Darren Epperson, Managing Partner of the firm, brings over 20 years of experience in public accounting to his clients. His services include: income tax planning and preparation of individual, corporate, and partnership returns. He also specializes in trust and non-profit organizations along with audit, review and compilation of financial statements. With a proactive approach to accounting and tax law, Darren provides prompt, individual attention and strives to achieve strong professional ties with his clients. Darren received his BS in Accounting from Quincy University, and holds a designation of CPA. He is currently a member of the AICPA, ILCPA and The Springfield Chamber of Commerce. Darren is very active in his community. He serves as the Financial Chair for Cantrall United Methodist Church, and currently holds a position on the Board of Education for the Athens School District. Darren also founded and served as the President of the Athens Youth Sports Association for 7 years.

Storm Wolff, CPA, CVA has over ten years of public accounting experience. Her work experience includes, auditing of federal, state and non-profit entities and commercial agencies. Storm also has experience in preparation of individual, corporate, partnership and non-profit tax returns; accounting and consulting services, as well as business valuations. Storm received her Illinois CPA designation in August of 2000 and her CVA designation in February of 2009. Storm began performing business valuations in 2009 after receiving her credential and uses her foundation of knowledge and experience from her years of working within various industries to further her professional services in the valuation arena. Storm is a member of the AICPA and NACVA.

Elaine Spearie has been a QuickBooks Pro Advisor since 2001, and recently was a featured speaker at a symposium held on the QuickBooks program. She specializes in helping clients with the day to day functions of accounting, such as: General Accounting Procedures, Payroll, Accounts Receivables and Accounts Payables. Elaine has over thirty years of experience in both the private and public sectors of accounting. She graduated from the University of Illinois at Springfield in 2007, summa cum laude, with a Bachelor of Science Degree and a certification in teaching.

Sandy has a M.S. degree from SIU-E and has worked part-time for the past eight years in payroll services. She also serves as the Treasurer of the West Point Parents Club of Central Illinois. She previously served as Vice-President of the Athens School Board and Secretary for the Athens Boy Scout Troop 52. She has been married for over 28 years and they have two children.

Jaylene Epperson recently joined the Cowan, Epperson & Associates team as Office Manager. Jaylene graduated in 1993 from the University of Illinois at Springfield with a BA in Communication. She has been the Marketing/Treatment Coordinator for McDaniel, Sternstein & Aleman Orthodontics for the past 18 years. While she is the mother of two children; Joseph a senior at the University of Missouri, and Madison a senior at Athens High School she also is a very active member of the Athens community. Jaylene is eager to contribute her expertise to the firm and their clients!

Megan is the newest member of the firm. She graduated from Robert Morris University in 2012 with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting Degree. Her current responsibilities with the firm are assisting with the day to day functions of accounting such as: General Accounting Procedures, Payroll, Accounts Receivable and Accounts Payable. She is also continuing her education at the University of Illinois at Springfield to acquire her Masters in Accounting Degree. Megan enjoys spending time with her four-legged fur child and her fiance, Brady.