Lonnie Juarez, CPA is a Principal at Loftis Group LLC. While he initially planned to pursue a career with the FBI, Lonnie discovered that he truly enjoyed accounting and went on to find his place as an auditor. His desire to provide the best possible service to his clients, eagerness to foster the development of his employees and peers, and his habit of over-preparing for every meeting are traits that have fueled his success in the accounting industry. When he is not at work, you can find Lonnie coaching his children's soccer and basketball teams and spending quality time with his family. We recently had the chance to speak to Lonnie about his life as a CPA, and learned about the impact his clients have had on his career.
View Details
Sharla Simpson, CPA didn't take the "traditional" route to the CPA designation. With an interest in numbers, eagerness to help others, and fueled by the desire to become a trusted advisor, Sharla studied for the exam and passed while working and raising a family. Today, Sharla is the Manager of Tax and Investor Accounting at Gemini Rosemont Realty, where she developed the tax department and has been an integral part of the organization for 14 years. To decompress outside of work, you can find Sharla either reading or catching up with her family. We recently had the chance to speak to Sharla about her life as a CPA in private industry and learned about her experience as an engaged member of the NMSCPA.
View Details
Shauna Roche, CPA has spent her entire working-life in the accounting industry. Determined to propel her career forward, she pursued her CPA designation as a non-traditional student and found success as Managing Partner at Chandler & Co. in Farmington. When Shauna is not working, you can either find her with her grandchildren, or perfecting her swing on the golf course. We recently had the opportunity to speak to Shauna about her experience as a CPA, and learned about the defining moment that led to her return to Farmington, NM.
View Details
Silvia Alvarez, CPA, CGMA was always drawn to numbers. With a background in psychology and a career in banking already in motion, Silvia took a leap and pursued her accounting degree, and later, the CPA designation. Always one to start the day with a good attitude, it's easy to see why young commercial lenders gravitate towards her for knowledge and mentorship. We recently had the chance to speak to Silvia about her role as Executive Vice President, Commercial Banking Manager at First National Rio Grande, and learned about why she's proud to be a CPA in the banking world.
View Details
As Dona Ana Chapter President and Tax Manager of Beasley, Mitchell & Co in Las Cruces, Lori Sharp realized her childhood dream of becoming a CPA and, as a result, exudes passion for the CPA profession. Lori embodies the "trusted advisor" with her calming presence, positive attitude, and eagerness to help clients. We recently had the chance to interview Lori about her career and learned about what lead her to pursue the CPA designation.
View Details
Norman Colter is a beloved accounting professor at the University of New Mexico’s Anderson School of Management. From his involvement in the Society as a member of the NMSCPA Board of Directors and the Student Pipeline Committee to his passion for teaching accounting, his dedication to encouraging future generations of CPAs is noteworthy and vital to the profession. When Norm is not in the classroom or heading to various committee meetings, you might find him enjoying a good glass of wine and a cigar, or reading IRS Tax Code for fun. We recently had the chance to speak with Norm about his experience as a professor and gain insight into what drove him to teach accounting.
View Details
Mary Alice Walker-Lysak is the CFO at Armstrong Energy Corporation in Roswell. From her dedication to the Roswell community through her volunteer work for various organizations to her unique hobbies which include scuba diving and maintaining her pilot license, Mary Alice’s dynamic personality shines through. Her unwavering support of the CPA profession and commitment to excellence are truly noteworthy. We recently had the chance to speak with Mary Alice about her experience as a successful CFO at Armstrong Energy Corporation and learned about how her background in public accounting gave her the broad base of expertise she needed to excel.
View Details
Joshua Edwards is the Financial Controller at LAVU Inc., an Albuquerque-based tech company that provides iPad-centric point of sale systems for restaurants. Joshua has been actively involved in the NMSCPA as a mentor and Student Pipeline Committee member, always jumping at the chance to get involved and enhance the CPA pipeline. When he is not identifying challenges and benefits to moving into international markets, or booking entries and monthly closes, you can find Joshua writing comic books and training to climb Mount Fuji (Japan’s highest and most prominent mountain) in July. We recently had the chance to speak with Joshua about his experience as a successful CPA in private industry and learned about how his background in public accounting set him up for success.
View Details
Mandy C. Funchess is a partner in the firm Schlenker & Cantwell, P.A. She is a graduate of New Mexico State University and has spent the last 19 years working with nonprofit organizations throughout New Mexico. When she is not hard at work providing her clients with services to help them succeed, serving as Chair of the Bernalillo County Audit Committee, or cheering on her children at their games, Mandy’s admitted “guilty pleasure” is watching The Bachelor. We talked to Mandy about her experience as a successful CPA and gained some insight into how she balances her professional and personal life, all the while maintaining her signature cheerful disposition.
View Details
Daniel O. Trujillo, CPA, CFE, CGFM, CGMA joined Kubiak Melton & Associates, LLC in November of 2009. Trujillo’s practice concentrates on auditing state and local governments, tribal governments, tribal corporations and non-profits. He is also a certified fraud examiner (CFE) and performs forensic audits and examinations. Daniel has a BBA and MACCT from UNM and is a member of AICPA, NMSCPA, ACFE and AGA.
View Details
Donald A. Beasley is a Founding Partner of Beasley, Mitchell & Co. LLP (BMC) in Las Cruces. He earned his Bachelor of Accounting from New Mexico State University in 1972 and has 40 years of public accounting experience. He helped grow the firm from three people in 1987 to a staff of 42 employees today! He also has been a Society member for 40 years. Don provides business consulting to various clients and specializes in tax planning and advising for closely held businesses. Don is very active in local civic and charitable work, and has held board positions for many nonprofits including NMSU Foundation, Mesilla Valley Hospice, Las Cruces Economic Forum, Las Cruces Public School Foundation, NMSU Alumni Association, Aggie Sports Association, Mil Gracias Society at NMSU, Catholic Diocese of Las Cruces, Mayfield High School 12th Man Club, and Holy Cross Catholic Church Finance Committee. In April 2015, Don was inducted into the NMSU Business College Hall of Fame. His firm continues to flourish and was recently named by INSIDE Public Accounting as the 10th fastest-growing public accounting firm in the U.S. in the under $5 million category.
View Details
C. Jack Emmons is a semi-retired sole practitioner with a rich professional history, including working at Precision Accounting, Emmons Seward & Co., Accounting & Consulting Group, and Peat Marwick Mitchell. These days, he dedicates most of his time to his consulting practice, his position as Chair of the New Mexico Public Accountancy Board, and serving on the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy CBT Administration Committee. Jack has more than 50 years of public accounting experience providing audit, tax, consulting and forensic accounting services for governmental entities, not-for-profits, businesses and individuals. He also taught as an adjunct audit professor for nine years at the University of New Mexico. Additionally, Jack has experience investigating fraud cases and preparing for court testimony. He has performed many peer reviews over the years and served on the NMSCPA Peer Review Committee for 10 years. He was named as the NMSCPA Outstanding Member in Public Practice in 1995. Jack has worked with his wife, Joy Emmons, for the past 25 years and credits her for being a large part of his success. He is highly involved in his profession, in politics and in the community.
View Details
