DWC CPAs and Advisors is pleased to announce the following promotions:
Sarah J. Fischer, CPA, to Principal
Sarah became a valued member of the DWC tax team in 2001. Her areas of expertise revolve around family-owned businesses, business tax planning, ACA rules, compensation/fringe benefit planning, and offering financial planning and consulting services to small business owners, families, and high net-worth individuals. Sarah’s diverse clientele spans across industries such as dealerships, manufacturing, professional services, and medical practices.
In addition to her professional endeavors, Sarah actively contributes to the knowledge-sharing community. She frequently authors guest articles for The Business Times and DWC’s blog, addressing individual and business-related tax topics. Furthermore, Sarah assumes the role of a presenter for various industry organizations, delivering insights on tax issues and keeping them abreast of the latest updates that impact their respective sectors. She is a professional member of the American Institute of CPAs and the Colorado Society of CPAs.
Sarah’s educational background includes a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a focus on accounting from Colorado State University in Fort Collins.
Katie J. Taylor, CPA, to Tax Manager
Originally from Longmont, CO, Katie ventured to the Western Slope to attend Western Colorado University in Gunnison and earned degrees in accounting and business administration with an emphasis in resort management. After graduating cum laude from the honors program, she joined DWC’s Glenwood Springs team in June of 2016. Since then, she has attained considerable expertise in various income tax matters and advisory for small businesses and real estate ventures. Katie also has a strong ability to connect with families and high net-worth individuals to help manage their financial landscape, plan for their future and leave a lasting legacy. She is a professional member of the American Institute of CPAs and the Colorado Society of CPAs.
Erin E. Darnell to Audit Supervisor
Originally from south Louisiana, Erin ventured to Colorado to attend Western Colorado University, where she attained a bachelor of science degree in business administration with an emphasis in accounting, economics, and business administration. 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.
Lori A. Miller to Tax Supervisor
Lori is a long-time, versatile team member, working in multiple disciplines during her tenure with DWC. Initially starting as part of the support staff, she quickly transitioned to bookkeeping, general accounting, and tax preparation and planning. With her expertise extending across diverse industries, Lori particularly enjoys working within the agriculture and farming sectors. She has an associate of applied science degree and has over 19 years of experience with DWC. She is a member of the Colorado Society of CPAs. Born and raised in Montrose, Lori enjoys the mountains, traveling, and spending time with family.
Kevin P. Rosson to Audit Supervisor
Originally from southern California, Kevin graduated with a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of La Verne (CA) and later attained a master’s degree in public accounting from Colorado State University-Global. Kevin joined DWC’s audit group in the fall of 2019. Since that time, he has developed 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 construction entities, oil and gas services, dealerships, nonprofits including country clubs and common interest realty associations, healthcare including behavioral health, and employee benefit plans subject to ERISA audit requirements including 401(k) plans, 403(b) plans, and health and welfare plans. Kevin is a member of the Colorado Society of CPAs.
Vennessa M. Distel to Tax Senior
Newer to accounting, Venessa started with DWC in January of 2022. As she cultivates strong connections with her clients, she finds joy and fulfillment in her work. Growing up in Mesa, Arizona, Vennessa has found roots in western Colorado. Her educational journey began by earning an associate degree from Mesa Community College (AZ), which sparked accounting career aspirations. She briefly attended West Texas University on a basketball scholarship before ultimately earning a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Phoenix. In her spare time, Vennessa enjoys being with her husband and children. She also actively serves her church community and collaborates with organizations dedicated to aiding women and children in need. She is a professional member of the Colorado Society of CPAs.
Megan K. Lawson to Tax Senior
Always interested in money and how it works, Megan enjoyed counting her money to the last dime as a child. Raised in Grand Junction, she pursued her education at Colorado Mesa University, earning a bachelor’s degree in public accounting and a master’s degree in business administration. Megan started as an intern with DWC and now works with multiple industries but primarily serves nonprofit and farming clients. She is a member of the Colorado Society of CPAs.
Zach A. Thomas to Tax Senior
Zach grew up in Fruita and attended Colorado Mesa University, earning a bachelor’s degree in public accounting. Joining DWC in 2021, Zach enjoys the complexities of taxation, regulation and helping clients understand their finances and compliance needs. He mainly advises partnerships and S corporations and serves individuals, especially in handling gift tax matters. He is a professional member of the Colorado Society of CPAs. Zach enjoys golf and spending time with friends and family during his off hours.
Denise R. Distel to Bookkeeping Supervisor
Denise is a seasoned professional who leads the bookkeeping department at DWC’s Montrose location. She has been serving DWC clients for an impressive span of over 36 years. Her expertise is marked by her Advanced Certified Online and Desktop QuickBooks Pro-Advisor Certifications, which showcase her proficiency in managing financial matters efficiently. She is also a member of the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers. Beyond her professional contributions, Denise actively serves as a board member for the Bosom Buddies Breast Cancer Support Group of Southwestern Colorado, demonstrating her compassion and commitment to supporting those in need.
Darby Russell to Senior Bookkeeper
Darby’s accounting and bookkeeping career spans nearly a decade with private business experience and DWC CPAs and Advisors. She collaborates with the firm’s tax and bookkeeping teams to deliver comprehensive services to a diverse clientele in multiple industries. She enjoys sharing her knowledge and experience, helping to foster her team’s growth. Darby holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting and a master’s degree in organizational leadership from Colorado Christian University, and she is presently pursuing a Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) designation.
Michele Johnson to Office Manager
Michele joined DWC in 2009 and has since been an integral part of Glenwood’s internal support team, ensuring professional staff needs are attended to. In her role as office manager, Michele is responsible for supervising the administrative team, efficiently organizing and managing the office’s day-to-day operations while providing support to employees and clients. Thriving in an environment characterized by teamwork and a commitment to personal and organizational growth, Michele finds immense joy in collaborating with a dynamic and amiable group that prioritizes exceptional client service.
Chelsea Jurgens Osborne to Operations Project Coordinator
Chelsea recently made a transition to DWC’s Operations Department, assuming the position of a project coordinator. In this capacity, she lends her expertise to internal technology projects, encompassing software applications, database support, and various firm initiatives. Originally from Olathe, Colorado, Chelsea pursued her education at Colorado Mesa University, achieving a B.A. degree in English with a specialization in technical and nonfiction writing. She enjoys volunteer work, particularly for outdoor organizations, and is looking forward to participating in the Girls on the Run program in the upcoming fall season.
