2023 Election Results

Cynthia Knapp is the founder of Precisely Right Accounting, a Washington-based accounting practice that serves small businesses, nonprofits, and community organizations. She holds a master’s degree in taxation and is currently a PhD candidate in Business Administration with a concentration in entrepreneurship. Her doctoral research examines the declining number of students entering the accounting profession, with particular attention to the future of small and independent accounting practices.

Cynthia brings a practical view of the profession. She works directly with business owners who need clear financial records, timely tax guidance, and steady advice they can use. Her work has strengthened her belief that independent accountants play a vital role in local economies. They help clients comply with tax law, understand their numbers, and make sound decisions in seasons of growth, pressure, and change.

Cynthia also has a strong record of community leadership. She serves on the Lacey Chamber of Commerce board of directors and is a member of the Kidwiler Dolan Scholarship Committee. She was recognized as Business of the Month by the Lacey Chamber of Commerce. These roles have deepened her experience in governance, member service, local advocacy, and responsible stewardship.

Her interest in the National Society of Accountants is rooted in both professional service and doctoral inquiry. She believes NSA has an important role to play in strengthening the next generation of accounting professionals, supporting independent practitioners, and protecting the practice rights of accountants and tax professionals. She is especially interested in helping NSA connect with students, emerging professionals, educators, and small firm owners who need a clear path into the profession.

Cynthia is known for plainspoken communication, careful analysis, and a steady commitment to doing work the right way. She would bring to the NSA Board of Directors the perspective of a practicing accountant, a small business owner, a doctoral researcher, and a community board member who understands both the promise and pressure of independent practice.

I have been a practicing CPA since July of 1988.  My work experience includes 9 years working for the Internal Revenue Service as a tax technician, revenue agent, on the job instructor and interim group manager. I also worked numerous cases in conjunction with IRS Criminal Investigation Division. After leaving the Internal Revenue Service I have been in private practice, as a sole practitioner and also in several partnerships. Due to my prior experience with IRS I have also testified on several occasions,  testifying as a witness for the government against fraudulent preparers, as an expert witness on IRS practice and procedure, and for the defense in tax fraud cases. I currently work very closely with two tax attorneys, under Kovell, assisting in defending individuals in potential tax fraud cases.

Kelly H. Myers – Mr. Myers is a tax consultant with Myers Consulting Group, LLC, based in Huntsville, Alabama. Kelly provides tax seminars, advisory, and controversy services to clients which include individuals, businesses, and accounting firms. He spent over 30 years with the Internal Revenue Service (retired 2017) with the last 20 years working for the Washington, DC Headquarters as a Senior Technical Advisor.His IRS experience included official guidance projects, examiner and litigation technical support, and implementing new legislation. He leverages his decades of IRS and public accounting experience to strategically add value to a varied client base. He has developed efficient tax strategies in both preparation and controversy arenas. He has been a guest speaker for numerous CPA and EA continuing education events, IRS Nationwide Tax Forums, national tax associations, and others in both live settings and webinars. Kelly currently serves as a Director for the National Society of Accountants (NSA) for 2023-2025 (Federal Tax and Executive Committees), an alternate member of IRS Taxpayer Advocacy Panel (TAP; 2023-2025) and past member of the Internal Revenue Service Advisory Council (IRSAC; 2020-2022). Kelly and his wife, Sarah, enjoy time with their daughter and three grandchildren. As a family they enjoy serving and supporting local non-profits that enrich the community.

DEBORAH WATSON, EA, GR
111 W. JACKSON BLVD, STE 1700
1463 Ring Road Calumet City, IL 60409
Office (312) 675-6270 • Office (708) 730-1040 • Fax (708) 730-0148
deborahwatson@ddcandassociates.net

May 30, 2024

To: Nominating Committee
       The National Society of Accountants

It gives me great pleasure to announce my candidacy for the National Society of Accountants' (NSA) Secretary/Treasurer position.  As an entrepreneur, enrolled agent, and independent accountant/tax preparer since 1991, I have gained substantial business skills that will assist the organization in the pursuit of its mission and the execution of its strategic plan.

NSA has played an important role in my professional growth and development over the past nine years.  Since joining NSA and serving on the NSA Foundation Board I have developed a professional network group and advanced in my profession from the vast amount of knowledge and education this organization provides.   It would be a privilege and honor to serve this organization as its Secretary / Treasurer as well as assist other members as they engage with the organization in pursuit of their career objectives.

I appreciate your consideration of my candidacy.

PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS AND EDUCATION

• Enrolled to Practice Before the Internal Revenue Service
• BA, Accounting/Business University of Phoenix
• NSA Foundation Vice President
• IAAI President
• IAAI State 1st & 2nd  Vice President
• IAAI State Treasurer
• IAAI State Secretary
• IAAI Chapter 16 Secretary
• NTPI Fellow, National Tax Practice Institute
• Notary Public
• GRI, Managing Real Estate Broker (Illinois & Florida)

MEMBERSHIPS

• National Society of Accountants
• Independent Accountant Association of Illinois
• National Association of Enrolled Agents
• National Association of Realtors
• Chicago Association of Realtors
• National Notary Association

COMMITTEES

• Awards Committee, NSA
• Leadership Committee, NSA
• Education Committee, IAAI
• Membership Committee, IAAI

Jan Ellen Helgreen was born in Asheville, NC and lives in the same house she grew up in.  She graduated from Charles D. Owen High School, then attended UNC-Asheville, A-B Technical Community College, Lees McRae, Western Academy of Hair Design, and Montreat College, where she and her father earned their degrees in Accounting.  She has been employed at Helgreen and Dalton Accountants since October 1983.  She is now President of Helgreen and Dalton.

She joined the North Carolina Society of Accountants in May of 1988.  She has chaired many of the NCSA committees and served on the Board of Directors many times.  She served as Treasurer, Secretary, Vice President 2 times, and President 2 times of NCSA from 2000-2024.  She is accredited in Taxation by the ACAT.  Jan joined the National Society of Public Accountants in May 1994.  She has served on the Western Chapter of NCSA line many times.  Jan’s father and sister, James N.E. Helgreen, and Gale H. Champie both served as President of NCSA as well.  Her father served as District Four Governor of NSA.

Jan has one brother left, James N.E. Helgreen Jr.  who is a Doctor of Anesthesia, married to Karen and have two children in Columbus Ohio.  Jan married Ricky Allison in 1983.  They have two children Jason and Mandy.  Jason has two children, Riley and Kasey.  Mandy and Jamie Dunham have one son, Mason.  Her children and grandchildren are the color to Jan’s world.  Jan enjoys traveling, kayaking, and spoiling her grandchildren.  She and Ricky enjoy spending time with their family at Lake James where they have a camper.

Summary

An experienced Wealth Advisor and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ dedicated to helping clients achieve their life, financial, and legacy goals through efficient and effective use of financial products, tax strategies, and properly documented estate plans. Experienced in production analysis, accounting, and succession planning.

Experience

Allworth Financial, Cincinnati OH - Financial & Tax Advisor                                          May 2022 to Present

Life-Legacy Services / Life Legacy Financial Counsel, Inc.- Advisor                                Aug 2018 to May 2022

A comprehensive fee-only concierge organization serving clients throughout the United States. Using a team structure, we provide financial planning, investment management, elder-care, and legacy planning.

Key Private Bank- Southwest Ohio - Senior Financial Planner                                 2014 to Aug 2018

• A CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ serving 1200 clients with ~$1.5 billion AUM. Member of team with 5 Relationship Managers, 4 Portfolio Managers, and 3 Trust Officers.
• Member of KeyBank’s national Financial Planning, Business Succession Planning, and Tax Planning Committees who develop products, strategies, education programs, marketing materials, and client seminars for use with clients and the public.
• The top ranked Financial Planner in the nation with $67.8M in new assets generating $357K in fees through May 2018. Ranked in the top 10 of the Key Bank financial planners for three
• In coordination with team members, encouraged the sale of insurance products, mortgages, business loans, and adoption of financial aggregation technology by high net worth
• Provided client income tax reviews and estate planning reviews. Created estate plan flow charts, make recommendations to reduce tax liability while increasing estate settlement
• Assisted clients, commercial bankers, and KPB team members with business succession planning,culminating in $150M in proceeds over three years and generating client

Raymond James Financial Services, Dayton Ohio- Financial Advisor                                             2012 to 2014

A CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and Ohio Life Insurance Agent serving 200 families throughout the United States. Ensemble practice managing $130 million in assets under management and offering life, health, disability, and long-term care insurance products.

Capital Analysts Incorporated, Western Southern Financial Group                                              2007 to 2012
Compliance Manager, Cincinnati, OH

• Develop, review and approve advertising and sales literature for financial advisors (FINRA 2210).
• Review and approve correspondence of Managing Associates (FINRA 2211). Due Diligence review of third party software, financial plan software, and Life-Settlement products.
• Approved financial plan contracts, client plans, product recommendations, and fee
• Assisted with SEC, FINRA, Outside Business Reviews, and Market Conduct Audits
• Reviewed and approved Outside Business Activity requests and updated SEC Form ADV
• Assisted with development of firm marketing publications and public relations wealth to increase sales and retention of HNW
• Assisted with implementation of “Wealth Management Model Office” program, an innovative re-design of compensation arrangements and practice management consulting.
• Researched, developed, and communicated firm Written Supervisory Procedures and related

Northwestern Mutual Financial Network: The Marker Group, Dayton, Ohio                              2003 to 2007

Director of Network Office Supervision, Brokerage Operations Manager, Contracting Coordinator

