Who We Are

Todd began with Meriwether in 1998 after graduating from the University of Northern Iowa. He is now a valued managing partner at the West Des Moines firm and oversees the firm by working with Meriwether’s leadership team to ensure the implementation and execution of the firm’s vision. As a managing partner he is responsible for auditing, accounting, and consulting services to privately held companies in various industries including agriculture, insurance, construction, manufacturing, and wholesale. He also regularly travels to meet with and serve the clients he works with.

Off the Clock:

Beyond his professional pursuits, Todd enjoys spending time with his family—whether that means watching his youngest son pursue his soccer dream in Austin, Texas, or visiting his eldest son at the University of Iowa. When he’s not at the soccer fields or in Iowa City, he enjoys the simple things in life with his wife, family, and friends, and occasionally sneaks back to the family farm.

His ideal day includes reading, fishing, boating, and ending the evening by grilling with family and friends.

Jamie began with Meriwether in 1998 as a valued certified public accountant. He became a member in 2016. Jamie dedicates himself to serving Meriwether’s tax practice, where he specialized in all areas of taxation. His deep-rooted passion lies in cooperative taxation and consulting, and he values assiting clients with their unique needs.

Off the Clock:

Beyond his professional pursuits, Jamie cherishes moments spent with his loved ones, and quality time with friends. He especially enjoys outdoor activities, including fishing and sporting events with his four boys.

John began with Meriwether in 2011. He is a valued member with specialized experience in audit, strategic planning, and tax. He is passionate about assisting clients to enhance their businesses or organizations, providing them with a sense of relief when it comes to financial and tax matters.

Off the Clock:

Beyond his professional pursuits, John embraces an active lifestyle. He thrives on constant movement and cherishes spending quality time with his family. Whether it’s spending time outdoors or exploring local breweries, John knows how to make the most of his leisure time. In addition to his love for family and relaxation, John’s enthusiasm for playing basketball is undeniable.

Jon began with Meriwether in 1998 and became a valued member in 2002. As a member he has a strong background in attest, tax, and business consulting services. Jon is very dedicated to providing exceptional support to his clients. Specializing in working with entrepreneurial ventures, privately held businesses, and not-for-profit organizations. Jon brings a wealth of expertise to every engagement. Before joining Meriwether, he embarked another professional journey with a prestigious national firm. Alongside his client-focused responsibilities, Jon actively contributes to our firm’s quality control efforts and conducts peer reviews of other accounting firms.

Off the Clock:

Beyond his professional pursuits, Jon cherishes quality time with his loving family. Whether it’s enjoying the company of his wife, Teresa, or creating memorable moments with his two daughters, Katelyn and McKenzie, Jon finds joy in their presence. He also finds relaxation and fulfillment through engaging in remodeling projects and embarking on family vacations.

Volunteering/Charitable Contributions:

He is a proud member of the Iowa Society of CPA’s, demonstrating his commitment to professional growth and staying up to date with industry trends.

Matthew began with Meriwether in 2013 and is a valued member. He has expertise in working with non-profits, businesses, individuals, trusts, and estates. Matthew offers comprehensive tax and bookkeeping solutions. In addition, he takes on audit and attest work to meet the unique needs of his clients. Matthew thrives on being a trusted advisor to his clients, assisting them in making critical decisions that impact their businesses and personal lives.

Off the Clock:

Beyond his professional pursuits, Matthew can be found enjoying quality time outdoors with his loved ones. Whether he’s exploring the local park or jumping on the trampoline, he cherishes these moments with his family. He also enjoys staying active by playing hockey, golfing, or fishing.

Volunteering/Charitable Organizations:

He serves as a board member for Employee and Family Resources (EFR) in Des Moines, Iowa.

Wendy began with Meriwether in 1991 and is a valued tax partner, with a specialization in serving small businesses. As a member she is responsible for working with QuickBooks, estates, trusts, and high net worth individuals. But she loves helping all kinds of clients and educating them to better understand all the complexities of their tax situations. Wendy’s goals are to provide the best quality services that she can and to aid clients in making educated decisions when it comes to their financial situation.

