Accountancy Advisory Board
The Eastern Illinois University Accountancy Advisory Board serves in an advisory capacity to the Accountancy faculty and Chair of the School of Business and as advocates of the Accountancy Program. The objectives of the Accountancy Advisory Board are to:
- Provide a source from which the faculty and Chair may seek and receive advice relating to curriculum development, faculty involvement in the profession, faculty research, and other matters necessary to ensure the development and continuance of a dynamic program in accountancy
- Provide communication links between the faculty and professional accountancy community
- Promote a positive image for the accountancy program within the professional community and to the public
Membership of the board is composed of individuals who are knowledgeable regarding the field of accountancy. However, membership is not limited to individuals who are currently active as professional accountants. Individuals who are currently supervising professional accountants, and individuals who, at some stage of their career, were involved in professional accounting, or have had significant interaction with accountants in a professional setting will be considered for Board membership. The Chair of the academic department in which the accountancy program resides shall be an ex officio member.
Member Biographies
Andrienne Albritton, State and Local Tax Manager, RSM US LLP, Chicago, IL
Bill Andrew, Chief Financial Officer, Ensurety Ventures, LLC, O'Fallon, MO
Bill graduated from Eastern Illinois University in 1988 with a bachelor's degree in accounting, and earned his CPA in 1993. Bill worked in public accounting from 1988-1994, with Grant Thornton out of Chicago. During this time he gained a broad background, working with clients in several industries. Bill moved on to an auto finance company in 1994, as controller, and being part of the team that took the company public in 1996. From 1998 through 2014, Bill was then vice president of finance and CFO of Nserv Corp, which specialized in all aspects of marketing and servicing vehicle service contracts. From 2015 through May 2018, Bill then was CFO of Omnisure Group in Chicago, which specializes in financing vehicle service contracts. Bill joined his current company, Ensurety Ventures, in July 2018. Ensurety is based in suburban St. Louis and markets, administers and finances vehicle service contracts. Bill and his wife Patty (EIU '88 as well) live in Naperville, Illinois and have two adult children.
TJ Burge, Chief Executive Officer & Director, Community Partners Savings Bank, Salem, IL
T.J. is a 2000 graduate of Kaskaskia College, a 2002 graduate of Eastern Illinois University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting, and a 2009 graduate of McKendree University with an MBA. He is currently serving as Chief Executive Officer and Director for Community Partners Savings Bank in Salem, Illinois. He formerly held the positions of Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer. He is responsible for regulatory reporting, asset-liability management, strategic planning, budgeting, mergers and acquisitions, and oversees the Bank's IT department. His previous experience includes an internship, followed by full time employment as a staff accountant, with The Archer Daniel's Midland Company in the company's Oilseed and Cocoa divisions. Following his tenure with ADM he returned home and joined local CPA firm Leymone Hardcastle & Co., LTD as a staff accountant preparing various tax returns and performing audit work for banks, school districts, and various other companies.
During his time in college he was a member and Vice President of Beta Alpha Psi, the National Accounting Honorary Society. He also held memberships in Phi Theta Kappa, Sigma Beta Delta, and the Student Accounting Society. He was named Beta Alpha Psi Outstanding Senior, KPMG National Scholar, and was a National Leadership Conference presenter. T.J. is active in the local community as he served as President and Past Treasurer for the Salem Community High School Academic Foundation, President of the Greater Salem Area Chamber of Commerce as well as an advisor to Kaskaskia College's Salem Education Center. He is a member of the Illinois Bankers Association's Board of Directors, is a member of the Selmaville Grade School Board of Education and serves on the Finance committee of Salem First Christian Church. He resides in Salem with his wife and daughter where he volunteer coaches various athletic teams in the community.
Brian Daniell, Managing Partner, West & Company LLC, Mattoon, IL
Brian graduated from Eastern Illinois University in 1982 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business with a major in Accounting. He received his CPA certification in 1984. Brian joined Brumleve & Dabbs (now West & Company, LLC) in 1983 as a staff accountant. West & Company, LLC is a regional firm with 6 offices in central/southern Illinois. Brian was admitted as a partner to the firm in 1996. Brian has served as the firm's Audit and Accounting Partner and Director of Quality Control, and currently serves as managing partner for the firm. Brian provides services to a diverse client base in a variety of practice areas.
