WEST & COMPANY - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Partner
- Admitted As a Partner
- Office Partner
Alex Hagen, CPA, is the Partner in charge of the firm's Mattoon office and is a general practitioner working on governmental auditing, small business taxation, farmer taxation and individual tax. He grew up in Mattoon, Illinois. Alex attended Lake Land College, obtained a Bachelor of Science in Accounting degree in 2007 from Southern Illinois University - Edwardsville, and a Masters of Science in Accounting from the same in 2008. In 2008 he obtained his CPA license. He also started working for West & Company in 2008, and was admitted as a partner in 2017. Alex is a member of the Illinois CPA Society and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.
Alex lives in Mattoon, with his wife, Meghan, and three children. He is a Mattoon Rotary member, Mattoon Chamber of Commerce Treasurer, St. John's Lutheran Church Treasurer, Mattoon Area Community Foundation Advisory Member, and the past President of Mattoon Emerging Leaders. When not in the office, Alex enjoys spending time with his family, watching the Cubs, Bears and Illini sports, and golfing.
Job Titles:
- Tax Manager
- CFE, CSEP / Tax Manager
Alison B. Sears, CPA, is a Tax Manager in the firm's Greenville office and specializes in tax planning, preparation, and advisory services for individuals, partnerships, corporations, trusts, and estates. She grew up in Vandalia, Illinois. In 2000, Alison graduated, with honors, from Greenville University, with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting degree. Immediately following her graduation, Alison started working for West & Company in 2000. In 2003 she obtained her CPA license and is also a Certified Fraud Examiner, Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, and a QuickBooks ProAdviser. Alison is a member of the Illinois CPA Society, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, and the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners.
Alison lives in Greenville, with her husband, William, and two sons. When not in the office, she enjoys reading, photography, and spending time outdoors.
Job Titles:
- Director of Human Resources
- Member of the Board
Chris grew up in Peoria, Illinois She graduated in 1984 from Eastern Illinois University where she obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting and Computer Management. She worked for West & Company from 1997 to 2004 as the Firm Administrator and returned in 2020 in her current position.
Chris lives in Mattoon, with her husband, Terry. She has two children and five grandchildren. Chris has served as a board member and in leadership positions for a variety of not-for-profits including the United Way of Coles County, Foundation for Academic Excellence, Cal Ripken World Series, Mattoon T-Ball League, Mattoon Backpack Program, and SBLHC Festival of Trees.
Chris enjoys repurposing furniture, working in her garden and yard, and spending time with her children and grandchildren.
Job Titles:
- Partner
- Admitted As a Partner
- Office Partner and Employee Benefits Partner
Clayton R. Hinton, CPA, is the Partner in charge of the firm's Effingham office and is the firm's employee benefits partner. He specializes in retirement plan auditing and tax (with an emphasis in the trucking, convenience stores, manufacturing, dealerships, and agriculture industries). He grew up in St. Peter, Illinois, and graduated from South Central High School in 2002. Clayton attended Kaskaskia Junior College, acquired a Bachelor of Science in Accounting degree in 2007 from Southern Illinois University - Edwardsville, and obtained a Certificate in Accountancy in 2009 from Eastern Illinois University. In 2012 he successfully completed his CPA license. He worked for West & Company from 2008 to 2013, returned in 2014, and was admitted as a partner in 2018. Clayton is a member of the Illinois CPA Society, and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and their associated Employee Benefit Plan Audit Quality Center.
Clayton lives in Effingham, with his wife, Katie, and two children. He is a member of St. John's Lutheran Church in Effingham and the Sullivan and Effingham Country Clubs. When not in the office, Clayton enjoys spending time with his wife and kids, farming, golfing and hunting.
Job Titles:
- and John Vogt, CPA, Admitted As Partners
- Tax Partner
D. Raif Perry, CPA, is a Partner in the firm's Mattoon office and is the firm's tax partner. He specializes in individual and business taxation. He grew up in Mattoon, Illinois, and graduated from Mattoon High School in 1986. Raif attended Lake Land College, graduating in 1991, and transferred to Eastern Illinois University where he obtained a Bachelor of Science in Accounting degree in 1994. In 1995 he obtained his CPA license. He began working for West & Company in 1990 as an intern and then became a part of the staff in 1994. Raif was admitted as a partner in 2007. He is a member of the Illinois CPA Society and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.
Raif lives in Mattoon, with his wife, Tracey, and three children. He is a past President, past Treasurer and current Board Member of the Mattoon Baseball Club, Inc.; a member and past Treasurer of the Mattoon Kiwanis; a past Treasurer of the Mattoon Chamber of Commerce; a past Treasurer of the Mattoon Youth Wrestling Club; and an assistant coach of American Legion Baseball. Raif was a member of the 2008 class of Coles County's "20 Under 40".
Raif enjoys playing golf and coaching youth sports.
