Partners, Directors & Executives

Amy F. Urquhart, CPA, CFP®, Managing Partner, Chief Executive Officer

Summary of Experience

Amy F. Urquhart, CPA, CFP® is President and Chief Executive Officer for WebsterRogers. She assumed this role in January of 2019 and is responsible for the day-to-day management and operations for the firm’s nine offices as well as the long-term strategic direction of the Firm. Amy is also the Managing Partner of the firm’s affiliate WebsterRogers Financial Advisors, LLC. Amy began her public accounting career in 2000 with PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP in Charlotte, North Carolina. She joined WebsterRogers LLP in October 2004, where she specializes in individual tax, trusts & estates, and comprehensive financial planning.

Professional Affiliations

• Member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)
• Member of the South Carolina Association of Certified Public Accountants (SCACPA)
  • Member of the Financial Planning Association

Community Involvement

• Liberty Fellows Class of 2020
• All Saint’s Episcopal Day School – Board Treasurer from 2014 to present
• McLeod Health Board of Directors, March 2019
• McLeod Foundation – Assistant Treasurer from 2012 to present, Board of Trustees from 2007 to present, and Finance & Investment Committee from 2007 to present
• McLeod GEMS – Founding Chairwoman from 2012 to 2013
• McLeod Fellows – Class of 2009
• Women in Philanthropy – Eastern Carolina Community Foundation Founding Member from 2009 to 2017
• Florence Area Humane Society – Advisory Board from 2007 to 2009 and Bone-E-Fit Fundraising Committee from 2007 to 2012
• Professional Advisors Council from 2006 to present
• The School Foundation – Board Member from 2008 to 2012
• Young Professionals of Florence – Founding Board Member from 2006 to 2008

Professional Service

• Licensed Certified Public Accountant in the States of South Carolina and North Carolina

Education

• University of South Carolina
  • Bachelor of Science in Finance and Accounting, Phi Beta Kappa
• University of South Carolina
  • Master of Taxation, Magna Cum Laude and Phi Beta Kappa

Bobby R. Creech, Jr., CPA, Real Estate & Construction Group Leader

Summary of Experience

Mr. Creech has been a practicing CPA in the Charleston area since 1988. He currently serves as the leader of the Firm’s Executive Committee and the real estate group.

Bobby has over 35 years of experience working with private companies in the real estate and construction industries with emphasis in real estate development, acquisitions, management and general construction. He delivers advice and consulting regarding complex real estate transactions as well as providing compliance services.

Bobby is very active in both his community and his profession and was recognized in 2017 as the Howard F. Rudd Jr. Businessperson of the Year by the College of Charleston’s Alumni Association. He currently serves on the Charleston Regional Development Alliance Board and has served as the Chairman of the SC Board of Accountancy and is past President of the SC Association of Certified Public Accountants and the Coastal Chapter of SC Association of Certified Public Accountants.

Professional Affiliations

• Member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)
• Member of SC Association of Certified Public Accountants (SCACPA)
  • Member of the Coastal Chapter of SCACPA

Professional Service

• Licensed Certified Public Accountant in the State of South Carolina
• National Association of State Board of Accountancy’s Ethics Committee
• National Association of State Board of Accountancy’s Nominating Committee
• Past Chairman South Carolina Board of Accountancy
• Past President (2001) of SCACPA
• Past President (1997) of Coastal Chapter of SCACPA
• Past Chairman of Various SCACPA Committees

Community Involvement

• Charleston Regional Development Alliance – Board Member, 2010-Present
• Rotary Club of Charleston
• College of Charleston Alumni Association Board – Member, 2010-2015
• College of Charleston Dept. of Accounting & Legal Studies Advisory Board – Member, 2009-Present
• College of Charleston Cougar Club
• South Carolina Department of Natural Resources Migratory Waterfowl Committee – Member, 2005-2013
• Edisto Island Open Land Trust – Board Member, 2010-2012 Charleston Regional Development Alliance – Board Member, 2010-Present
• Rotary Club of Charleston
• College of Charleston Alumni Association Board – Member, 2010-2015
• College of Charleston Dept. of Accounting & Legal Studies Advisory Board – Member, 2009-Present
• College of Charleston Cougar Club
• South Carolina Department of Natural Resources Migratory Waterfowl Committee – Member, 2005-2013
• Edisto Island Open Land Trust – Board Member, 2010-2012

Education

• College of Charleston
  • Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Concentration in Accounting

Stephen M. Holladay, CPA

Summary of Experience

Stephen Holladay is a Tax Partner and Director located at the WebsterRogers Florence office. Holladay has been with WebsterRogers since 1989.

