Loretta Rivers, EA

Loretta's 33 year IRS career included positions in taxpayer services and collections as well as 26 years in examinations as an auditor and case reviewer. Loretta holds Bachelor's degrees in both Business Administration and Education. She has taught tax law courses for both the IRS and at the college level. Loretta has been an Enrolled Agent since 1999 and is a member of JK Harris’ Corporate Tax Preparation Team.

Catherine Boags, EA

Catherine’s 32-year IRS career included six years as a Revenue Agent Group Manager and 26 years as a Revenue Agent. Catherine holds a Bachelor of Science degree from New York University in Accounting. She has been with JK Harris & Company since January of 2000 and is currently a Licensed Taxpayer Representative. She has been an Enrolled Agent since 1999. She is a member of the National Association of Enrolled Agents. Catherine is also a member of the local chapter of the South Carolina Enrolled Agents and serves on its Board of Directors.

Bob J. Mickey │ Technical Advisor Emeritus, Retired

After his 30-year career with the IRS, Bob retired to Charleston, S.C., and began his own small practice as an Enrolled Agent representing individuals and businesses before the IRS. After closing his business, Bob came to work at JK Harris & Company. During Bob's career with the IRS, he served in numerous management positions retiring as Division Chief of Collection for the Tennessee District. While working with the IRS, he was able to obtain valuable experience in the operations in the Criminal and Audit Divisions. Bob earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from High Point College (High Point, N.C.).

Gwenivar L. Haynes, EA

Gwen's nine-year IRS career was spent as a Revenue Officer with the Collection Division in Anchorage, AK, and Atlanta, GA. Upon leaving the IRS in 1992, she became an Enrolled Agent and has spent the last 17 years representing clients who owe taxes before the IRS and the Department of Revenue in various states. She graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Business Administration with an emphasis in Management degree. She is an Associate member of the National Association of Enrolled Agents.

Peter Hukki, EA

Peter has been an Enrolled Agent or now more commonly known as a Federally Authorized Tax Practitioner, since 1974. He has been a College Instructor, the Director of the Federal Tax Department of a major Life Insurance Company; a Director of Finance/Controller in one of the largest managed health care companies in the US. Mr. Hukki also teaches on a number of tax topics both internally with JK Harris and externally. He is a current member of the National Association of Enrolled Agents, NAEA, a member of the National Society of Tax Practitioner, NATP and currently is a Director with the State Society of Enrolled Agents, SCSEA. Pete was the President of the Maine Society of Enrolled Agents for 3 years and is the past President of the Charleston Society of Enrolled Agents. Pete is a practicing Tax Practitioner who does consulting, tax planning as well as income tax preparation ranging from individuals to corporations as well as Gift and Estate Tax Returns.

Bill Wandel, EA, CPA

Bill has over 30 years of combined experience in private and public accounting. He has been associated with JK Harris since 2001, serving the company as a Licensed Taxpayer Representative. He holds a Bachelor Degree in Economics with a minor in Accounting from Loyola University in Chicago. For 12 years, Bill worked in the private sector, serving in various capacities including positions as a Cost Accountant, Controller and Business Analyst. He became an Enrolled Agent in 1990 and, in 1999 became a CPA in the state of Texas. Bill has worked 18 years as a taxpayer advocate.

Ralph Havens, EA │ Vice President -- Professional Services

Ralph was tabbed Vice President of Professional Services in August of 2008. He was named the Director of Professional Services in June of 2007 after joining the company in August of 2003. Ralph reports to EVP of Operations Bob Harris. He is responsible for JKH's respected LTR group, consisting mostly of Enrolled Agents, attorneys and CPAs. In addition, Ralph also heads up the company's Audit Representation, Tax Preparation and E-file Departments. Ralph has been an Enrolled Agent for the past 14 years. He received a degree in Business Management from Genesee (NY) College and is a native of Buffalo, NY. Prior to coming to JK Harris, Ralph served as District Manager for Jackson Hewitt's Company offices from Buffalo to Boston. He also owned and operated a very successful H&R Block franchise in New York State prior to his association with Jackson Hewitt. Ralph's experience also includes working with an accounting firm where he handled a wide range of tax forms to include Corporations, Partnerships and Individual returns. Ralph's special area of concentration is in audit representation.

