Russell Bauknight earned a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Towson University in Baltimore, Maryland in May 1980. After a distinguished career, he redeemed his ownership in his former firm, Bauknight Pietras & Stormer, PA, to launch Russell Bauknight Advisory, where he focuses on estate and trust administration and advising high net worth clients.

Throughout his career, Bauknight has demonstrated commitment to both professional excellence and community service. He currently serves on the boards of FB Harding, Inc., the FB Harding Foundation and the James Brown I Feel Good Trust. His previous board service includes Prime Global World Board, Central Carolina Community Foundation and the Executives Association of Greater Columbia where he served as president. He also served as president of the Rotary Club of Lake Murray Irmo and participated in Leadership Columbia in 1989.

Bauknight defines success through effort rather than outcomes. “You do not have to win the race in order to be a winner,” he said.

Beyond accounting, Bauknight pursued his passion for law enforcement, retiring as a captain from the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department after serving thousands of hours as an unpaid officer.

Stephen Moose brings more than 35 years of public accounting experience to his role as partner at Draffin Tucker, specializing in tax planning and financial management for high-net-worth individuals and businesses. His expertise encompasses preparing and reviewing tax returns, conducting financial planning and managing retail operations.

Moose holds multiple professional credentials, including Certified Public Accountant licenses in Texas and South Carolina, Certified Financial Planner professional designation, Personal Financial Specialist certification and Certified Global Management Accountant credential.

His career includes leadership roles at Baldwin & Associates, which merged with Draffin Tucker in February 2024, as well as positions at PricewaterhouseCoopers and Margolis Phipps & Wright. He also owned Age of Aquariums from 2004 to 2007.

Moose earned a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Business Administration from the College of Charleston and a Master of Professional Accounting from The University of Texas at Austin. He is committed to helping others achieve their financial goals and sharing his knowledge with emerging professionals.

Mark Gilbert has built a successful two-decade career serving the Charleston area’s accounting and financial needs. Gilbert earned a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of South Carolina before launching his professional career as an accountant at Meadows in North Charleston, where he spent 10 years honing his expertise in accounting and tax preparation.

In 2005, Gilbert founded both Breakthrough Financial Solutions and Gilbert Accounting & Tax Service, establishing himself as an entrepreneur in the financial services sector. As president of Breakthrough Financial Solutions for nearly 21 years, Gilbert has led the firm’s strategic growth and operations while simultaneously managing Gilbert Accounting & Tax Service.

His dual leadership roles reflect his commitment to providing comprehensive financial guidance to clients throughout the Charleston metropolitan area. Gilbert’s practice focuses on delivering professional accounting and tax services, drawing on his extensive background and expertise to help individuals and businesses navigate complex financial matters.

Anna T. Locke earned a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Clemson University and is a Certified Public Accountant. She serves as president of A.T. LOCKE PC, an accounting firm.

Locke serves on the board of directors of Southern First Bank. She is active in numerous community organizations, including the Arts Center of Kershaw County Inc., where she serves on the board of directors and finance and facilities committee. She is a member of the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce’s Small Business Committee and serves as parliamentarian for the Camden Garden Club. She is also involved with Liberty Fellowship.

Her previous volunteer positions include board chair and interim executive director for Center for Developmental Services, and board member roles with the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office Foundation, Greater Greer Chamber of Commerce and Clemson School of Accountancy Advisory Board. She also served on the Greenville Technical College Accounting Advisory Committee.

Locke received the 2012 Chairman’s Award for Excellence from the Greater Greer Chamber of Commerce. She said the best advice she has received is to “look to the horizon as often as possible.”

Tim Lyons serves as partner at Mauldin & Jenkins, a 600-employee accounting firm that merged with Bradshaw, Gordon and Clinkscales effective June 1, 2025.