Job Titles:
- Partner
- Audit and Quality Control Partner
David Faller, CPA, is a Partner in the firm's Effingham office and is the firm's audit and quality control partner. He grew up in Newton, Illinois. David obtained a Bachelor of Science in Accountancy and a Bachelor of Science in Finance in 2003 from the University of Illinois, Champaign. In 2005, he obtained his CPA license. He started working for West & Company in 2006 and was admitted as a partner in 2016. David is a member of the Illinois CPA Society and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.
David lives in Dieterich, with his wife, Pam, and their four children. He is a member of St. Isidore Catholic Church. He is the Treasurer of the Effingham Noon Rotary, the past President and Treasurer of the Effingham County Habitat for Humanity, the past Secretary of the Dieterich Park District, and has coached numerous summer softball teams. When not in the office, he enjoys spending time with his family and participating in various sports activities.
Derek Righter, CPA, is a Manager in the firm's Mattoon Office. He grew up in Sullivan, Illinois. In 2008, Derek graduated from Eastern Illinois University with a Bachelor of Science Degree, double majoring in Accounting and Finance. In 2010 he started working for West & Company and, that same year, he obtained his CPA license. Derek is a Quickbooks Pro Advisor. He is a member of the Illinois CPA Society and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.
In his spare time, Derek enjoys golfing.
Heather Wolke, CPA, is a Manager in the firm's Mattoon office and specializes in audits of Regional Offices of Education. She grew up in Effingham, Illinois and graduated from Effingham High School in 1996. Heather attended Eastern Illinois University and graduated in 2000 with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting degree. She obtained her CPA license in 2000 and started working for West & Company in the same year. She is a member of the Illinois CPA Society and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.
Heather lives in the country outside of Montrose, with her husband, Toby, and two children. She is the Treasurer of First Christian Church of Effingham. When not in the office, she enjoys reading and spending time with her family.
James L. Russell, CPA, is a Tax Manager in the firm's Mattoon office. He grew up in Salem, Illinois. Jim obtained a Bachelor of Science in Accounting degree in 1986 from Eastern Illinois University. He started working at West & Company in 1989 and, in 1992 he obtained his CPA license. Jim is a member of the Illinois CPA Society and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.
Jim lives in Mattoon, with his wife, Mary, and has one daughter. He enjoys fishing, reading, and woodcarving.
Jordan Russell, CPA, is a Manager in the firm's Mattoon office. He grew up in Neoga, Illinois. Jordan attended Lake Land College, obtained a Bachelor of Science in Business degree in 2013 from Eastern Illinois University, and a Masters of Business Administration from the same in 2015. He began working for West & Company in 2014 and obtained his CPA license in 2016. Jordan is a member of the Illinois CPA Society and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.
Jordan lives in Strasburg, with his wife, Taylor, and one son. He serves on the Board of Directors for Mattoon Emerging Leaders and Strasburg Lions Club. When not in the office, Jordan enjoys spending time outdoors and with his family.
Joe and Bill organize Brumleve & Dabbs, CPAs and Bill manages the Firm's Sullivan office.
Joseph Brumleve, CPA, leaves Guager & Diehl, CPAs in Decatur to open a practice in his hometown of Effingham.
Job Titles:
- Managing Partner
- CFP
- CFP®, Admitted As a Partner
Joshua D. Lowe, CPA CFP®, is the firm's Managing Partner and resides in the Edwardsville office. He grew up in Cuba, Illinois. Joshua obtained his Bachelor of Science in Accounting degree in 1997 from Eastern Illinois University. In 1999 he obtained his CPA license and he earned his CFP in 2004. He started working for West & Company in 1997, opened the Edwardsville office in 2006, was admitted as a partner in 2010, and became the Managing Partner in 2023. Joshua is a member of the Illinois CPA Society and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.
Joshua lives in Edwardsville, with his significant other, Kethra Hubbard, and their four children. He is a Board Member and Treasurer of the Ed Glen Chamber of Commerce in Edwardsville and a member of the Land of Goshen Rotary in Edwardsville. When not in the office, Joshua enjoys fishing, attending sporting events, and spending as much time as possible with his family.
Kayla Duncan, CPA is a manager in the firm's Effingham office. She grew up in Strasburg, Illinois and graduated from Stewardson-Strasburg High School. She attended Culver-Stockton College in Canton, MO where she played volleyball and graduated in 2010 with a Bachelor of Science degree, double majoring in accounting and finance. In 2012, she graduated with a Master's of Business Administration degree from Quincy University. Kayla began working in public accounting and obtained her CPA license shortly after. Kayla started working for West & Company in 2017. She is a member of the Illinois CPA Society and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.
Kayla now resides in Effingham where she volunteers as treasurer of the Effingham County United Way and Effingham Child Development Center boards of directors. In her free time, she enjoys assistant coaching the volleyball team at St. Anthony High School and traveling.