Stephen has extensive experience in tax compliance and consulting for corporations, partnerships, and individual business owners. He has also done extensive tax research and planning relating to multi-state tax issues.

He has been a speaker at various local civic organizations and community events, focusing on multiple areas of taxation. He has also written articles for state and local business publications on various tax issues and planning opportunities.

Professional Affiliations

• Member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)
• Member of South Carolina Association of Certified Public Accountants (SCACPA)
• Member of the Pee Dee Chapter of SCACPA
  • Former President

Professional Service

• Licensed Certified Public Accountant in the State of South Carolina

Education

• Francis Marion University
  • Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting, Summa Cum Laude

Thomas E. Fitzsimmons, CPA

Summary of Experience

Thomas “Tom” E. Fitzsimmons, CPA, is a Partner in the Assurance Services Group of the Firm. Tom has over 35 years of experience in planning, organizing, and supervising attest engagements primarily for privately-owned businesses in the construction, manufacturing, distribution, and not-for-profit industries; reviewing and documenting clients’ systems of internal controls and accounting procedures; generating and presenting letters to management recommending improvements in internal controls and accounting procedures; and preparing and reviewing financial statements. He is also experienced in providing financial budgeting and projection services to small and medium-sized companies in a variety of industries. Tom also serves as the Quality Control Partner for the Firm and is responsible for the design and maintenance of all quality control policies and procedures to ensure compliance with appliable professional standards, regulatory requirements, and the Firm’s overall quality control standards. Tom is a former member of the Peer Review Committee of the South Carolina Association of Certified Public Accountants (SCACPA) and performs system and engagement reviews of other CPA practices.

Professional Affiliations

• Member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)
• Member of the South Carolina Association of Certified Public Accountants (SCACPA)
  • Former Peer Review Committee Member
  • Former Technical Standards Committee Member and Chairman
  • Member of the Pee Dee Chapter of SCACPA

Professional Service

• Certified Public Accountant in the State of South Carolina

Community Involvement

• Former President of the Florence West Rotary Club
• Member of the McLeod Health Foundation Finance and Investment Committee

Education

•  Pennsylvania State University
  • Bachelor of Science in Accounting

Gregory Ackerman, CPA

Summary of Experience

Mr. Ackerman was appointed Partner in January 2020 and serves in the Assurance Services Group of WebsterRogers LLP. He has over 20 years of public accounting experience, primarily performing financial statement audits and reviews of governmental entities, non-profits, local companies and organizations.

Professional Affiliations

• Member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)
  • Member of the Not-for-Profit Section of AICPA
• Member of South Carolina Association of Certified Public Accountants (SCACPA)
  • Member of Grand Stand Chapter of SCACPA

Community Involvement

• Member of the Myrtle Beach Sunrise Rotary Club Member
• Leadership Grand Strand Class XXIX Graduate
• Board of Visitors of HTC Honors College of Coastal Carolina University

Professional Service

• Licensed Certified Public Accountant in the State of South Carolina

Education

• Coastal Carolina University
  • Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with Concentration in Accounting, Cum Laude

Kirby C. Millwood, CPA

Summary of Experience

Kirby Millwood is a Partner in the firm’s tax group. Kirby began her public accounting career in 2006 with GrantThornton, LLP in Columbia, SC. She joined WebsterRogers, LLP in 2008, where she
specializes in tax planning, consulting and compliance for individuals, and trusts and estates.

Kirby is the leader of the firm’s Estate and Trust Group. She serves a variety of individuals in consulting and compliance matters related to estate, trust and gift taxation, as well as estate
administration. Kirby is also a member of the Healthcare Services Group.

Professional Affiliations

• Member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)
• Member of South Carolina Association of Certified Public Accountants (SCACPA)

Community Involvement

• Member of the Charleston Estate Planning Council
• Board of Trustees for AMIKids Georgetown
• Member of Georgetown County Young Professionals
• Former Board of Directors for Georgetown County Chamber of Commerce
• Former Georgetown Lunch Rotary Club
• Former Treasurer and Board of Directors for Habitat for Humanity Georgetown County
• Former Board of Directors for Tidelands Community Hospice Foundation
• Former Committee Member for Frances P. Bunnelle Foundation Grants Allocation

Professional Service

• Licensed Certified Public Accountant in the State of South Carolina

Education

• University of South Carolina
  • Bachelor of Science in Accounting, Magna Cum Laude
• University of South Carolina
  • Master of Accounting with Concentration in Taxation

LaVonne J. Rosenberg, CPA, Tax Services Leader

Summary of Experience

LaVonne Rosenberg is a Tax Services Line Leader, and has over 12 years of experience in partnering with clients to provide consulting and compliance services. Her areas of expertise include manufacturing and distribution and international tax.