Off the Clock:

Beyond her professional pursuits, Wendy finds joy in walking, spending time with family, and being outdoors.

Volunteering/Charitable Contributions:

Wendy actively contributes to her community as the treasurer of the board and member of the finance committee at the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation.

Gina began with Meriwether in June of 2022 as the Director of People and Culture. With a wide range of responsibilities, she leads the Firm in various areas such as recruiting, staff development, strategic planning, employee relations, and marketing. Gina’s ultimate mission is to always strive to keep Meriwether a top workplace in Iowa!

Off the Clock:

Beyond her professional pursuits, Gina cherishes her time spent with her family, which includes her three boys Jensen, Avery, and Owen. She also values her friendships and finds joy in exploring new places. Whether she’s hiking in the Colorado mountains, skiing, at the lake, attending live concerts, or simply relaxing on a patio with a cold drink in hand, Gina embraces life’s adventures.

In her downtime, Gina envisions the perfect day spent having brunch with friends, indulging in some shopping, enjoying some pizza, playing board games with her boys, and ending the evening with a cozy bonfire. Additionally, she has some personal goals of hosting more gatherings for friends and family, embarking on family travels, and starting a tradition of Friday night pizza nights with a wood-fired pizza oven to create unforgettable moments with friends and family.

Volunteering/Charitable Contributions:

Gina is a part of the Purpose Bound (Adel charity fundraising organization) and the Des Moines Women for Good charitable groups.

Aaron began with Meriwether in 2021 and is our valued Director of Information Technology. With his expertise in IT, he plays a pivotal role at Meriwether. His primary responsibilities involve all things technological, from server intricacies to optimizing the laptops that drive our daily operations. He is passionate about being the leading edge of technology, implementing the most up to date software and hardware possible.

Off the Clock:

Beyond his professional pursuits, Aaron enjoys sleeping in, taking his dogs on a walk, and sitting around a campfire in the evening. His personal goals are to achieve financial freedom, start a passive income business, and to improve his health and wellness.

Volunteering/Charitable Contributions:

Aaron envisions contributing his time in the future to the Animal Rescue League (ARL) and is considering fostering some animals at home.

Caitlin began with Meriwether in 2018, with a CPA lineage spanning three generations. Caitlin serves as a valued Audit Manager at Meriwether, specializing in attest work. As a Manager, she is responsible for reviewing fieldwork and audit reports, maintaining client communication, and providing support to fellow associates.

Off the Clock:

Beyond her professional pursuits, Caitlin enjoys a slow start to the day with a cup of coffee and a good breakfast before spending time outdoors with loved ones. Whether hiking, boating, golfing, playing pickleball, or exploring new outdoor activities, she finds joy in being outside and surrounded by nature. To top off her perfect day, Caitlin enjoys going out for dinner or grilling and relaxing around a fire.

Marissa began with Meriwether in 2024 as an Audit Manager and comes to us with over 8 years of experience. Marissa’s primary focus are audits of not-for-profit entities, real estate properties within the low-income housing tax credit and HUD programs, and benefit plans including 401(k) and ESOP audits. Marissa obtained both her undergraduate and master’s degrees from Iowa State University.

Off the Clock:

Beyond her professional pursuits, Marissa enjoys spending time and traveling with her husband, two-year-old son, and springer spaniel. She enjoys golfing and boating in the summer, tailgating and hunting in the fall and winter, and being outdoors as much as possible. When she is relaxing, you can find her on her deck with a good book and a glass of wine.

Volunteering/Charitable Organizations:

Marissa currently sits on the Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa finance committee and on Rhythms of Grace, an equine-assisted program for children and adults with disabilities or special needs, board of directors.

Brett began with Meriwether in 2023 as an audit manager. As an audit manager, he leads audit teams and oversees audit engagements. Prior to joining Meriwether, Brett started his career in public accounting in 2012, and, also, has a broad experience in the corporate accounting and finance industry. At Meriwether, Brett enjoys working with a variety of clients, industries, and people. He enjoys that each workday is different and brings new and interesting challenges.