Job Titles:
- Partner
- CFE, Admitted As a Partner
- Office Partner
Michael Lawler, CPA, is a Partner in the firm's Greenville office. He grew up in Newton, Illinois. Michael obtained a Bachelor of Science in Accounting degree in 2004 from Eastern Illinois University and an MBA in 2005. In 2008 he obtained his CPA license. He started working for West & Company in 2010. Michael is a member of the Illinois CPA Society, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, and the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners.
Michael lives in Greenville, with his wife, Beth, and one child. He is a Board Member of the Greenville Chamber of Commerce and Bond County CEO, and is active with the Greenville Knights of Columbus. When not in the office, Michael enjoys golfing and watching his beloved Cardinals - win or lose.
Mike Boyd is admitted as a partner and opens the Mattoon office of Brumleve & Dabbs, CPAs.
Miranda Mason, CPA, is the Director of Tax Services in the firm's Effingham office and specializes in tax planning, preparation and advisory services for individuals, partnerships, corporations, trusts and estates. She grew up in Newton, Illinois. In December of 2006, Miranda graduated from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting degree and, in 2007 was one of a select few to receive the University's Bronze Tablet honor s. In December of 2007, she graduated with her Master's degree from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. She passed her CPA exams during the summer of 2007 and was licensed in 2009 after a year of experience. Miranda started working for West & Company in 2011. Miranda is a member of the Illinois CPA Society and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.
Miranda lives in Effingham, with her husband, Trent, and one daughter.
Nathan Earnest, CPA, is a Partner in the firm's Effingham office. He grew up in Newton, Illinois. Nathan attended McKendree University where he obtained a Bachelor of Science in Accounting degree in 2004 and he obtained his CPA license in 2006. He began working for West & Company in 2004 and was admitted as a partner in 2019. He is a member of the Illinois CPA Society and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.
Nathan lives in Wheeler, with his wife, Nikki, and four children. He serves on the Board of Directors for the Effingham Sunrise Rotary and the Effingham Performance Center. When not in the office, Nathan enjoys cooking, traveling with his family, and watching the St. Louis Cardinals.
Job Titles:
- Partner
- Admitted As a Partner
- Office Partner
Russell Voudrie, CPA, is the Partner in charge of the firm's Edwardsville office. He grew up in Mattoon, Illinois, graduating from Mattoon High School in 2008. In 2012, Russell graduated from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting degree and then graduated in 2013 from SIUE with a Master of Science in Accounting degree. Russell obtained his CPA licensure in 2014. After graduating from SIUE, Russell worked for a publically traded company in St. Louis from 2012 to 2016. Russell started working for West & Company in the Edwardsville office in the summer of 2016. He is a member of the Illinois CPA Society and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA).
Russell currently lives in Edwardsville, IL. He is a member of the Edwardsville Rotary Club and is a Board Member of the Edwardsville CEO program. In his spare time, he enjoys fishing, golfing, and spending time with his friends and family.
Seth Dixon, CPA, is the Manager in charge of the firm's Champaign office. He grew up in Mattoon, Illinois, graduating from Mattoon High School in 2000. In 2004, Seth graduated from the University of Illinois with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting degree and then graduated in 2005, from Eastern Illinois University with an MBA. Seth obtained his CPA license in 2006. He interned with West & Company during the summers of 2002 & 2003, worked as a staff accountant from 2004 to 2005 and, in 2013 he returned to the firm. In 2016, the firm opened the Champaign office with Seth as Manager. He is a member of the Illinois CPA Society and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.
Seth lives in Mahomet, with his wife, Abigail, and three children. He is a member of the Champaign Chamber of Commerce and the Mahomet Chamber of Commerce, in addition to being a CU 1to1 Mentor. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time in the outdoors and with his family.
Shanta Will, CPA, is a Tax Manager in the firm's Effingham office and specializes in all areas of tax planning, preparation and advisory services for individuals, partnerships, corporations, trusts and estates. She grew up in Herrick, Illinois and graduated from Cowden-Herrick High School in 1993. Shanta attended Millikin University and graduated in 1997 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting. She obtained her CPA license in 1998. Shanta started working for West & Company in 2008. She is a member of the Illinois CPA Society and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.
Shanta lives in Effingham, with her husband, Steve. She has 3 children and 2 grandchildren. She has been a Board Member of the United Way of Effingham County since 2008 and she is the Treasurer of the Finance Council of St. Mary Help of Christians Catholic Church. When not in the office, she loves chasing kids to sporting events, spending time with family, camping, and reading.
Susan Robinson, CPA, is a Tax Manager in the firm's Mattoon office and specializes in all areas of tax planning, preparation and advisory services for individuals, partnerships, corporations, trusts and estates. She is originally from Hillsboro, Illinois. Susan graduated from Illinois State University with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting degree and in 1983 she obtained her CPA license. She worked for West & Company from 1986 to 1992 and returned in 1997. Susan is a member of the Illinois CPA Society and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.
Susan lives in Sullivan, with her husband, Richard. She has 3 children and 6 grandchildren. When not in the office, she enjoys reading and gardening.