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.
Katie Conklin
| Staff Accountant
Katie has been a team member since the beginning of 2019. In May 2020, she graduated from Illinois College and transitioned into her position as Staff Accountant. She is currently attending University of Illinois Springfield pursuing her Master’s degree in Accountancy with the plan to then get her CPA.
Madison Tabit
| Intern
Maddie joined the CEA team in December of 2022. She recently received her associate degree from LLCC and currently is pursuing her accounting degree from UIS. When she is not at CEA or school you will probably find her at the gym her parents own.
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. He earned his CPA designation and became the owner of Bud, an energetic German Shepard, in early 2021. Outside of CEA, he spends most of his time on the golf course and walking his pup.