Off the Clock:

Beyond his professional pursuits, Brett enjoys spending time and traveling with his family. Brett married into a Disney family, so many of their family vacations are spent either in Florida or California. He is looking forward to their next trip to Disney in 2025.

Travis began with Meriwether in 2018 and is a valued Manager. With a diverse skill set, he excels in providing both tax and assurance services to clients. His passions with the company are to help customers with any issues and to provide them with solutions in an understandable format.

Off the Clock:

Beyond his professional pursuits, Travis embraces his love for outdoor activities. You’ll often find him spending an entire day snowboarding in Keystone, Colorado, or enjoying the thrilling runs and scenery in Steamboat Springs. He can also be found cycling along the trails of Des Moines or engaging in friendly games of disc golf and pickleball with his close group of friends. And he enjoys time spent with his wife and dog. Travis challenges himself to conquering a 14’er, scaling the heights of a mountain, to become proficient in backcountry snowboarding, and to participate in a full week of RAGBRAI.

Ying began with Meriwether in 2023 as a valued tax manager. As a tax manager, she is responsible for preparing and reviewing tax returns, providing tax planning strategies to maximize client benefit, overseeing staff and provide training, improving processes by developing or implementing best practices.

Off the Clock:

Beyond her professional pursuits, Ying embraces the importance of balance and making the most of her time. She wishes to wake up early feeling refreshed, enjoy breakfast, and bike to join her friends at the local pickleball courts. After engaging in an active morning, she will indulge in a healthy lunch and basks in the good company of her friends. After returning home, Ying loves to find a cozy corner with a captivating book. Once the evening unfolds, she enjoys a homemade dinner and dedicates quality time to her children. Ying’s short-term aspirations are staying on top of the ever-evolving tax landscape. She actively participates in professional development courses, seminars, and webinars to remain updated on tax laws, regulations, and changes. She also wishes to improve her interpersonal skills, leadership, and mentorship skills, and to specialize in a niche area, focusing on an industry or taxation field such as estate planning or small business taxation. All these goals are in hopes to share her knowledge, guide others, build relationships, and effectively explain tax matters to clients.

Volunteering/Charitable Organizations:

She is an active member of ISCPA and has previously volunteered at JA Biztown and plans to volunteer again soon.

Shelby began with Meriwether in 2019 and is a valued supervisor. She focuses primarily on tax and works with a diverse portfolio that includes estates, individuals, and small businesses.

Off the Clock:

Beyond her professional pursuits, Shelby enjoys baking and sharing her recipes with friends and family, especially during gatherings at the lake! She also enjoys spending time outdoors, whether its gardening, hiking or swimming.

Volunteering/Charitable Contributions:

Shelby actively participates in the Business Networking International (BNI) organization, fostering connections and professional growth in the business community.

Mackenzie joined Meriwether in 2025 and is a valued tax supervisor. She is responsible for preparing tax returns and projections for individuals and non-profits.

Off the Clock:

Beyond her professional pursuits, Mackenzie enjoys spending time with her family. Whether she is spending time outdoors, going for walks with the family dog, Winnie, or relaxing at the family lake cabin, she values making memories with the people that she loves.

Connor began with Meriwether in 2019 and is a valued supervisor. He contributes to the firm’s success through his work in attest services. His professional interests lie in the agriculture, nonprofit, and insurance industries, and he is genuinely passionate about helping clients across various sectors.

Off the Clock:

Beyond his professional pursuits, Connor’s ideal day revolves around spending quality time with friends and family. Whether he’s golfing, traveling, watching movies, or hanging out with friends. An ideal day for Connor would be exploring new locations with his wife and son, and immersing himself in the local culture.

Volunteering/Charitable Contributions:

Connor is an active volunteer with Habitat for Humanity.

John began with Meriwether in November of 2025 and is a valued senior associate at Meriwether. His responsibilities include bookkeeping and tax depending on the time of year, making him a valued asset to the team.

Off the Clock:

Beyond his professional pursuits, John finds joy being outside with family and friends. His ideal day would be biking with peers and enjoying the water on a boat with his family.

