Our Team
Darren Epperson
| Managing Partner, CPA
Darren Epperson, Managing Partner of the firm, brings over 30 years of experience in public accounting to his clients. With a proactive approach to accounting and tax law, Darren provides prompt, individual attention and strives to achieve strong professional ties with his clients. Darren received his BS in Accounting from Quincy University. Read More
Jaylene Epperson
| Practice Management Consultant
Jaylene graduated in 1993 from the University of Illinois at Springfield with a BA in Communication. She brings to the firm 30+ years of experience in Marketing and practice management. She was the Marketing & Treatment Coordinator for 18 years with McDaniel, Sternstein & Aleman Orthodontics as well as providing marketing and management consulting to local businesses. Jaylene is an active member of the community and enjoys volunteering, traveling, and spending as much time as possible with family and friends.
Mitchell Patterson
| Bookkeeper
Mitch joined the firm in May 2024; and comes to CEA with 5 years of experience in data analytics. he received his Bachelor of Arts in Business from Illinois College in 2017. When Mitch is not “crunching” the numbers you will probably find him enjoying some sporting event with his wife and two children.
Madison Tabit
| Staff Accountant-Intern
Maddie joined the firm in December 2022 and received her associate degree from LLCC. She is currently pursuing her accounting degree from UIS. When she is not working at CEA or studying, she enjoys golfing and working out at the gym owned by her parents.
Storm Wolff
| CPA, CVA
Storm has been with CEA for 24 years. She received her CPA designation in 2000 and her CVA designation in 2009. She is an active member in Toastmasters International, and she enjoys spending her free time with her husband, Jeff, and her daughters, Myranda and Hannah. If she is not in the office, you will probably find her at a Pilates Class.
Joseph Baptist
| Staff Accountant, CPA
Joe is a staff accountant who graduated from the University of Illinois – Springfield with his MS in Accountancy. He started at CEA in 2017 and provides tax and accounting services to individuals and small businesses in a variety of industries. Upon graduation he quickly earned his CPA designation and became the owner of Bud, an energetic German Shepard. Outside of CEA, he enjoys spending time with his wife, going on walks with his two pups and a round of golf or two.
Melissa Zinke
| Administrative Assistant
Melissa received a bachelor’s in business management and a minor in finance in 1999 from Western Illinois University. She joined the firm in November of 2023 and brings over 20+ years of client relation experience. She is an excellent problem solver with great communication skills. When she is not in the office she will be out “duckin” oops JEEPIN.