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.

Off the Clock:

Beyond his professional pursuits, Todd can be found either coaching or watching his two sons play baseball, basketball, and soccer. If not at the gym or the fields he will be spending time with family and friends enjoying the simple things in life, and occasionally sneaking back to the family farm.

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, areas in which he excels and continuously expands his knowledge.

Off the Clock:

Beyond his professional pursuits, Jamie cherishes moments spent with his loved ones, and quality time with friends. He enjoys outdoor activities like camping, fishing, and being out on the water. Someday Jamie would like to experience a guided fishing trip in Canada.

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 doing work in her flowerbeds, reading, cooking, or spending time relaxing at the lake.

Volunteering/Charitable Contributions:

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

John began with Meriwether in 2011. He is a valued member with an impressive background in audit and tax. John’s passions lie in 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 firing up the grill 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. He wishes to continue playing well into his 60’s, as long as his body allows.

Kara began with Meriwether in 2022 as a valued accounting 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 insurance companies. In the realm of tax work, Kara primarily focuses on helping businesses, individuals, and estates.

Off the Clock:

Beyond her professional pursuits, Kara finds joy being outside 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. Her personal goal is to continually expand her knowledge. She values the opportunity to learn from her experiences and wishes to apply that knowledge to various aspects of her life.

Connor began with Meriwether in 2019 and is a valued senior accounting associate. He contributes to the firm’s success in both audit and tax departments. His professional interests lie in the agriculture, non-profit, 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 families. Whether its golfing, hiking, fishing, playing pickleball, playing piano, exploring new destinations, or cheering for Iowa State at tailgates. On a personal level, Connor aspires to own a grand piano one day and believes in the importance of personal happiness.

Volunteering/Charitable Contributions:

Connor actively contributes to the business community as a member of the Early Birds chapter of BNI. In the past, he dedicated his weekends to volunteering at Habitat for Humanity and hopes he resumes his involvement with the organization more frequently in the future.

William began with Meriwether in 1994, following a merger with the esteemed firm Wagner, Matthias & McGinn, where he had worked since 1987. In 1999 he established himself as a valued partner at Meriwether. With a passion for not-for-profit audits, William has served as the firm’s primary partner in this sector. While he also handles agricultural clients, his true joy lies in assisting and collaborating with organizations in the non-profit sector.

Off the Clock:

Beyond his professional pursuits, William cherishes his leisure time. His ideal day outside of work begins with a round of golf alongside his friends. Afterwards, he likes to unwind on his patio, drinking a cold beverage. To conclude the day, he enjoys a dinner with his beloved wife. Looking ahead, William has clear aspirations for his future in the workplace. He aims to ensure a seamless transition of his client portfolio to his successors, preparing for his retirement in March of 2025. Following his retirement, he plans to travel and devote quality time to his current and future grandchildren.

Volunteering/Charitable Contributions:

William’s involvement extends beyond the office, as he actively participates in his church community, serving as an usher and greeter.

Shelby began with Meriwether in 2019 and is a valued senior accounting associate. She focuses primarily on tax and a touch of audit, she adeptly handles a diverse portfolio that includes estates, trusts, and small businesses. Shelby graduated from Iowa State University and is a proud Cyclone.

Off the Clock:

Beyond her professional pursuits, Shelby has a passion for baking and sharing her recipes with friends and family during gatherings, especially at the lake! One of Shelby’s dreams is to contribute to the coaching of a swim team, as she possesses a deep enthusiasm for teaching the sport to individuals of all ages and skill levels. Additionally, she harbors an adventurous spirit, aspiring to embark on a backpacking expedition through Alaska. Exploring the depths of the ocean is also on her bucket list, as she yearns to scuba dive one day.

Volunteering/Charitable Contributions:

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

Ben began with Meriwether in 1998 and soon became a valued member in 2008. He specializes in the firm’s attest service department. Ben’s unwavering passion for his work at Meriwether has solidified his decision to conclude his professional journey with the company.

Off the Clock:

Beyond his professional pursuits, Ben cherishes his personal time. Riding the motorcycle brings him joy, regardless of the weather. He also takes immense pleasure in attending his children’s sporting events alongside his beloved wife, parents, and in-laws. Ben takes prides in preparing delicious BBQ meals for anyone seeking some dining.

Volunteering/Charitable Organizations:

Ben is an active member of his hometown church in central Iowa.

Andrew began with Meriwether in 2019 and is a valued senior accounting associate. He brings expertise in auditing and tax services. With a strong commitment to building relationships with clients and coworkers, he finds professional fulfillment in meeting new people and gaining diverse experiences.

Off the Clock:

Beyond his professional pursuits, Andrew is enjoying the great outdoors on a sunny day, playing a round of golf. He values quality time with his love’s ones, cherishing moments spent with friends and family. As an ambitious accountant, Andrew is dedicated to continuous growth and self-improvement in his field. He actively seeks out opportunities to expand his knowledge of the accounting profession.

Volunteering/Charitable Contributions:

He serves as the treasurer for the Phi Kappa Theta Iowa Xi foundation. In this role, he diligently manages donations, accounting, and bill payments, among other responsibilities.