• Responsible for OSJ Compliance; conducting annual audits as required by FINRA rules 3012 & 3013, compliance training, and facilitating contracting/registration of 50 financial representatives.
• Implemented SEC IA-2376 decision affecting financial representatives & broker-dealer
• Coordinated training and supervision for conversion to a new clearing firm (Pershing)
• Supervised daily operations for $1 million GDC brokerage and the $3 million insurance
• Managed & trained brokerage operations staff with P&L
• Achieved recruitment and retention goal of 20 new Financial Representatives in one calendar
• Developed “Practice Management” training to aid in recruitment and advisor development
• Consulted with representatives to maximize asset consolidation and insurance sales opportunities
• Facilitated FINRA Series 6, 7, 63, 65, 66 exam training & OH Insurance license

AIG-Pinnacle Taxx Advisors, Florence KY                                                                                           2002 to 2003

Tax & Financial Consultant, OSJ Compliance Principal

• Increased tax and financial planning business by 15% in one year by developing and executing marketing plans for the Northern Kentucky office for preparing client tax
• Assess client financial product, personal tax, and estate planning needs using client meetings, financial planning software, and prudent man rules for
• Encouraged increased depth of financial services for 1300
• Conducted sales presentations for audiences up to 100

Fidelity Brokerage Services, Blue Ash, Ohio                                                                                     1999 to 2002

Equity Trader and Retirement Products Specialist

• Sold over $14 million in additional financial assets under management by assessing customer needs and recommending prudent and profitable financial
• Achieved 99.9% accuracy for 5250 equity, stock option, and bond trades by following proper risk management procedures and confirming client orders before
• Generated an additional $10 million in assets by managing special corporate projects for Fidelity BillPay® and 401K Direct Participation accounts®.
• Achieved asset retention goals for two concurrent years, saving $20 million in assets

Internal Revenue Service, Clerk, Florence, KY                                                                                 1999

• Member of the Audit Processing Team that coded personal tax returns for audit.

Education

MBA, Finance, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH;     BS, Marketing, Miami University, Oxford, OH

LSSBB, Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification, BPG Certification; OH Life & Health Insurance License

Professional Activities

• CFP Board Ambassador™ Published articles on CFP Board website, 5 years
• Board of Directors, Financial Planning Association of Southwestern Ohio, Girl Scouts of Western Ohio, and the Junior Achievement OKI Dayton Board of Directors
• Regional Financial Educator, AARP of Southwest Ohio 3 years
• CFP Board Ethics Instructor, FPA of Southwestern Ohio 4 years
• Adjunct Faculty, Wright State University and the University of Cincinnati, 4 years
• Board of Advisors Wright State LIFT2 Symposium, 5 years
• Intuit Tax Expert 2021, 2022 - Trained to complete tax filings for clients
• Certified IRS Tax Preparer 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021,2022

BARBARA L. CULVER, EA

110 Vista Way
Kennewick, WA 99336
(509) 736-2400 – FAX (509) 736-2411 – Office
(509) 294-6285 Mobile

EMPLOYMENT HISTORY

1994-Present              Tax Center Plus (Proprietor)
110 Vista Way
Kennewick, Washington 99336
(509) 736-2400 – (509) 736-2411 FAX

Prior to 1994              Home Capital Funding – Branch Manager, Loan Officer
Alaska Fisheries Development Foundation - Controller/Administrator
R.A. McDonald CPA & Company - Accountant, Office Manager
Micro Business World – Accountant/Office Manager
Western Hyway Distributing Company – Accountant/Office Manager

PROFESSIONAL CREDENTIALS

Enrolled Agent – August 16, 2001
Accredited Tax Advisor – January 2002
Accredited Tax Preparer – January 2002
Certified Tax Professional – October 1992

EDUCATION

            Rapid City High School, Rapid City, South Dakota – Cum Laude
Fort Worth Christian College, Fort Worth, Texas

CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION

NAEA Schuldiner Smollan Leadership Academy 2011
NAEA National Tax Practitioner Institute Graduate 2016
NAEA National Tax Practitioner Institute Graduate Level 2017
50-100 hours annually in subjects relating to income taxation and representation issues

 PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS

National Society of Accountants (NSA)

Washington Association of Accounting and Tax Professionals (WAATP)

Washington State Society of Enrolled Agents (WSSEA)
Various officer and director positions 2006-2010
Vice President 2010-2011
President Elect 2011-2012
President 2012-2013
Immediate Past President 2013-2016 and continued on board through June 2021

Washington State Tax Consultants (WSTC)
South King County Chapter President 2003-2005

National Association of Tax Professionals (NATP)
Former Washington State Chairperson
Institute of Management Accountants – formerly National Society of Accountants
Alaskan Chapter President 1991-1992
National Director 1995-1997
Tri Cities Chapter President 2016-2018