Brian is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Illinois CPA Society. Brian is a past board member of Mid Illinois Big Brothers-Big Sisters, Coles County United Way, City of Mattoon Tourism Advisory Board, the Mattoon Area Chamber of Commerce, Mattoon Golf & Country Club, and is a member and three-time president of the Mattoon Kiwanis Club. Brian has coached many youth teams in Mattoon over the years in baseball, and was a youth coach for over 30 years. Brian resides in Mattoon, IL.
Josh Flahaven, Product Line Business Manager, Caterpillar
Josh graduated Summa Cum Laude from Eastern Illinois University in 2014, with a B.S. in Business and a major in Accounting. Following graduation, he joined Caterpillar in Peoria, where he has held multiple positions with responsibility for product cost accounting, financial planning & analysis, internal controls coordination and capital investment management. He has led the finance teams at two Caterpillar manufacturing facilities, and he currently serves as the business manager for the Caterpillar Ground Engaging Tools product line. Josh lives in Washington, IL with his wife, Tabitha, and two children, Larson and Isabelle.
Crystal Gordon, State & Local Tax Manager, ADM
Jonathan Hauser, Partner, Tax, KMPG LLP, Chicago, IL
Jonathan graduated Magna Cum Laude with a B.S.in Accounting from EIU in 2003, and he received M.S. in Accountancy from the University of Florida in 2004. After completing his education, Jonathan joined the tax practice with KPMG LLP where he gained extensive experience in both tax compliance and tax provisions for large consolidated groups of multinational corporations. Jonathan serves clients across a myriad of industries, including consumer markets, life sciences, technology services, and industrial markets. Jonathan also serves on the board of directors for the IL CPA Society and A Ray Of Hope On Earth. Jonathan is married to Susie (graduate of the University of Illinois), and they live with their two sons (Mason and Graham) in Chicago, IL. They enjoy cheering on the Cubs, exploring the many parks and museums in the city, and spending time with friends.
David Hering, Partner, KPMG, Santa Clara, CA
David graduated with a B.S. in Accounting from EIU in December 1989, and he earned an M.S. in Accounting from the University of Missouri - St. Louis in 1993. He is currently a partner in KPMG LLP’s Washington National Tax Corporate practice where he specializes in cross-border corporate tax matters, including reorganizations, acquisitions, divestitures, liquidating and non-liquidating distributions, consolidated returns, and debt restructurings.
David has worked in KPMG’s St. Louis, MO; London, UK; Washington, DC; and Santa Clara, CA offices. His career as allowed him to travel to more than 25 countries and throughout most of the U.S. in advising clients.
While in Washington, DC, David worked two years on the staff of the Joint Committee on Taxation. He advised the Congressional tax writing committees and Congressional staff on international and corporate tax issues, drafted tax shelter-related reports, prepared committee reports, and assisted in the development of tax proposals and related statutory language.
David is very active in campus recruiting, KPMG’s Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion business resource groups, and local volunteer/charity events. He is an frequent instructor for KPMG’s continuing professional education courses. He has co-instructed a graduate-level corporate income tax class at American University, written several articles for multiple tax publications, and regularly lectured for multiple tax groups/business organizations/universities. He has served as a past member of the AICPA’s Corporation and Shareholders tax resource panel.
David and his wife Teresa (EIU 12/1989) live in Santa Clara, CA and are child free.
Briana Hickman, Finance Supervisor, State Farm, Bloomington, IL
Briana graduated Summa Cum Laude from Eastern Illinois University with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting in 2015. Following graduation, she went on to obtain her MBA with a Certification in Accounting in December of 2016. During her time at Eastern, Briana was a member of the EIU Women’s Soccer team, receiving the OVC Academic Medal of Honor and the Presidential Award and a member of FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes). Briana interned with the Teachers’ Retirement System of Illinois and Sikich LLP.
Upon graduating from Eastern, Briana began working full-time as an analyst with State Farm Insurance within the Finance department. Since joining State Farm, Briana has held various analyst and leadership positions within Money Movement (Treasury Services) and Financial Regulatory & Reporting. Briana became a licensed CPA in 2023.