Kathleen began with Meriwether in 2022 and is a valued administrative assistant. She has been a great asset, specializing in data entry while also providing backup support for our reception desk. Her dedication to her work is matched only by her enthusiasm for building connections with her colleagues. Kathleen enjoys the relaxed atmosphere at Meriwether, where team members are always ready to lend a helping hand, and Kathleen appreciates the sense of camaraderie that permeates our workplace. As Kathleen continues to expand her knowledge and skills as an admin, she embraces every opportunity to learn. She thrives in the fast-paced and demanding nature of tax season, where she eagerly tackles new challenges. Know that her role is to support others fills her with a deep sense of accomplishment and joy. With a long-term vision in mind, Kathleen intends to remain a valued associate of the Meriwether team until her retirement.

Off the Clock:

Beyond her professional pursuits, Kathleen cherishes quality time with her family, embarking on outdoor adventures together. Her love for nature is evident as she immerses herself in its restorative energy, either by taking her Chihuahua for a walk or by indulging in the thrill of jet skiing at her sister’s lake house. Other favorites would be grilling out, singing around the campfire, and exploring new and unique restaurants.

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 manager. He has expertise in working with non-profits, businesses, individuals, trusts, and estates, Matthew offers comprehensive tax and bookkeeping solutions. Additionally, he readily 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 its swimming, embarking on a scenic bike ride, or exploring the local park, he cherishes these moments with his family. As an avid runner, Matthew aspires to conquer a full marathon in the future, having already accomplished two half-marathons in the past.

Volunteering/Charitable Organizations:

He serves on the Board of Directors for Employee and Family Resources (EFR) in Des Moines, Iowa.

Caitlin began with Meriwether in 2018, with a CPA lineage spanning three generations. Caitlin serves as a valued senior associate at Meriwether, specializing in assurance and contributing to tax-related tasks. As a senior accounting associate, she is responsible for tax preparation, conducting fieldwork for assurance projects, maintaining client communication, and providing support to fellow associates.

Off the Clock:

Beyond her professional pursuits, Caitlin enjoys waking up to no alarm, sipping on a cup of coffee and enjoying a delicious breakfast, and then immersing herself in outdoor activities with loved ones. Whether it’s hiking, boating, relaxing in a hammock with a good book, or exploring other outdoor pursuits, Caitlin finds joy in nature. To cap off her perfect day, she enjoys going out for dinner.

Volunteering/Organizational Contributions:

Caitlin actively participates in Meriwether’s fun committee and community engagement committee, reflecting her dedication to fostering an enjoyable workplace culture. Caitlin’s professional passions lie in empowering women in business, cultivating a positive workplace environment, and nurturing client relationships. Additionally, she proudly supports the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation.

Fran began with Meriwether in 2020 serving as a valued administrative assistant. Alongside her administrative responsibilities, she has also embraced the roles of Project and Analytics Management. Fran thrives on the challenge of accurately portraying the current situation and analyzing strategies to enhance efficiency.

Off the Clock:

Beyond her professional pursuits, Fran immerses herself in a myriad of outdoor activities, including softball, volleyball, and golf. She cherishes moments spent attending games with her loved ones and partaking in camping, hiking, sailing, and exploring new destinations. Additionally, Fran finds solace in rainy days, indulging in a good book. As her nest gradually empties, Fran actively seeks to engage in more personal endeavors.

Volunteering/Charitable Contributions:

She generously volunteers her time for golf outings and has been an avid member of a book club for several years.

Colton began with Meriwether in 2021 and is a valued 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.

Travis began with Meriwether in 2018 and is a valued senior accounting associate. 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.

Brandt began with Meriwether in 2023 and is a valued accounting 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.

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. You might spot her attending a concert or sporting event, she is a big fan of the Minnesota Vikings and Iowa Hawkeyes!

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.

Carter began with Meriwether in July of 2023 and is a valued accounting 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.

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.

Alex joined Meriwether in 2024 and specializes in providing tax planning and tax compliance services to small businesses and their owners. His work includes reviewing and signing tax returns, tax planning including assisting clients with mergers and acquisitions, mentoring and training staff, and developing internal best practices.

Off the Clock:

Outside of the office, Alex enjoys spending time with family, including his two boys and their many activities. Alex and his wife also own other small businesses and are active in the communities they operate in. You might spot him at an Iowa State sporting event, attending a concert, or relaxing by the pool.

Andrea began with Meriwether in 2024 and is pursuing a CPA license.

Off the Clock:

I enjoy spending time exercising and being outdoors, traveling to explore new places, and attending concerts and music festivals.

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.

Matt began with Meriwether in July 2024 as a valued accounting associate. Matt graduated from the University of Denver with a major in accounting and a minor in finance. Matt works on both tax and audit engagements, providing flexibility and coverage for the team.

Off the Clock:

In his free time, Matt enjoys spending time with his fiancé, Caitlin. Matt has fun hiking on various trails in Des Moines. He likes to stay physically active and participates in baseball, basketball and is learning to play golf. He also enjoys reading business and investment books which substantially have to do with the stock market.

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.

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.