In LaVonne’s role, she is responsible for setting the Firm’s tax policies and procedures, maintaining professional standards, and Firm-wide quality assurance. She also has oversight over the various tax technical niche groups within the Firm. These niche groups include federal specialty, not-for-profit, estate & trust, and state & local tax.

Professional Affiliations

• Member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)
• Member of the South Carolina Association of Certified Public Accountants (SCACPA)

Community Involvement

• Member of the Charleston Chamber of Commerce North Area Council
• Member of the Charleston Rotary Club
• President of the University of Wisconsin Alumni Association, Charleston Chapter

Professional Service

• Licensed Certified Public Accountant in the States of South Carolina and North Carolina

Education

• University of Wisconsin-Madison
  • Dual Bachelors of Business Administration Degrees in Accounting & Information Systems and Finance, Investment & Banking

Robert M. Tilton, CPA

Summary of Experience

Robert Tilton is a Partner in WebsterRogers’ Assurance Services Group, with over 25 years of public accounting experience, specializing in assurance services. He joined the firm in 2004.

Robert has extensive experience with nonprofit entities, homeowners’ associations, private clubs, resorts, and large commercial entities in manufacturing, distribution, and stevedoring. He also specializes in employee benefit plans.

He is responsible for developing and documenting the Firm’s best practices for audits, reviews, and compilation engagements, as well as coordinating annual accounting and auditing training for Assurance Services Group associates.

Professional Affiliations

• Member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)
• Member of South Carolina Association of Certified Public Accountants (SCACPA)
  • Past Chair of SCACPA
  • Founding Member of the SCACPA Young CPA Leadership Cabinet
  • Member of Pee Dee Chapter of SCACPA

Professional Service

• Licensed Certified Public Accountant in the States of South Carolina and North Carolina

Community Involvement

• Chair and Past Treasurer for the Florence Symphony Orchestra
• Member of the Knights of Columbus Council 5194

Education

• University of South Carolina
  • Bachelor of Science in Accounting, Cum Laude

Wesley A. Way, CPA

Summary of Experience

Wesley Way is a Partner in the Business Services Group for WebsterRogers LLP. Wesley joined the firm in 1986.

Wesley’s experience includes assisting individuals and small businesses in the areas of income tax planning & projections, business entity selection, sales tax & payroll tax issues and financial statement preparation and analysis.

Professional Affiliations

• Member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)
• Member of South Carolina Association of Certified Public Accountants (SCACPA)
  • Current Member of the Pee Dee Chapter of SCACPA
  • Past President of the Pee Dee Chapter of SCACPA

Professional Service

• Licensed Certified Public Accountant in the State of South Carolina

Community Involvement

• Member of McLeod Foundation Professional Advisory Council

Education

• University of South Carolina
  • Bachelor of Science in Accounting

Laurence Fritz, CPA, Assurance Services Leader

Summary of Experience

Laurence joined WebsterRogers in 2023, and became a partner and Director of the Assurance Services Group the following year. With over 14 years of public accounting experience, he has worked across various industries, including manufacturing, real estate, construction, logistics, hospitality, retail, technology, and forestry. Previously, Laurence was a Director in PwC’s U.S. Assurance group and spent two years in PwC Ireland’s International & Domestic Business group. He has served public, multinational, private equity-owned, and family entities, leading teams and gaining expertise in revenue recognition, inventory obsolescence, real estate valuation, debt refinancing, 144A transactions, and other capital-raising activities. Before PwC, Laurence was Jr. Vice President at an international cotton merchant farm, focusing on international trade in the cotton derivative market and representing the company on trade committees.