Outside of her professional career, Briana enjoys DIY projects, reading and spending time with her family, friends and goldendoodle, Brody.
Jonathan Hoffee, Audit Managing Director, KPMG, Chicago, IL
Jonathan attended Eastern Illinois University (EIU) from 2002 to 2006. In May 2006, Jonathan graduated with a bachelor’s degree in both accounting and finance. In 2005, in anticipation of graduation, Jonathan interviewed on EIU’s campus with KPMG Chicago. Shortly after Jonathan accepted an offer to start as an audit associate and began his post-graduation career with KPMG in August 2006.
From August 2006 through June 2017, Jonathan worked in KPMG’s Chicago office as an auditor specializing in audits of investment management and financial services companies. In July 2018, Jonathan started a 3-year rotation in KPMG’s Department of Professional Practice (New York City). During this time Jonathan worked on various accounting and auditing projects that impacted the KPMG national practice. In July 2020, at the end of the rotation, Jonathan moved back to Chicago and rejoined the KPMG Chicago office. Jonathan currently serves as an audit managing director in KPMG Chicago’s asset management practice.
Jonathan and his wife Kaitlin currently live in Chicago with their goldendoodle Leroy.
Clifford Hunte, Bunge, Chesterfield, MO
Blair Jones, Senior Audit Manager, CohnReznick LLP, Chicago, IL
Blair Jones graduated from Eastern Illinois University in 2013 with a B.S. degree in Accounting and again in 2014 with a Master's in Business Administration with an Accounting Concentration. As a student at Eastern, Blair was a member of Alpha Gamma Delta, Student Accounting Society, Beta Alpha Psi and worked as a graduate assistant in the Student Success Center. After holding internships with CohnReznick LLP and Caterpillar Inc., Blair began working full-time as an Assurance Associate with CohnReznick LLP in Chicago, IL in October 2014. Since starting her career with CohnReznick LLP, Blair has completed her CPA and has most recently been promoted to Senior Assurance Manager in July 2021. Blair primarily works with clients in the renewable energy and real estate industry. She currently serves as the treasurer for the Chicago Chapter of Women of Renewable Industries and Sustainable Energy (WRISE) and the recruitment advisor for EIU's chapter of Alpha Gamma Delta.
Tyler Kutz, Partner, Martin Hood LLC, Champaign, IL
Tyler obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in Accountancy in 2008 and his Master of Business Administration in 2009, both from Eastern Illinois University. Tyler has been at Martin Hood since January of 2011. During his time with the firm, Tyler has served clients in many industries including construction contractors, small business, and employee benefit plans, both in the audit and business advisory services side.
Tyler serves as the Treasurer for Champaign County Crime Stoppers. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), the Illinois CPA Society, and the Construction Industry CPA/Consultants Association (CICPAC).
Amy Mace, President & Chief Executive Officer, Cummins Behavioral Health Systems, Inc., Avon, IN
Amy received her B.S. in Accounting from Eastern Illinois University in 1986. She has over 33 years of accounting and auditing experience in the Indianapolis area. She has served as the Chief Financial Officer of Cummins Behavioral Health Systems, Inc. for 25 years, and most currently serves as its President and CEO. She is a Certified Public Accountant and has her MBA.
Amy lives in Brownsburg, Indiana with her husband, Dave, who is also an EIU alumnus. They are the proud parents of two grown children, Sarah and Matthew.
Alex Martin, Senior Accountant, Rivian Automotive Inc., Bloomington, IL
Alex Martin graduated from Eastern Illinois University in December (2018) with a Bachelor of Science: Accounting.
Following graduation from Eastern, Alex accepted a position at Caterpillar Inc. in downtown Peoria, IL as an internal auditor. Throughout Alex's time as an internal auditor, he was able to experience a diverse range of operational audits supporting policy adherence, policy development, financial application implementations, human resource compliance, and international governmental compliance. This led him on international trips to Asia (Japan, South Korea, China), Europe (United Kingdom and Germany), South America (Brazil), as well as various locations across the United States and Mexico. Simultaneously, Alex achieved his master's in business administration through the University of Dayton, Ohio by Fall 2020.