Volunteering/Charitable Organizations:

John is a proud member of UBFM (Urban Bicycle Food Ministry).

Brandt began with Meriwether in 2023 and is a valued senior associate. His responsibilities include both audit and tax work. He is currently working toward his CPA license and hopes to attain that soon.

Off the Clock:

Beyond his professional pursuits, Brandt can be found enjoying a long bike ride or playing golf with his friends. After that, he’d like to come home to grill steaks and prepare delectable side dishes. As an active person, Brandt competes in the dynamic sport of CrossFit. His aspirations include qualifying for a semifinal event in the coming year.

Volunteering/Charitable Contributions:

He also will volunteer as a judge at various local CrossFit competitions to contribute to the smoothness of these events.

Carter began with Meriwether in July of 2023 and is a valued senior associate. He graduated from the University of Northern Iowa with two degrees in accounting and management information systems. His responsibilities dabble in both audit and tax work, making him a great asset to the team.

Off the Clock:

Beyond his professional pursuits, Carter enjoys friendly competition on the golf course, playing 18 holes with friends and family. You’ll often find him relaxing at the poolside or boating at the lake when it’s nice out. Carter’s passions are to seek ways to get more involved in his local community.

Colton began with Meriwether in 2021 and is a valued Senior Accounting Associate. He does work within the tax and audit landscapes depending on the time of the year. Colton takes great pleasure in assisting clients by resolving their unique problems and addressing any concerns they may have so they can focus on managing their business and lifecycle.

Off the Clock:

Beyond his professional pursuits, Colton will be found spending time with friends and engaging in friendly competitions on the golf course. During the weekends, he actively seeks out new experiences with his close companions, discovering unfamiliar places, honing his golfing skills, and playing card games. His personal aspirations revolve around discovering fresh hobbies and interests that he can share with others. Additionally, he harbors the desire to travel and visit various sports venues representing professional leagues.

Kara began with Meriwether in 2022 as a valued senior associate, contributing her expertise in both audit and tax work. Her responsibilities on the audit side encompass a range of clients, including cooperatives, not-for-profits, and commercial companies. In the realm of tax work, Kara primarily focuses on helping businesses and individuals.

Off the Clock:

Beyond her professional pursuits, Kara finds joy in attending country concerts and discovering new local coffee shops. She cherishes the company of her friends and family, making her picture-perfect day off the clock a combination of outdoor exploration and quality time with loved ones.

Dylan began with Meriwether in 2023 as a Sr. Small Business Consultant. As a small business consultant, Dylan strives to ensure that our clients needs are being met and is responsible for overseeing our bookkeeping staff. He is proficient in both QuickBooks Online and Desktop and takes pride in helping our clients in any way possible.

Off the Clock:

Beyond his professional pursuits, Dylan enjoys anything outdoors. Whether it’s being on the boat with family and friends, camping with his wife and dogs, hiking in the mountains on vacation, or harvesting produce from the garden, there isn’t much that he doesn’t enjoy about the great outdoors. When he isn’t being adventurous, he and his wife love the opportunity to spend time with their siblings and nephews, spoiling them every chance they can.

Kathy began with Meriwether in 2025 and is a valued Small Business Consultant. She contributes to the firm’s success by supporting small business owners with bookkeeping and tax filings. Kathy is passionate about helping her clients so they can focus on maintaining successful businesses.

Beyond the Clock:

Beyond her professional pursuits, Kathy’s ideal day would begin with an early morning harvest in her garden followed by a run along the creek. Whether she’s running, hiking, camping, Kathy enjoys spending quality time outdoors. To conclude the day, Kathy loves relaxing around a fire pit with friends and family.

Volunteering/Charitable Contributions:

Kathy is a student member of ISCPA (Iowa Society of CPAs) and serves on the Career Awareness Committee and the Community College Outreach Subcommittee.

Lauren joined Meriwether in 2025 as a valued associate. In her role, she does audit and tax engagements, supporting a variety of industries and individuals, including cooperatives, not-for-profit organizations, insurance companies, and businesses.