Professional Affiliations

• Member of the South Carolina Association of Certified Public Accountants (SCACPA)
• Member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)

Community Service

• Board Member of the Spartanburg Area Conservancy (SPACE)
• Board Member of the Advent Foundation
• Board Member of the Cleveland Opportunity Foundation
• Audit Committee Member of the Mary Black Foundation

Professional Service

• Licensed Certified Public Accountant in the State of South Carolina

Education

• University of South Carolina, Darla Moore School of Business
  • Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
  • Double Major in Accounting and Finance, Minor in Government and International Studies

Adam Johnson, CPA, Tourism Hospitality Group Leader

Summary of Experience

Adam joined WebsterRogers in 2018 after a five-year stint with a local CPA firm in Toledo, Ohio. In his years of experience, he has focused on providing proactive, value-added advice to a wide array of closely held companies and individuals. The last several years he has narrowed his focus to lead the Firm’s tourism and hospitality industry group. In addition to client service excellence Adam focuses on community stewardship and creating a fun and inclusive culture within the Firm.

Professional Affiliations

• Licensed Certified Public Accountant in the States of South Carolina and Ohio
• Member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)
• Member of South Carolina Association of Certified Public Accountants (SCACPA)

Community Involvement

• Myrtle Beach Area Hospitality Association Board
• Franklin G. Burroughs-Simeon B. Chapin Art Museum Board
• McLeod Seacoast Foundation Board
• Myrtle Beach Convention Center Hotel Board

Education

• University of Toledo
  • Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting

William D. Hardaway III, CPA/PFS, CFP

Summary of Experience

William Hardaway is the Director of Financial Planning at WebsterRogers LLP and an Investment Advisor with our sister firm, WebsterRogers Financial Advisor, LLC in Florence. William began his accounting career in 2011 and joined WR in 2013 where he ultimately served as a Manager specializing in tax compliance and planning.

Since joining WRFA in 2015, his focus has been on comprehensive financial planning within the Firms. William enjoys the privilege of taking a comprehensive approach to helping others plan for and reach their financial goals.

Professional Affiliations

• Member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)
• Member of the South Carolina Association of Certified Public Accountants (SCACPA)
• Member of the Pee Dee Chapter of SCACPA
  • Former President
• Member of the Financial Planning Association
• President of the South Carolina Financial Planning Association

Professional Certifications

• Licensed Certified Public Accountant in the State of South Carolina
• Certified Financial Planner™
• Personal Financial Specialist

Community Involvement

• Cub Scout Den Leader Troop 475
• Church League Basketball Coach
• Volunteer at Artfields
• Member of the Florence Kiwanis Club
• Alumnus of the Beta Gamma Sigma Honor Society
• Pee Dee Area Board Member of SC Financial Planning Association

Education

• Francis Marion University
  • Bachelor of Business Administration, Accounting
• Florence Darlington Technical College
  • Associate Degree, Small Business Management

Melinda Bedenbaugh, CPA

Summary of Experience

Melinda is a Director in the tax group. With WebsterRogers LLP since 2010, Melinda provides tax planning consulting and compliance service to corporations, partnerships, and individuals with an emphasis on state and local tax issues and federal and state tax incentives.

Melinda serves on the firm’s tax policies and procedures committee, helping to maintain professional standards and firm wide quality assurance. She also serves on the Firm’s state & local tax team, the RECON team, and the hospitality team.

Professional Affiliations

• Member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)
• Member of the South Carolina Association of Certified Public Accountants (SCACPA)

Professional Service

• Licensed Certified Public Accountant in the State of South Carolina

Education

• University of South Carolina
  • Bachelor of Science in Accounting
  •  Master of Taxation

Emily W. Hicks, CPA, Business Services Group Leader

Summary of Experience

Emily is a Director in the Firm’s Business Services Group, and is a leader for the Firm’s Healthcare group. Emily began her career in public practice in 2001 and joined WebsterRogers in 2005. Emily has over 20 years of accounting and tax experience. Her focus in the Business Services group is developing and maintaining positive client relationships with an emphasis on utilizing technologies to improve processes to gain efficiencies. Emily is dedicated to growth and has taken the WebsterRogers LeaderShift Class as part of her commitment.

Professional Affiliations

• Member of the South Carolina Association of Certified Public Accountants (SCACPA)
• Member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)

Community Service

• McLeod Fellows
• Past Member of Women in Philanthropy

Professional Service

• Licensed Certified Public Accountant in the State of South Carolina
• QuickBooks Online Certified ProAdvisor

Education

• Francis Marion University
  • Bachelor of Science, Accounting
  •  Bachelor of Science, Biology

Kathleen Holston, CPA, CMI, State and Local Tax Leader

Summary of Experience

Kathleen M Holston, CPA, CMI, is a Tax Director located in the Myrtle Beach office of WebsterRogers and the firm’s State & Local Tax (“SALT”) leader. Kathleen has over 30 years of experience in State & Local Taxation.

