Lucy Gates
Melody Horton
Brett Lanzl
Bobbi Jo Lazarus
Cory Ouellette
Joe Wall
Elliott Davis Decosimo, one of the largest accounting, tax and consulting services firms in the Southeast, announces it has admitted six new shareholders into the company effective Friday.
“Becoming a shareholder is a significant achievement in one’s career,” said chief executive officer Rick Davis. “These individuals have been important to the growth of Elliott Davis Decosimo and help us live out our vision of being the leading firm in our markets. Our firm’s growth enables us to promote new shareholders. These promotions are truly a result of our continued success.”
The six new shareholders are:
Lucy Gates, CPA, focuses primarily in the areas of corporate, partnership and state taxation. She is based in the firm’s Chattanooga office. “I am very proud to become a shareholder at a firm where giving back to our communities is a part of our culture," said Ms. Gates. "One of Elliott Davis Decosimo’s values is service to others, and we live out this value by investing time and resources in strengthening our community relationships.”
Melody Horton, CPA, provides comprehensive tax planning and compliance services to clients with multistate and international operations specializing in the manufacturing, distribution and technology sectors. She also extensively works with international companies to create efficient global tax strategies. “Collaboration is vital to making good business decisions. It is key to fostering a vibrant culture as individuals learn from each other and many times achieve unexpected results,” said ms. Horton.
Brett Lanzl, CPA, offers assurance and transaction advisory services, including merger and acquisition due diligence, to a diverse client base. He is based in the firm’s Greenville office. “We have been able to build relationships and trust with our clients because we have a team of people who work with a sense of urgency and create real value," said Mr. Lanzl. "Our team works hard to understand and develop relationships with our clients to anticipate and satisfy their needs.”
Bobbi Jo Lazarus, CPA, has more than 12 years of public accounting experience focusing on tax planning and compliance services specifically in the partnership and individual income tax return reporting areas with a specialization in the real estate industry. “Working for a firm like Elliott Davis Decosimo allows me to have a very present home life without sacrificing my career aspirations has been critical to my success,” said Ms. Lazarus.
Cory Ouellette, CPA, provides tax planning and compliance services to real estate clients and assists with partnership tax issues. Mr. Ouellette also has experience supporting clients with the development of project return calculations and financial models. “As Elliott Davis Decosimo continues to grow, we encourage each other to think creatively and to look at issues from multiple angles," said Mr. Ouellette. "This creative thinking allows us to find solutions we didn’t know existed.”
Joe Wall, CPA, CFP, has more than 20 years of experience in public accounting and works with high-net-worth individuals, as well as businesses and the families who own them so they may attain greater financial independence and mitigate the dilutive effects of taxes. “The modern closely held business needs more than a tax return prepared by a CPA," said Mr. Wall. "The business and the family or families behind it need guidance and a deep understanding of operations, markets, and the impact of taxes and regulations. Through Elliott Davis Decosimo’s specialty groups, clients can expect value added beyond routine tax compliance.”