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.
Storm Wolff
| CPA, CVA
Storm has been with CEA for 25 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. Outside of CEA, he enjoys spending time with his wife, and daughter as well as going on walks with his two pups, and maybe a round or two of golf.
Dustin Murphy
| Staff Accountant
Dustin graduated in May 2024 from Illinois College with a Bachelor of Arts in Business and Accounting, he joined the firm in November of the same year. He brings an energetic approach not only to reconciliations, and tax preparations but to the entire CEA team. When he is not at the office, he enjoys watching various sporting activities and hanging out with his fiancé Kaylee and 2 dogs Finnley and Ollie
Jacob Heironimus
| Staff Accountant
Jacob is the newest member of the CEA team; he received his Bachelor’s of Accounting from the University of Illinois - Springfield in June 2026 he will receive his master’s degree in the Spring of 27. He brings a strong background of accounting operations and fresh perspectives to the firm. When he is not at the office you can find him studying for his CPA designation.
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.