Prior to joining WebsterRogers, Kathleen spent 9 years with a Big 4 firm, as well as a mix of regional public accounting firms and Fortune 500 companies.

In Kathleen’s role as SALT Leader for the Firm, she is responsible for all aspects of state and local taxation, as well as practice development and quality assurance in the SALT area.

Kathleen has extensive experience in SALT consulting and compliance for all types of businesses in a wide range of industries. Through her high-level tax research, planning and controversy expertise she has been able to identify significant tax savings opportunities and mitigate risks for clients of all types.

Kathleen is committed to tax education, serving as the chair of IPT’s Advanced Sales Tax School and the NCACPA’s Tax Education Subcommittee. She also has been a speaker at various local and national tax seminars focusing on areas of state and local taxation.

Professional Affiliations

• Member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)
• Member of the North Carolina Association of Certified Public Accountants (NCACPA)
• Member of the South Carolina Association of Certified Public Accountants (SCACPA)
• Member of the Institute for Professionals in Taxation (“IPT”)

Community Involvement

• Institute for Professionals in Taxation (“IPT”)
  – Former Board member
  – Chair of the Advanced Sales Tax School Income Tax CMI Committee
• NCACPA
  – Taxation Committee member
  – Tax Education Subcommittee Member (former Chair)

Professional Service

• Licensed Certified Public Accountant in States of North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and South Carolina
• CMI professional designations in state income tax and sales/use tax

Education

• Rutgers University
  • Bachelor of Science in Accounting
  • Bachelor of Science in Management

Bernadette Kreisel, CPA

Summary of Experience

Bernadette Kreisel, CPA, joined the Firm in May of 2018 and is a Director in the Assurance Services Group. She has over 16 years of public accounting experience, including 14 years of audit experience.

Bernadette has experience in various industries such as clubs and homeowners’ associations, non-profits, retail, and hospitality. In her position at her previous Firm, she was responsible for developing best practices for assurance engagements and coordinating peer review.

Professional Affiliations

• Member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)
• Member of South Carolina Association of Certified Public Accountants (SCACPA)
  • Member of the Education Planning Committee
  • Member of Sea Island Chapter of SCACPA
    • Past President

Professional Service

• Licensed Certified Public Accountant in the State of South Carolina

Community Involvement

• Former Member of the Hilton Head Island Recreation Center Advisory Board

Education

•  Franklin University
  • Bachelor of Science in Accounting

Sarah Polson, CPA

Sarah is a Tax Director at WebsterRogers LLP specializing in passthrough entities, multi-state taxation, real estate, and logistics & transportation. With a deep expertise in these areas, Sarah provides comprehensive tax planning, consulting, and compliance services to clients across a diverse range of industries. She is a certified public accountant in South Carolina, and holds a
Master of Accountancy from USC. Sarah is actively involved in her community as a member of the executive board at Augusta Circle Elementary.

Sarah joined the firm in 2024, and has become a trusted advisor for businesses navigating complex tax issues, particularly in the areas of real estate and logistics.

Professional Affiliations:

• Member of the South Carolina Association of Certified Public Accountants (SCACPA)

Community Involvement:

• Augusta Circle Elementary PTA Executive Board
• Junior League

Education:

• Erskine College
  • Bachelor of Arts
• University of South Carolina
  • Master of Accountancy

Frank M. Rogers, CPA

Summary of Experience

Frank M. (Buzz) Rogers, IV is a founding partner of WebsterRogers LLP which was formed in 1984 in Florence, SC. Buzz specializes in the areas of tax planning, compliance and business consulting for family-owned businesses and individuals.

Buzz was the Managing Member of the firm’s affiliate WebsterRogers Financial Advisors, LLC from 1999 through 2014. Buzz previously served as the Director of WebsterRogers’ Wealth Management Group, Business Advisory Services Group and Tax Group. He served as a member of the firm’s Executive Committee from 1984 until 2001.