Off the clock:

Beyond her professional pursuits, Lauren enjoys spending time with family and friends. Her ideal day is spent outdoors, playing cards with the people she cares about.

Olivia joined the Meriwether team in 2025 as a valued associate. Focusing on auditing and tax preparation, she serves a wide variety of clients, including individuals, partnerships, LLCs, and nonprofit organizations. Olivia enjoys finding solutions that support each client’s unique needs and contributing to their long-term success.

Off the clock:

Beyond her professional pursuits, Olivia enjoys cooking, spending time outdoors, and training and competing in jiu jitsu. She values staying active and making the most of her time away from work through hobbies that challenge and inspire her.

Volunteering/Charitable Contributions:

Olivia is a proud member of ISCPA (Iowa Society of CPAs) and volunteers on the Career Awareness Committee.

Grant began with Meriwether in 2026 and is a valued associate. He works in both audit and tax services, providing flexibility and support for the team.

Off the Clock:

Beyond his professional pursuits, Grant enjoys spending time outdoors and with his friends. His ideal day would be spent golfing in the morning and attending a Cubs baseball game.

Matt began with Meriwether in July 2024 as a valued accounting associate. He primarily works audit engagements for various industries, providing flexibility and coverage for the team.

Off the Clock:

In his free time, Matt enjoys staying active. Whether its exercising, playing basketball, or going on walks, he prioritizes maintaining an active lifestyle. He also enjoys spending time with friends and family.

Eliza began her career at Meriwether in January 2026 as the Marketing and Communications Coordinator. In this role, she works to elevate the Meriwether brand through social media marketing, advertising, and client communications.

Beyond the clock:

Beyond her professional pursuits, Eliza enjoys spending time with family and friends. Whether she’s biking the trails, hitting the golf course, or exploring the outdoors, she values making meaningful memories with the people she cares about most.

Julie began with Meriwether in 1988 and is a valued office manager. Her extensive responsibilities include various administrative duties, including processing payroll, managing the general ledger, and handling accounts payable. Additionally, she administers the employee benefits and oversees our retirement plan. Julie also assists clients with the installation and support of their Sage accounting software, ensuring their seamless experience.

Off the Clock:

Beyond her professional pursuits, Julie enjoys exploring her personal interests. She finds joy in traveling, attending concerts and Minnesota Vikings games, riding her bike, and reading.

Coming Soon.

Brandis began with Meriwether in 2023 and is our valued West Des Moines receptionist. In her role, her responsibilities include warmly welcoming and guiding our clients, both in person and over the phone. Brandis is relatively new to the world of taxation, and she has enthusiastically embraced the challenges it presents. However, she is looking forward to learning more about tax and professionally growing in her role here.

Off the Clock:

Beyond her professional pursuits, Brandis enjoys exploring new family-friendly activities with her kids. With family ties in Nebraska, she makes it a point to visit them every couple of months. During the weekends without her children, she and her boyfriend indulge in their shared interested of music and travel.

Kathleen began with Meriwether in 2022 and is a valued administrative assistant. She specializes in data entry and provides backup support for the reception desk.

Off the Clock:

Beyond her professional pursuits, Kathleen cherishes quality time with her family, embarking on outdoor adventures together. She enjoys cooking, traveling, sitting in the sun, or taking walks outdoors.

Kaylea joined Meriwether in 2019 and is a valued administrative assistant. In her role, she helps with reports, filing, assisting with the finishing of tax returns, or provides support in areas that are needed.

Off the Clock:

Beyond her professional pursuits, Kaylea enjoys spending time with her family. She loves traveling to new cities with her sister, and trying new food and explore art museums. She finds joy in attending live theater and Friday karaoke nights.

Tawnya began with Meriwether in 2021, rejoined the team in 2026, and is a valued administrative assistant. In her role, she supports the staff with filing tax reports and data entry.

Off the Clock:

Beyond her professional pursuits, Tawnya enjoys spending time outdoors. Whether she’s going on hikes or out for a long walk, she appreciates any opportunity to be outside. She also enjoys discovering new restaurants and coffee shops in the Des Moines area.