Alex left Caterpillar, Inc., in the spring of 2021 to join then start-up company Rivian in Bloomington/Normal, IL. Alex's initial responsibilities as a plant accountant provided experience in fixed asset management, finance and operating lease management, inventory record management (including inventory count validation), scrap transaction management, and other responsibilities. In Alex's current role as senior accountant, Alex assists in the management of transitioning fixed assets to a centralized team while managing high-risk general ledger accounts involving the production plant's machinery and equipment, buildings, and building improvements.
Jake McNair, Director - Financial Planning and Analysis, Visual Comfort & Co., Skokie, IL
Jake graduated with a B.S. in Accounting from Eastern Illinois University in 2015, an MBA from Illinois State University in 2018, and an M.S. in Business Analytics from Indiana University in 2022. He became a licensed Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in 2019.
Jake started his career at State Farm Insurance in Bloomington, Illinois where he held a variety of Finance/Accounting positions before moving to Chicago and joining Visual Comfort & Company (VCC). He currently serves as a Finance Director and has played a key role in establishing and scaling VCC’s Corporate Financial Planning & Analysis function.
During his time at EIU, Jake was a member of two conference champion football teams (2012 & 2013). He currently resides in Highland Park, Illinois with his fiancé, Olivia (EIU ’18).
Ashley Riley, Director of Corporate Audit Services, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN
Ashley graduated with her B.S. in Accounting from Indiana State University in 2007 and received her MBA from Eastern Illinois University in 2008. She spent 3.5 years at CliftonLarsonAllen in Danville, IL primarily in assurance roles. During this time, Ashley gained experience in many industries including government, insurance, grain milling and Not For Profits, as well as executed tax filings. In 2012, Ashley moved to Indianapolis, IN and into Financial Reporting for Republic Airways Holding, Inc. and in 2014, became the Internal Audit Manager. For the next 2.5 years, Ashley oversaw Finance and IT auditing and implemented assurance software. In 2016, Ashley started in the Corporate Audit Services department at Eli Lilly and Company as a Lead Auditor and was promoted to Director in April 2019. In this role, she travels globally to affiliate locations on a regular basis, develops risk-based, cross-functional audit programs, supervises staff and executes reporting.
Ashley is also devoted to learning and development and serves as a peer coach, intern supervisor, mentor, and assurance system trainer. Ashley has been a CPA since 2011 and maintains an active license in Indiana. She is also on the Finance Committee for the Little Red Door Cancer Agency and a member of the Indianapolis Chapters of the SEC Professional Group and Institute of Internal Auditors. Ashley lives in Brownsburg, IN with her husband, Dave, and they enjoy traveling, trail-running around the USA, golfing, and sand-volleyball, and participate in many community fund-raising activities.
Sierra Rinehart, Senior Associate, CliftonLarsonAllen LLP, Champaign, IL
Sierra Rinehart graduated Summa Cum Laude from Eastern Illinois University in 2018 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting. Right after, she pursued her MBA with an Accounting Concentration and graduated in May of 2019. During her time at Eastern, Sierra worked at the Lumpkin Help Desk, was a member of Beta Alpha Psi, and interned at both State Farm and CliftonLarsonAllen LLP (CLA).
Post-graduation, Sierra began working full-time as an audit and tax associate with CLA in Champaign, IL She went on to become a licensed CPA in August of 2020. Today, she is a Senior Associate at CLA and works primarily with manufacturing and distribution clients as well as a variety of employee benefit plans clients.
Outside of her professional career, Sierra enjoys spending time with her family, friends and sweet poodle-mix, Libby.
Bryan Sherrick, Senior Director, Internal Audit, USG Corporation, Chicago, IL
Bryan is a 2001 graduate of Eastern Illinois University and holds an MBA from Northwestern University. He is the Senior Director, Internal Audit, for USG Corporation. USG is a leading manufacturer of building products and innovative solutions, including wall, ceiling, flooring, sheathing, and roofing products, that help the construction industry build stronger, safer, more sustainable communities. In 2017, USG celebrated the 100th anniversary of its iconic Sheetrock® Brand. In April 2019, USG joined the Knauf group, the world's largest gypsum manufacturer with a diverse product portfolio and global footprint.
