Davidson, Holland, Whitesell & Co. recognizes employees, announces promotions and new hires

Davidson, Holland, Whitesell & Co., PLLC (DHW), recently celebrated the dedication of several employees, announcing service awards, promotions, and new hires at the offices in Hickory and Morganton.

The Morganton-based CPA firm formally known as Smith, Miller & Buff, recently partnered with DHW, based in Hickory.

Since its founding in 1990, DHW, has provided strategic advisory and accounting services to individuals and businesses across various industries. The firm continues to grow while recognizing the achievements and contributions of its employees.

EMPLOYEE SERVICE RECOGNITIONS

DHW honored seven Morganton- and Hickory-based employees for their years of service. Jane Moody was recognized for 25 years, and Matt Barus was honored for 20 years. Employees celebrating a decade with the firm included Mitzi Brooks and Mike Hargadon, while Nelly Acosta, Robin Young, and Maura McKinney were recognized for five years of service.

Each honoree received an engraved clock or acrylic award along with a Visa gift card.

• Jane Moody, a senior manager in the Morganton office, holds a B.B.A. in Accounting from the University of Georgia. She is actively involved with First Baptist Church of Morganton, where she serves on the youth ministries committee. She resides in Morganton with her husband, Rick.
• Matt Barus, a senior audit manager in the Hickory office, earned his B.A. in Economics from Davidson College and a Master of Accounting from Appalachian State University. He is a member of the AICPA and NCACPA and lives in Valdese.
• Mitzi Brooks, an administrative associate, attended East Tennessee State University. She is an avid reader and has participated in launch teams for Christian authors such as Anne Graham Lotz and Tim Tebow. Brooks resides in Hickory.
• Mike Hargadon, a tax manager in Morganton, holds a B.S. in Accounting from Glassboro State College. A member of the AICPA and NCACPA, he lives in Morganton with his wife, Sarah.
• Nelly Acosta, a staff accountant in Morganton, holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting, is QuickBooks Online Certified, and serves as a Notary Public.
• Robin Young, a senior CPA in Morganton, earned his B.S. in Business Administration from UNC-Chapel Hill and an MBA from UNC-Greensboro. He is a member of the NCACPA, AICPA, and First Baptist Church in Morganton, where he resides with his wife, Ginny.
• Maura McKinney, a staff accountant in the Hickory office, holds a B.S. in Business Administration from Appalachian State University. She is an active member of Antioch Baptist Church’s handbell choir and lives in Taylorsville with her husband, Matt.

MANAGER PROMOTIONS

DHW also announced five manager promotions:

• Cody Underwood was promoted to senior manager in the Hickory office. A graduate of Appalachian State University with a B.S. in Business Administration in Accounting, he also earned an MBA from Lenoir-Rhyne University. Underwood is a member of AICPA and NCACPA and resides in Raleigh with his wife, Anna, and their two children.
• Aviance Williams was promoted to senior manager in the Hickory office. She holds a B.S. in Business Administration and a Master of Science in Accounting from Appalachian State University. Williams is a board member for the Hickory Soup Kitchen and enjoys traveling and shopping. She lives in Conover.
• Jennifer Pacheco was promoted to tax manager in the Morganton office. A Furman University graduate with a B.A. in Accounting, Pacheco is a member of AICPA and NCACPA. She enjoys traveling, reading, spending time with family, and fostering children. She resides in Morganton.
• Justin Gardner was promoted to senior accountant in Morganton. He earned a B.A. in Political Science from East Carolina University and an M.S. in Accounting from the University of Phoenix. Gardner, a member of AICPA and NCACPA, enjoys golfing, hiking, and outdoor activities. He lives in Hickory.
• Maura McKinney was promoted to senior accountant in Hickory. She holds a B.S. in Business Administration and an M.S. in Accounting from Appalachian State University.

NEW HIRES

DHW welcomed three new staff accountants to the firm:

• Andrew Raynor holds a B.S.B.A. in Accounting from Appalachian State University and an A.S. from Caldwell Community College & Technical Institute. His hobbies include archery, hiking, kayaking, snowboarding, and fishing. Raynor resides in Granite Falls and attends Central Baptist Church.
• Nicholas Moyer earned a B.A. in Accounting and Finance from Lenoir-Rhyne University, where he also completed his MBA and a certificate in Healthcare Administration. He is currently pursuing his CPA certification and coaches youth basketball. A newlywed, he lives in Hickory with his wife, Arielle.
• Joseph Cockman, a recent Lenoir-Rhyne University graduate, holds B.A. degrees in Accounting and Finance. He plays multiple instruments in local bands and officiates basketball and soccer. He resides in Sherrills Ford and attends Hickory Bible Tabernacle Church.