Professional Affiliations

• Member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)
• Member of SC Association of Certified Public Accountants (SCACPA)
  • Legislative Liaison for SCACPA

Community Involvement

• Board Member & Treasurer of Hope Health
• Past Treasurer of Trinity Collegiate School
• Board Member of the Grand Old Post Office Foundation
• Past Treasurer of All Saints Day School Board
• Founding Board member of Trinity Collegiate School Board
• Board Member & Past Treasurer of Trinity Collegiate School
• Past Vestry Member & Jr./Sr. Warden of St. John’s Episcopal Church
• Board Member of Pee Dee Regional Airport Authority
• Board Member of Florence County Progress, Inc.
• Founding Board Member of Eastern Carolina Community Foundation

Professional Service

• Licensed certified public accountant in the State of South Carolina
• Florence Chamber of Commerce 2017 Businessperson of the Year

Education

• University of South Carolina
  • Bachelor of Science in Accounting

James E. Rozier, CPA

Summary of Experience

James “Jim” Rozier is a Tax Director at WebsterRogers and has worked in the firm’s Myrtle Beach office since 1990. He has 35 years of experience in public accounting.
Jim provides tax planning, consulting and preparation for corporations, partnerships, trusts, estates and individuals with an emphasis in closely held and professional businesses. He is a member of the firm’s healthcare and manufacturing teams.

Professional Affiliations

• Member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)
• Member of the South Carolina Association of Certified Public Accountants (SCACPA)
• Member of the Grand Strand Chapter of SCACPA
• Certified Management Accountant

Community Involvement

• Board Member and Treasurer of New Directions of Horry County 
• Grand Strand Chapter of SCACPA – Past President
• Rotary Club of Myrtle Beach – Member and Past President
• Member and Past Chairman of Coastal Carolina University Accounting Advisory Board
• Leadership Grand Strand Class XIX

Professional Service

• Licensed Certified Public Accountant in State of South Carolina

Education

• University of South Carolina
  • Bachelor of Science in Accounting
• University of South Carolina
  • Master of Accounting

Tim Sinclair, Director

Summary of Experience

Tim Sinclair leads business development, marketing, and growth for WebsterRogers LLP. Tim joined WR in 2015 as the Industry Consulting Director for our Manufacturing Services Group. Tim has been in consulting and business development for over 25 years; primarily focused on helping manufacturers improve and become more successful. His projects range from operational improvements using lean manufacturing and constraint management, to organizational development through strategic planning and leadership development, to top-line growth through strategic marketing planning and business development initiatives. He has worked with more than 400 companies across the United States in a variety of industries including Automotive, Aerospace, Metalworking, Textiles, Electronic Assembly, Chemical, Plastics, Stone Fabrication, Custom Woodworking, Telecommunications, Heavy Equipment and Medical Equipment.

Prior to joining WebsterRogers, Tim was a Regional Vice President for the South Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership, focused on helping small and medium sized manufacturers in South Carolina grow.

Professional Affiliations

• Certified Economic Development Finance Professional through National Development Council
• Accredited by Institute of Business Appraisers in Business Valuation and Appraisal
• Certified 360vu© Professional Business Advisor
• Certified Eureka! Winning Ways Growth Coach

Community Involvement

• Myrtle Beach Regional Economic Development Corporation, Marketing and Membership Committee, 2022- present
• Industrial Network Group- Charleston Chapter Coordinator 2019-2024
• McLeod Loris Seacoast Fellow 2024
• Urban Land Institute
• South Carolina Economic Developers Alliance
• SouthernCarolina Alliance
• Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce
• Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce
• Charleston Southern University College of Adult and Professional Studies, Advisory Board, 2013-2015
• Midlands International Trade Association (MITA), Executive Board of Directors, 2007-2012
• SC Shingo Prize Board of Governors, 2008-2010
• SC Lean Alliances, Steering Committee, 2006-2015
• Member of Committee of 100, 2006-2012
• Silver Crescent Awards, Judge, 2008
• Society of Manufacturing Engineers
• Charleston Regional Business Journal; Forty Under 40 Honoree
• B2B Grand Strand 50 Most Influential People 2023

Education

• University of South Carolina
  • Bachelor of Science in Marketing and Finance, Magna Cum Laude

Charles L. Talbert, III, CPA, CGMA, Manufacturing Group Leader

Summary of Experience

Charles “Chuck” Talbert, III, CPA, CGMA has over 35 years of experience serving clients in the middle market. His experience includes financial and compliance audits, agreed-upon procedures, compilations and reviews, general obligation and revenue bond comfort and consent procedures, forensic audits, performance audits, and consulting services, including consulting regarding organizational, governance and human resource issues.