Prior to USG, Bryan worked in public accounting for 12 years. Bryan lives in Palos Hills, Illinois with his wife and their two children.
Kelsey Swing, Partner, Gilbert, Metzger & Madigan, LLP, Charleston, IL
Kelsey graduated from EIU in 2003 with a B.S. degree in Accounting and in 2005 with an MBA with an accountancy concentration. Kelsey joined Gilbert, Metzger & Madigan, LLP as a part-time staff accountant while a student in October 2002, performed a graduate assistantship with the firm while obtaining her MBA, and transitioned to full-time staff accountant upon her graduation. She earned her CPA certificate in 2006 and was admitted to partnership in 2012.
Kelsey is a member of the American Institute of CPA's and the Illinois CPA Society. Kelsey currently serves on the board of directors of Mid-Illinois Big Brothers Big Sisters and formerly served as the President, Vice-President, and Treasurer. Kelsey has also been a volunteer for the Mid-Illinois Big Brothers Big Sisters community-based mentoring program from 2010-2016. Kelsey served on the Eastern Illinois University Accountancy Advisory Board from 2005-2014. Kelsey was also a member of the Coles County 20 Under 40 Class of 2012. Kelsey is an active member of Broadway Christian Church in Mattoon.
Kelsey and her husband, Chris (EIU '04), reside in the Charleston, IL area and have one daughter, Lixia.
Anita Szajko, Manager, Financial Planning and Analysis, ADM, Decatur, IL
Anita has been employed at ADM for over fourteen years and recently transitioned back into accounting as Controller of Inventory Management. Directly prior to that was a role as Manager in the Financial Planning and Analysis division. The previous 10 years she worked in accounting with a focus on global reporting and projects, including process improvement, standardization, and the selection and implementation of a global accounting consolidation system. Anita graduated from EIU with a Bachelor in 2001 and earned her MBA in 2019. Currently, Anita is the ADM Champion for Eastern Illinois University and in this role it is her responsibility to lead recruitment and to foster cooperative relationships between ADM's Human Resource Department, the accounting/finance division, and EIU.
Anita currently resides in Decatur, IL with her husband John, and family dog J.D.
Samantha Tidd, Job Cost Accountant & Project Analyst, Miller Pipelin LLC, Indianapolis, IN
Sharon Vandermeer, Vice President & Controller, First Mid Bank & Trust, Mattoon, IL
Sharon graduated from EIU with a B.S. in Accounting and earned her CPA certification that same year. Following graduation, she worked in public accounting for Doehring, Winders & Co. LLP before joining First Mid. Sharon oversees various aspects of corporate accounting, public company (SEC) and regulatory reporting, bank accounting, tax accounting and internal controls of First Mid.
Sharon also earned a M.S. in Accounting & Finance from Southern New Hampshire University. She serves as treasurer of the board of directors of CCAR Industries and is a board member of Standing Stone Community Center, both in Charleston, IL. She is a member of the AICPA and ILCPA.
Hanna Will, Partner, Kemper CPA Group, Effingham, IL
Hanna J. Will graduated from Eastern Illinois University with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting in May of 2012. Immediately after completing her degree at EIU, she had the opportunity to join the team at Kemper CPA Group as an intern and continued her experience as a full-time professional afterward. Hanna passed the CPA exam in July of 2014. Her exceptional dedication and work ethic led her to become a partner of Kemper CPA Group in May of 2019 at the age of 29. Within the firm she primarily focuses on large corporate and individual income taxation. Throughout the years, she has also gained a great deal of experience with audits of local governments and financial statement preparation.
Hanna’s experience with Kemper CPA Group has allowed her to develop into an astute and self-directed Certified Public Accountant, combining cross-functional competencies in several phases of accounting, tax preparation, financial statement reporting, and compliance, and audit procedures.
Hanna has a passion for traveling, being outdoors, and spending time with her family. She recently married another EIU alumnus, Elliott Stanberry in August of 2019. They currently live south of Charleston.