John E. Shoop, JD

John graduated from Kent State University in 1968 with a bachelor's degree in Psychology. He obtained his Juris Doctor degree from Cleveland State University in 1971. John was admitted to the Bar by the Supreme Courts of the State of Ohio and the State of South Carolina. John has been a practicing attorney for more than 35 years, 18 of which were spent in public service with 16 years as a Prosecuting Attorney and two as a Public Defender. In his private practice he concentrated on Estate Planning, Probate and Trust work augmenting these areas with licenses in Insurance and Financial Services. John is most proud of his two successful arguments before the Supreme Court of the United States of America.

Stephanie Coleman, JD

Stephanie earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Washington and Lee University in Lexington, VA. She received her Juris Doctorate from William and Mary University in Williamsburg, VA. Stephanie has previously worked as an employment litigation attorney and human resources executive. She is a member of the West Virginia State Bar Association, Association of Corporate Counsel, Zonta Club International, the Association of Fundraising Professionals, and is the South Carolina’s appointed Guardian Ad Litem.

Troy Sholl, JD

Troy earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Notre Dame and a Master of Science degree from the University of London. He received a Juris Doctorate from the University of Pittsburgh. Troy is a member of the Florida Bar and has served as an Adjudications Officer with Immigration and Naturalization Services. Troy was the Editor of a Commerce Clearing House, Inc., publication.

Jeremy Klebes, JD

Jeremy earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Dickinson College. He received his Juris Doctorate from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law. Before working at JK Harris, Jeremy worked in real estate and tort law for private practice.

Cheryl Drum, EA

Cheryl is in her second stint at JK Harris. She first came to JK Harris in 2003 when she joined the staff as Licensed Taxpayer Representative in the Special Assistance Group. She left the company in 2006 to start a family. Cheryl returned in 2008 as the company’s Corporate, Tax and Production Trainer. She is in charge of designing, developing and implementing education programs related to both general taxation and specific production operations and will be involved in all aspects of training for JK Harris. She has been an Enrolled Agent since 2002. She is a graduate of Clemson University where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Management. Prior to joining JK Harris initially, Cheryl worked as a Tax Specialist, Trainer and Office Manager in the Charleston office of a nationwide tax company.

Robert Eney, EA, MBA

Robert earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Iona College and then went on to earn his MBA from Clemson. In addition, Robert did a significant amount of postgraduate work in tax law and accounting from Pace University, near Wall Street in New York. He earned his Enrolled Agent credentials in 2003. Robert served as Corporate controller for two large manufacturers prior to starting his own accounting firm. During his nearly twenty years of self-employment, Robert served several hundred clients, ranging from homebuilders and realtors to doctors and dentists. Robert is a member of the National Association of Enrolled Agents as well as a member of the South Carolina Association of Enrolled Agents. He joined JK Harris in April 2008. Robert has had affiliation with both the Construction Financial Management Society and the National Association of Fraud Examiners. He has held a State of Tennessee contractor’s license.

Peggy Denby, EA

Peggy has extensive experience in the preparation of tax returns and worked four years in the Charleston office of a nationwide tax company preparing tax returns and teaching classes. She became an Enrolled Agent in 2004 and is a member of both the National Association of Enrolled Agents and the local chapter of the South Carolina Enrolled Agents. She has nearly 20 years of banking experience. Peggy graduated Magna Cum Laude in 1997 from Trident Technical College with an Associates Degree in Computer Technology. While at TTC, she was a member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and was elected to Who's Who Among Students in American Junior Colleges for 1995-96.

Mary C. Rivera, EA

Ms. Rivera has served in various capacities with JK Harris and Company, most recently as Manager of the Audit Department. Mary has been an Enrolled Agent since 2004. Along with 17 years of management experience, she has worked in the Tax Representation field for nine years and has had success in negotiating many disputes with the IRS and state tax agencies. She is a member of both the National Association of Enrolled Agents and the Charleston Chapter of the South Carolina Association of Enrolled Agents, of which she has held the office of Secretary from 2006 to 2008. Mary also holds an Associates Degree in Business Administration.