Chuck currently serves as the manufacturing and distribution group leader for the Firm. He began his career with Arthur Andersen & Co. in Columbia, South Carolina.

Professional Affiliations

• Member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)
• Member of SC Association of Certified Public Accountants (SCACPA)
  • Past President, 2008
  • Past President, 1998
  • Member of the Coastal Chapter of SCACPA
• SC Board of Accountancy, 2000-2006
• SC Board of Accountancy Chairman, 2004-2006
• SC Commission on Higher Education
• National Association of State Boards of Accountancy Examination Review Board Chairman, 2009-2010
• National Association of State Boards of Accountancy Examination Review Board, 2007-2011

Professional Service

• Licensed Certified Public Accountant in the State of South Carolina

Community Involvement

• Board of Directors for Wofford College Terrier Club
• Board of Visitors for Kanuga Episcopal Conference
• Past 4th Congressional District’s Representative for the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education
• Spartanburg Hospital for Restorative Care – Board of Directors 2007-2011
• Kanuga Episcopal Conferences – Board of Directors 2008-2010
• Episcopal Church of the Advent – Past Treasurer
• Wofford College Terrier Club – Past member of the Board of Directors
• Leadership Spartanburg – Class of 1986

Education

• Wofford College
  • Bachelor of Arts in Accounting, Summa Cum Laude
  • Phi Beta Kappa

Kevin Wise, CPA

Summary of Experience

Kevin is a seasoned Tax Director with over 20 years of experience preparing and performing quality control reviews of income tax returns for individuals, partnerships, and corporations, while also providing comprehensive tax planning strategies. He specializes in C and S corporations, complex partnerships, and state and local taxation, ensuring optimal tax efficiency and regulatory compliance. Kevin’s expertise spans across a range of industries, including manufacturing, where he addresses sector-specific tax issues such as inventory accounting and research and development credits; real estate and construction, focusing on 1031 exchanges, depreciation, and contractor income reporting methods; and hospitality, where he manages tax strategies related to occupancy, employment, and capital expenditures. With his deep understanding of intricate tax laws and state/local regulations, Kevin is adept at helping clients in these industries minimize their tax burden while achieving financial success.

Kevin also serves in the Firm’s Hospitality team, Manufacturing team, and the RECON group in addition to the Complex Partnership and State and Local Tax groups.

Professional Affiliations

• Member of the South Carolina Association of Certified Public Accountants (SCACPA)
• Member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)
• Member of the Beta Gamma Sigma Business Honor Society

Professional Service

• Licensed Certified Public Accountant in the States of South Carolina and North Carolina

Education

• Francis Marion University
  • Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting, Magna Cum Laude
• University of South Carolina
  • Master of Accountancy

David Zaiken,
Director, International and Corporate Tax Technical Leader

Summary of Experience

David is a seasoned professional with over 45 years of experience in international and corporate tax advising on a global scale. Currently, he is a senior member of the strategic tax team at WebsterRogers, LLP, working out of the Charleston, South Carolina office. His career has seen him lead numerous core tax teams across the United States. David is recognized as a technical leader, having worked in the National Tax Offices of both Grant Thornton and Arthur Andersen for numerous years. 

Before his tenure at Grant Thornton, he held the position of Associate Vice President of International Tax Planning at Weatherford, a major oil field services company and spent over 30 years as an international tax leader at Arthur Andersen, KPMG , and Alvarez & Marsal. Throughout his career, David has been integral to numerous international tax technical and planning teams, overseeing controversies related to corporate and transfer pricing matters. He has adeptly guided clients through the evolving landscape of global tax planning amid U.S. tax reform and the Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) initiative. 

David lectures often in various professional technical international tax matters and is an adjunct member of the Masters of Tax Program at the College of Charleston. 

David possesses core industry strengths in sectors such as manufacturing, high-tech, life sciences, entertainment and media. Moreover, his expertise extends into energy, pharmaceuticals, and intellectual property. As a core international tax committee member of the United States Council of International Business, David actively contributes to discussions on OECD and other international matters. 

Prior to joining WebsterRogers, David held positions as international tax partner of Arthur Andersen, KPMG, Alvarez & Marsal Tax, and Grant Thornton. 

