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
Jennifer Bryan
Joe Caputo
AnneMarie Clark, CPA, Partner, Kemper CPA Group LLC, Robinson, IL
AnneMarie Clark graduated from Eastern Illinois University in 2009 with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and a minor in finance. She earned her CPA certificate in November 2011.
AnneMarie started her career with Kemper CPA Group LLP in 2008 as an intern and worked her way up to senior accountant. In 2014 she left the firm to accept a controller position with B&D Resources, an oil extraction corporation in Robinson, Illinois. In 2015 she relocated to Fort Myers, Florida to accept a tax manager position with Hill, Barth, & King LLC. In 2017 she returned home to be closer to family and get back to her roots, she rejoined the Robinson, Illinois office of Kemper CPA Group LLP as a tax and audit manager. AnneMarie’s exceptional interpersonal skills and commitment to the community’s growth and financial wellbeing played a pivotal role in becoming a partner at Kemper CPA Group LLP in 2023.
AnneMarie provides auditing and accounting services to local governments, not-for-profits, and small businesses. She also provides tax services to a diverse client base within the construction, oil & gas, restaurant, retail, and agriculture industries.
AnneMarie and her Husband Blake have one daughter and enjoy spending their free time at community events and dedicating time to expanding their tree service company, Midwest Tree Worx, LLC.
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.
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.
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.
Rachel (Busch) Konrady, Accounting Policy, The Boeing Company, Chicago, IL
Rachel graduated summa cum laude from Eastern Illinois University with her B.S. in Accounting in 2013. As a student, she participated in Beta Alpha Psi and the service sorority Epsilon Sigma Alpha. She was also a student worker in the President's Office and a supplemental instructor for Financial Accounting. She received her M.S. in Accounting from Illinois State University in 2015 and became a licensed CPA in 2016.
Rachel began her professional career at State Farm following two summer internships , and has also held roles at National Mortgage Insurance Corporation (Emeryville, CA) and USG (Chicago, IL). Currently, Rachel works in Accounting Policy at The Boeing Company in Chicago, IL. Throughout her career, Rachel has held both analyst and management roles with a focus in consolidations, SEC reporting,and technical accounting.
Rachel lives in Arlington Heights, IL with her husband Blake and their two kids, Beau (4) and Eliza (2).
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).
Briana Madsen, 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.
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).
Miranda Meneghetti, Director of Lodge Accounting, Great Wolf Lodge, Downers Grove, IL
Meagan Radloff, Senior Tax Manager, FORVIS Mazars, St. Louis, MO
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.
Jason Spraker
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.
Blair Uremovic, Senior Audit Manager, CohnReznick LLP, Chicago, IL
Blair Uremovic 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.
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.
Hannah Winston, Principal Specialist, FP&A, Raytheon
