 years, BFS has supported hundreds of public-sector and education organizations administering federally, state-, and locally funded programs. Our experience spans public education, higher education, public health, housing, transportation, and state agencies responsible for managing billions in federal awards.
We understand the realities of today’s compliance environment—tight resources, heightened oversight, and increasing complexity. BFS helps organizations meet these challenges with clarity, discipline, and practical solutions that hold up under scrutiny.
Our Values
Leadership
BFS is led by seasoned professionals with extensive experience in grants management, auditing, internal controls, and public-sector operations.
Mara Ash, CEO
CIA, CGFM, CICA, CRMA, CGAP
Mara Ash is the CEO of BFS Strategic Partners and a nationally recognized expert in federal assistance compliance, internal controls, and government accountability. With more than 28 years of experience working with state agencies, school districts, municipalities, and higher education institutions, Mara brings deep expertise in operational improvement, grants management, and public-sector compliance.
She has led teams supporting complex federal programs across education, public health, housing, and disaster recovery, overseeing efforts to strengthen internal controls, improve documentation, and resolve audit findings. Mara is also the author of the 2 CFR 200 Federal Assistance Guidance Series and founder of the DECODED® Academy, where she transforms complex regulatory requirements into clear, practical learning experiences.
Mara’s work reflects a commitment to clarity, integrity, and sustainable improvement, helping public organizations operate more efficiently and steward public funds with confidence.
Whitney Cornwall, Chief Operating Officer
Whitney Cornwall serves as Chief Operating Officer at BFS Strategic Partners, where she oversees day-to-day operations and ensures that engagements are delivered with consistency, quality, and attention to detail. Whitney plays a central role in coordinating projects across grants compliance, internal controls, and advisory services, helping clients navigate complex requirements with confidence.
With extensive experience in operations, public-sector consulting, and client service, Whitney is known for her ability to translate strategy into execution. She works closely with project teams to align resources, monitor progress, and keep projects on schedule and within scope—supporting both BFS and its clients in achieving measurable results.
Whitney’s leadership reflects a commitment to reliability, clear communication, and practical solutions that help organizations strengthen their internal processes and meet their strategic goals.
Cindy Watson, Managing Director
CICA
Cindy Watson serves as the Managing Director at BFS Strategic Partners, specializing in internal controls, audit readiness, corrective action implementation, and subrecipient monitoring. With extensive hands-on experience across federal programs, Cindy leads engagements that strengthen organizational accountability and reduce compliance risk.
Her expertise spans 2 CFR 200 compliance, operational effectiveness reviews, and internal control framework development. Known for her thoroughness and practical approach, Cindy helps clients build sustainable processes, improve documentation, and prepare for state and federal oversight.
Cindy’s work reinforces BFS’s reputation for delivering high-quality, actionable solutions that support long-term organizational success.
Timothy Flynn, Legal Counsel
Timothy Flynn serves as Legal Counsel for BFS Strategic Partners, providing guidance on contractual, regulatory, and risk-related matters that support the firm’s work with public-sector clients. He advises on agreements, compliance considerations, and legal frameworks that intersect with BFS’s consulting and software solutions.
Tim’s role helps ensure that BFS engagements are structured appropriately, mitigate risk, and reflect applicable legal and regulatory expectations. He collaborates with leadership and project teams to review contracts, clarify terms, and support sound decision-making as BFS works with state agencies, local governments, school districts, and other public-sector entities.
Through his counsel, Timothy reinforces BFS’s commitment to integrity, accountability, and high professional standards in every engagement.
Let’s Build Stronger Systems Together
Contact us to discuss how BFS can support your organization.