Professional Affiliations:

• Member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) 

• California State Society of CPAs 

Professional Service:

• Licensed Certified Public Accountant in the State of California 

Community Involvement:

• College of Charleston Lecturer on International Tax 

Education:

• The University of Texas at Austin
  • Master of Taxation

Amy F. Urquhart, CPA, CFP®, Managing Partner, Chief Executive Officer

Summary of Experience

Amy F. Urquhart, CPA, CFP® is President and Chief Executive Officer for WebsterRogers. She assumed this role in January of 2019 and is responsible for the day-to-day management and operations for the firm’s nine offices as well as the long-term strategic direction of the Firm. Amy is also the Managing Partner of the firm’s affiliate WebsterRogers Financial Advisors, LLC. Amy began her public accounting career in 2000 with PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP in Charlotte, North Carolina. She joined WebsterRogers LLP in October 2004, where she specializes in individual tax, trusts & estates, and comprehensive financial planning.

Professional Affiliations

• Member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)
• Member of the South Carolina Association of Certified Public Accountants (SCACPA)
  • Member of the Financial Planning Association

Community Involvement

• Liberty Fellows Class of 2020
• All Saint’s Episcopal Day School – Board Treasurer from 2014 to present
• McLeod Health Board of Directors, March 2019
• McLeod Foundation – Assistant Treasurer from 2012 to present, Board of Trustees from 2007 to present, and Finance & Investment Committee from 2007 to present
• McLeod GEMS – Founding Chairwoman from 2012 to 2013
• McLeod Fellows – Class of 2009
• Women in Philanthropy – Eastern Carolina Community Foundation Founding Member from 2009 to 2017
• Florence Area Humane Society – Advisory Board from 2007 to 2009 and Bone-E-Fit Fundraising Committee from 2007 to 2012
• Professional Advisors Council from 2006 to present
• The School Foundation – Board Member from 2008 to 2012
• Young Professionals of Florence – Founding Board Member from 2006 to 2008

Professional Service

• Licensed Certified Public Accountant in the States of South Carolina and North Carolina

Education

• University of South Carolina
  • Bachelor of Science in Finance and Accounting, Phi Beta Kappa
• University of South Carolina
  • Master of Taxation, Magna Cum Laude and Phi Beta Kappa

Sandra M. Sturkie
Chief Operating Officer

Summary of Experience

Sandra Sturkie serves as the Chief Operating Officer for WebsterRogers. She guides the Firm’s focus on Leadership Development and Company Culture. She developed the Firm’s three-level Leadership Academy and provides Executive Coaching services.  Prior to joining the Firm, she served as the Vice President for Business Operations at Tandem Health, a federally qualified community health center, leading the Human Resources, Technology, Project Management, Finance, Compliance and Practice Administration Teams.  While there she also developed the Center’s first two-tiered leadership development program.  Her career has included forensic interviewing in a child advocacy center, and various levels of leadership for the Department of Social Services, including previously serving as the State Child Welfare Director. Sandra received a Master of Science in Clinical Psychology from Francis Marion University. Sandra’s passion for growing leaders and improving workplace culture is driven by the belief that the success of any workplace must start with a genuine focus on its team members.

Professional Affiliations

• John Maxwell Certified Coach
• Leadership Circle Profile Certification

Community Involvement

• Board Member for Florence County First Steps
• Global Leadership Summit- Florence County Volunteer Team

Education

• Francis Marion University
  • Master of Science in Clinical Psychology

Tricia Thompson, CMA,
Chief Financial Officer

Summary of Experience

Tricia Thompson serves as the Chief Financial Officer for WebsterRogers, LLP. Tricia plays a multifaceted role combining financial expertise, regulatory knowledge and interpersonal skills to support the firm’s financial health, compliance and growth objectives. Prior to joining WebsterRogers, Tricia served as a Director with a management consulting firm based in Raleigh, NC, serving as a trusted advisor to second stage companies experiencing growth. Tricia managed the applied finance service offering which provided a deeper analytical approach to understanding financial statements while focusing on forward-looking financial data to guide business owners in making better informed strategic decisions. Tricia’s areas of expertise include financial analysis and interpretation of results, cash flow and profit optimization and creating complex financial models to achieve business objectives. She is a Certified Management Accountant with a passion for contributing to the development of future talent and leaders.

Professional Affiliations:

• Member of the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA)
• Member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)
• Member of the SC Association of Certified Public Accountants (SCACPA)

Community Involvement:

• Member of Women in Philanthropy
• American Heart Association – 2024 Pee Dee Heart Ball Executive Leadership Team Member

Education:

• North Carolina State University
  • Bachelor of Arts in Accounting