Karl Cender
partner/FOUNDER
Karl Cender has more than 35 years of experience in providing public sector municipal financial advisory services, including 10 years leading the Public Sector Services Group for a regional CPA firm. Karl is a registered municipal advisor principal who has particular expertise in consulting for municipal governments in the area of tax-exempt financing, budgeting, economic development projects, tax increment financing, financial feasibility studies, water, sewer and stormwater utility rate and cost of service studies, and accounting matters – simple to complex. He has been extensively involved in serving governmental units throughout Northwest Indiana.
Karl earned his degree in accounting from Goshen College and is a certified public accountant. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), the Indiana CPA Society, and is an associate member in the Accelerate Indiana Municipalities. Karl is also a member of National Association of Municipal Advisors, the Valparaiso Community School board, Calumet College of St. Joseph Board of Trustees and treasurer of New Creation Business Advocates, a men’s center in Valparaiso, Indiana.
Steve Dalton
Managing partner
Steve Dalton has three decades of professional experience, including small business ownership, real estate, construction and finance. He is a registered municipal advisor principal with the Securities and Exchange Commission and serves our municipal clients on finance-related matters, including bond financing.
Steve specializes in transforming figures and projections into actionable presentations to assist elected officials and other leaders in making confident decisions for annual budgeting, cash flow projections, revenue projections, circuit breaker projections, debt structuring, cost allocation, capital planning and more. Staying current in Indiana’s changing municipal finance landscape is critical, and Steve assists clients in navigating their unique challenges, from circuit breaker caps to compliance and disclosure requirements.
Steve is a former president of the Porter County Builders Association and is an active member of the Northwest Indiana community, having served on the boards for several nonprofit organizations.
Trista Hudson
MUNICIPAL ADVISOR
Trista Hudson provides financial advisory services to municipal and local governmental units as well as expertise in compliance requirements. She has specialized experience in budget consulting, assistance with additional appropriations and reestablishing cumulative funds.
Trista earned her bachelor’s degree from Valparaiso University and her law degree from the Valparaiso University School of Law. She is a former City Council member for the City of Valparaiso and serves on the Council and Board of Managers for her church.
Eric Cender, CPA
DIRECTOR
Eric Cender is a Certified Public Accountant, and member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), and the Indiana CPA Society. Eric has over 4 years of experience in municipal finance, and over 8 years of total experience in accounting practice. Previously he worked in public accounting with specialized experience in large public company audits and small business tax services.
Eric enjoys working directly with our clients’ management and governance to find solutions to critical finance and accounting needs. This often includes budget planning, financial analysis, utility rate studies, audit preparedness, compliance, bookkeeping, payroll taxes, IRS correspondence, and much more.
Daniel K. Dalton
DIRECTOR
Daniel joined Cender|Dalton after earning his degree from Purdue University in 2020. With over 5 years of experience in municipal finance and economic development, he provides strategic advisory services to local governments, helping communities plan and manage resources with confidence and clarity.
Drawing on a deep understanding of property assessment practices and the technical aspects of financial forecasting, cash flow analysis, TIF modeling, and budgeting, Daniel supports clients with tailored solutions grounded in local knowledge and practical insight.
Daniel is passionate about fostering strong relationships with community leaders and stakeholders to ensure financial strategies align with each community’s long-term vision. His work reflects a commitment to clarity, collaboration, and sustainable growth, providing municipalities with the tools and confidence to plan for the future.
Aaron Finley
SENIOR ASSOCIATE
Aaron Finley came to Cender|Dalton after graduating from Indiana University with a degree in Public Finance. As an associate with over 4 years of experience, Aaron enjoys helping our clients maneuver through the complicated and ever-changing municipal finance world. Aaron is actively involved with our local running community.
Andrew Eickmann
ASSOCIATE
Andrew Eickmann joined the Cender|Dalton team in the summer of 2023 after graduating from Valparaiso University. As a consultant, Andrew provides support to our municipal clients on finance and economic development related matters. Andrew is actively involved with his church and serves in multiple leadership positions.
Kari Simmons
OPERATIONS ADMINISTATOR
Kari Simmons is the dedicated Operations Administrator for Cender | Dalton Municipal Advisors, bringing structure, efficiency, and reliability to the firm's internal operations. She serves as the central hub of support for all administrative, financial, technical, and compliance functions, allowing senior consultants to focus on providing expert municipal advisory services to Indiana communities.
Kari draws on a robust background that includes financial consulting support, corporate education and office management. She has a proven ability to evolve roles, enhance operational efficiency , and lead teams. Kari graduated Magna Cum Laude from Illinois Wesleyan University and is committed to making a meaningful, long-term contribution to the Cender|Dalton team.