DWC CPAs and Advisors is pleased to announce the following promotions
Matt Leach, PAFM to Chief Operating Officer
Matt joined DWC in 2020. He brings more than a decade of experience in the accounting industry, including time as a financial statement auditor before becoming the Firm Administrator and Client Accounting Services Director for a rural accounting firm in south central Colorado. His administrative background includes human resources, IT, process development, and business management. Matt grew up in Grand Junction. He attained a Bachelor of Science in Accounting degree from Adams State University in Alamosa, CO.
Vennessa Distel, CPA, to Tax Manager
Vennessa’s accounting career started with DWC in Montrose in January 2022. She believes in cultivating strong connections with her clients, finding a sense of joy and fulfillment in her work. Although she has worked across various industries and with diverse clients, she has gained strong experience in trusts, nonprofits, sole proprietorships, and small businesses.
Raised in Mesa, Arizona, Vennessa relocated to Western Colorado 25 years ago and has established deep roots in the community. Her academic journey began with an associate’s degree from Mesa Community College (AZ), laying the groundwork for her pursuit of a career in accounting. She briefly attended West Texas University on a basketball scholarship before completing her bachelor’s degree in accounting at the University of Phoenix. Vennessa is a professional member of the Colorado Society of CPAs and the American Institute of CPAs.
Outside of work, Vennessa cherishes time with her husband, children, and grandchildren. She actively contributes to her church community and collaborates with organizations dedicated to aiding women and children in need.
Erin McLaughlin, CPA, to Audit Manager
Originally from south Louisiana, Erin ventured to Colorado to attend Western Colorado University, where she attained a Bachelor of Science in business administration with an emphasis in accounting and economics. Since joining the DWC audit team in 2021, she has gained expertise in providing attest and accounting services such as financial statement audits, reviews, compilations, agreed-upon procedures, and client accounting services for a wide variety of clients in several industries, including financial institutions, healthcare, life and health insurance, retail, nonprofits, homeowners’ associations, and employee benefit plans, including 401(k) plans, 403(b) plans, and health and welfare plans. Erin is a member of the Colorado Society of CPAs
Brian Berger, CPA, to Tax Supervisor
Originally from Lincoln, CA, Brian moved to Glenwood Springs and joined DWC in January 2024 after nearly six years with a California accounting firm. As a tax supervisor, Brian primarily serves small businesses and business owners in the financial, agricultural, and outdoor sectors. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business management economics with an accounting emphasis on accounting from the University of California, Santa Cruz, and a master’s in accounting from Sacramento State University. He is a professional member of the American Institute of CPAs and the Colorado Society of CPAs. Outside the office, Brian is an avid triathlete, ultra runner, and two-time Ironman finisher.
Megan Lawson to Tax Supervisor
Raised in Grand Junction, Megan graduated Colorado Mesa University with a bachelor’s degree in public accounting and a master’s degree in business administration. Megan started with DWC as an intern and joined the tax team full-time in 2021. She has experience with multiple industries and primarily serves nonprofit and farming clients. Megan is a member of the Colorado Society of CPAs.
Brent Metzler to Audit Supervisor
Brent, a Western Slope native raised in De Beque, later moved to Palisade and graduated from Palisade High School. He then attended Colorado Mesa University, earning a bachelor’s degree in public accounting in May 2022. Starting as an intern at DWC during his CMU years, Brent transitioned to a full-time audit team position in June 2022.
During his tenure with DWC, Brent has developed expertise in providing attest and accounting services such as financial statement audits, reviews, compilations, agreed-upon procedures, and client accounting services. His knowledge spans various industries, including financial institutions; construction entities and other contracting businesses; life and health insurance; healthcare (including behavioral health); nonprofits, notably country clubs and common interest realty associations; retail; real estate and rental real estate; higher education; food service; governmental special districts; software as a service (SaaS); and employee benefit plans subject to ERISA audit requirements to include 401(k), 403(b), and health and welfare plans. Brent is a professional member of the Colorado Society of CPAs
Emma MacKain Quandt to Tax Supervisor
Emma, a Colorado native, originally hails from Capulin, a small town in the San Luis Valley. She moved to Grand Junction to attend Colorado Mesa University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in general accounting. Starting with DWC in June 2022, Emma has taken the opportunity to work on a wide range of business and individual tax returns and tax issues with a focus on agricultural operations, trusts, wineries, and multi-state returns. With her strong background in the farming and ranching business, she is able to understand the complexities of the agricultural world.
In addition to her professional membership with the Colorado Society of CPAs, Emma supports her community as a volunteer at varying local community events. In her spare time, she enjoys her time outdoors hiking and trail running with her husband and dog, enjoying quiet evenings reading book club picks, and baking or cooking.
Angela Heuman, CPA, to Tax Senior
Angela joined DWC’s Glenwood Springs office in June of 2024. As a tax senior, she mainly prepares tax returns and supports client engagements. While Angela has an extensive background in hotel and property management accounting, she has found her passion in working with small businesses and their owners, where effective tax planning and strategy can directly support their long-term success and growth.
Originally from West Chester, Pennsylvania, Angela came to Western Colorado and earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with an emphasis in accounting from Colorado Mountain College. Subsequently, she completed her Master of Professional Accounting with a concentration in taxation from Colorado State University Global.
In addition to her role at DWC, Angela serves as Treasurer of Buckhorn Valley Metropolitan District Number 2, and she is a member of the Colorado Society of CPAs. Outside of work, she and her husband enjoy spending time outdoors hiking and cross-country skiing with their two dogs.
Samantha Pierce to Tax Senior
Born in Arizona, Samantha grew up in Olathe, Colorado on a small cattle ranch. She earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s in Accounting from Western Governors University and joined DWC in October 2023. As a tax senior, Samantha works on a wide range of returns, with a particular focus on farm and ranch operations and trusts.
Eric Sanderson to Tax Senior
A Montrose native, Eric earned his bachelor’s degree in public accounting from Colorado Mesa University. He joined DWC in May 2024 and primarily works with small business owners and nonprofit organizations. Eric is also a member of the Colorado Society of CPAs.
Trevor Smith to Audit Senior
Originally from Sterling, Colorado, Trevor ventured to the Western Slope. He earned his Bachelor’s of Science in Public Accounting from Colorado Mesa University. He joined DWC’s audit and assurance team in June 2023.
Trevor has experience in providing assurance and accounting services such as financial statement audits, reviews, compilations, and client accounting services to clients in various industries, including Construction and Nonprofits. Trevor is a member of the Colorado Society of CPAs.