Tim Krusey, EA

Tim graduated from Long Beach State University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting. He has more than 20 years of experience in retail management. Tim worked for six years handling personal and corporate taxes, as well as partnerships for private tax preparation and accounting firms. In 2005, he became an Enrolled Agent. He is a member of the National Association of Enrolled Agents, as well as the local chapter of the South Carolina Enrolled Agents.

Bernard Bandish, EA │ Senior Vice President -- Financial Services

Bernard, who joined JK Harris & Company in 1999, returned to Financial Services as Senior Vice President in August of 2008 after serving as Executive Vice President of Operations for 16 months. He previously served as Executive Vice President of Financial Services, successfully directing the rapid growth of JK Harris Advisors and Small Business Services. Bernard has more than 30 years of business experience, including 23 years in the financial services industry. Prior to joining JK Harris, he was a financial planner and corporate trainer for Prudential Financial, Inc. Before that, he was the key advisor on tax and financial matters for a 7,500 employee medical university and hospital. Bernard graduated from San Diego State University and completed post-graduate work in Business Administration at The Citadel in Charleston, SC He has been a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ practitioner since 1999, a Chartered Financial Consultant since 1995, and an Enrolled Agent since 2005.

Charles D. Infinger, EA

Charles came to JK Harris in 2004 as a Case Specialist. He became an Enrolled Agent in 2006 and works as a Licensed Taxpayer Representative. Charles has served in JK Harris' Audit Department and has three years of audit representation experience. He is a member of the National Association of Enrolled Agents and the South Carolina Chapter of Enrolled Agents. Charles majored in Accounting at Charleston Southern University.

Vickie Richardson, EA

Vickie began her JK Harris career as Payroll Clerk/Staff Accountant in 2000. She became an Enrolled Agent in 2006 and is currently a Licensed Taxpayer Representative for JK Harris. Vickie is currently a member of the National Association of Enrolled Agents. She holds an Associate Degree in Accounting from Commonwealth College in Virginia.

Christopher Simmons, EA

Christopher became an Enrolled Agent in 2006, after having worked at JK Harris for two years. He has experience working in departments throughout JK Harris & Co including Primary Tax Services, the Emergency Management Team, E-file, Audit Representation, and the Special Projects Department. Christopher is currently part of our Phase 1 Professional Review Team.

Christine Hill, EA

Christine began work at JK Harris & Company in 2004 in the Accounting Department. She became an Enrolled Agent in 2006 and is currently a Licensed Taxpayer Representative for JK Harris. Prior to joining the JK Harris team, Christine spent three years as a Corporate Internal Auditor and another two years as Reporting Analyst for Bank of America. She also spent three years auditing for the British Government in Devon, England. She is a member of the National Association of Enrolled Agents and has a degree in Accounting from Clemson University.

Mark Walstrom, EA

Mr. Walstrom has 10 years of experience in the tax industry and has served in various capacities with JK Harris and Company, most recently as a Licensed Taxpayer Representative in the EMT Department. He is licensed to represent taxpayers before the IRS as an Enrolled Agent. He is a member of the National Association of Enrolled Agents.

William Lawitzke, EA │ Vice President -- JK Harris Small Business Services, LLC

Bill was named Vice President of JK Harris Small Business Services, LLC, in January of 2008. He began his stint with JK Harris in 2003 in Small Business Services as an Accounting Specialist and was promoted to Supervisor early in 2007. He became an Enrolled Agent in 2007. Prior to coming to JK Harris, he was a Comptroller with two other companies. Bill attended the University of Michigan and the University of Detroit, majoring in Business Administration with a concentration on accounting.

Teresa Thomas, EA

Teresa has been with JK Harris since 1999 and worked her way up from Case Specialist to Tax Preparer to Audit Case Specialist and became an Enrolled Agent in 2007. She also worked as a tax preparer for a major tax preparation company for 25 years. Teresa is a member of the National Association of Enrolled Agents as well as the South Carolina Chapter of Enrolled Agents.

Samuel Trotter, EA

Samuel is currently the Senior LTR on the Emergency Management Team. He came to JK Harris in the spring of 2003 as a Case Specialist. Holding a number of positions during his tenure, Sam advanced from Case Specialist to Tax Resolution Supervisor to Special Assistance Group Supervisor before becoming an Enrolled Agent, passing the exam in the winter of 2006. Prior to joining the JK Harris Tax Team, Samuel had over 15 years management experience including operating his own restaurant. Sam has an Associate Degree in Middle Management from Pellissippi State Technical Community College in Tennessee and is an Associate Member of the National Association of Enrolled Agents.

Kelly L. Scott, EA, CPLP™

Kelly is a graduate of Southern Wesleyan University where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Management. She is an Enrolled Agent and a Certified Professional in Learning and Performance. She is a member of the American Society for Training and Development, the National Association of Enrolled Agents, the National Association of Tax Professionals, and the South Carolina Tax Council.

Suzanne Scott, EA │ Vice President -- Special Tax Services

Suzanne was named the Vice President of the JK Harris Special Tax Services in August 2008 and reports to EVP of Operations Bob Harris. She oversees the Special Assistance Group, Emergency Management Team, Abatement of Penalties Team, Currently Not Collectible Team and Low Liability Installment Team. Like many managers at JK Harris, Suzanne has risen through the ranks of the company and has served various positions for the company. She started at JK Harris in 1998 as an Administrative Assistant. She went on to serve as a Case Specialist and a Supervisor until being named the Director of QAD in January of 2005 and Director of Special Tax Services in June of 2007. Prior to joining JK Harris, Suzanne was the Head Customer Service Manager for a local Wal-Mart store. Suzanne holds an Associates Degree from Trident Technical College. She recently earned her Enrolled Agent card and is an Associate Member of the National Association of Enrolled Agents.

Michael Kabealo, EA

Michael has been with JK Harris since November of 2005. He started as a Case Specialist and worked his way through the ranks as a Tax Preparer, Audit Case Specialist and now is a Licensed Taxpayer Representative. He earned his Enrolled Agent card in 2007. Prior to joining JK Harris, Michael was a Senior Internet Consultant in California and a Project Manager for a liquidation company in Ohio. He has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Geography from Ohio University.

Leah McLaughlin, EA

Leah has been with JK Harris since 2003. She began as a Case Specialist and worked her way up to Lead Case Specialist for the Special Assistance Group, Case Specialist for the Audit Department and then Case Specialist for the Abatement of Penalties team before becoming an Enrolled Agent in 2008. She has a degree from Ivy Tech State College in Indiana, and previously worked in the collections department for a credit card company. She is currently a member of the National Association of Enrolled Agents and the South Carolina Association of Enrolled Agents.

Dennis Swinden, EA

Dennis began his stint at JK Harris as a Tax Preparer in 2006. Prior to coming to JKH, he worked in the tax preparation field, worked for the U.S. Census Bureau and was president of his own sales and distribution company. The U.S. Army Vietnam veteran also has a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from Duke University. He became an Enrolled Agent in 2008 and is a member of the National Association of Enrolled Agents and the South Carolina Association of Enrolled Agents.

Debbra Watson, EA, MBA

Debbra has been an Accounting Specialist with JK Harris Small Business Services, LLC, since 2004 and was promoted to Lead Accounting Specialist in 2008. Her responsibilities include assisting supervisor, mentoring new hires, compile accounting reports for clients, prepare personal and business income tax returns, calculating estimated tax liabilities, prepare Limited Liability Company forms and forms to close a Corporation or LLC with taxing authorities, as well as prepare monthly, quarterly and annual federal and state payroll reports and contractor forms. Debbra has a Master’s Degree in Business from Charleston Southern University and a Bachelor of Technology from Charleston Southern University and an Associates Degree in accounting from Trident Technical College. Prior to coming to JK Harris, Debbra began her accounting career in 1984 and since held various accounting positions for different companies in the Charleston and surrounding area, staff accountant, payroll accountant, comptroller, tax preparer and bookkeeper. For one year, she was the Secretary/President of the Charleston Chapter of the Certified Managerial Accountancy Association, and is currently a member of the National Association of Enrolled Agents and South Carolina Association of Enrolled Agents.

Denise Peters, EA

Originally from California, Denise settled in Colorado for 25 years prior to moving to South Carolina in August 2008. Previously, Denise was the General Manager at a franchise tax preparation firm before becoming an owner from October 1997 to October 2007. She received her Enrolled Agent designation in May 2007.