A 2006 Furman University graduate with a bachelor’s degree in accounting, Lyons earned his master’s degree in accountancy from the College of Charleston in 2009. He completed the AICPA Leadership Academy in 2012 and served on the AICPA State and Local Government Expert Panel from 2021 to 2024.

“Be all about the process — you can’t always control the outcomes, but you can control how you go about it,” he says.

Lyons identifies improving the pipeline of accounting professionals and adapting to rapid technological changes as the biggest challenges in the industry.

Governor McMaster appointed him chairman of the School District Accounting Systems & Best Practices Study Committee in 2024. He previously served on Children’s Trust of South Carolina’s board from 2018 to 2025.

His first job at a golf equipment retailer taught him customer communication skills that inform his professional approach.

An avid reader and writer, Lyons enjoys watching IndyCar and Formula 1 racing.

Bryan Nelms serves as partner at Kearney & Company, a professional services firm employing 1,075 people worldwide. He earned a Bachelor of Science in accounting from Pennsylvania State University and holds certifications as a certified public accountant in South Carolina and Virginia and as a certified information systems auditor.

Nelms actively participates in the Association of Government Accountants, currently serving on the organization’s audit committee. He previously led the Charleston chapter as president from March 2018 through June 2019.

His career began at Dairy Queen, where he learned the importance of customer service and delivering consistent quality in fast-paced environments. This foundation shaped his leadership philosophy. “Prioritize taking care of your people,” Nelms said, emphasizing the importance of understanding team members’ goals, challenges and motivations.

Nelms defines success as continued advancement toward personal and professional goals, viewing it as an ongoing path of growth rather than a fixed destination. Outside work, he is a self-taught guitarist who enjoys playing covers across diverse musical genres.

Kenneth Newhouse Jr. leads Moore, Beauston and Woodham as managing principal, appointed January 1, 2025, to guide the 79-employee firm through technological transformation and talent shortage challenges while embracing artificial intelligence and expanding national presence.

A University of South Carolina graduate with a bachelor’s degree in accounting and associate degree from Community College of the Air Force, Newhouse brings more than 30 years of experience. He chaired the South Carolina Association of CPAs board from 2020 to 2021, testified before the state legislature on tax legislation, and earned the Service to the Profession Award.

“Growth can’t happen without challenges,” he says, citing biblical wisdom that struggles produce perseverance and prepare leaders for greater responsibilities.

His first job at Little Caesars taught him that “there are no free lunches” — a principle shaping his approach to financial management where every decision carries costs affecting cash flow and sustainability.

An Air Force veteran who earned the Air Force Commendation Medal, Newhouse serves as youth basketball coach, applying lessons in discipline, resilience and mentorship across professional and personal spheres.

He defines success through two ways: professional achievements and personal relationships that reflect shared values and commitment to excellence.

John Otten leads Elliott Davis as CEO, appointed July 1, 2025, in a planned succession reflecting the 850-employee firm’s commitment to leadership continuity. Elliott Davis announced a strategic growth investment from Flexpoint Ford in June 2025.

A Presbyterian College graduate with a bachelor’s degree in business administration and accounting, magna cum laude, Otten earned his master’s degree in accountancy with tax specialization from the University of Georgia. He identifies rapid technological advancement, evolving work models, private equity investment and firm consolidation as reshaping the accounting landscape.

“Elevate all experiences by caring more,” he says, describing the firm’s vision that has guided his three-decade career.

His first job bagging groceries at Winn-Dixie taught customer service fundamentals through daily interactions requiring empathy, patience and care.

Otten’s community service includes past roles as treasurer of Habitat for Humanity of Greenville County and The Children’s Museum of Greenville board member.

He defines success through creating meaningful impact contributing to something greater than oneself.

Colleagues might be surprised he began as an Elliott Davis intern 30 years ago, experiencing rare continuity from intern to CEO.

Brandon Robinson serves as tax partner at Mauldin & Jenkins, a 600-employee accounting firm he joined following June 2025, merger of Bradshaw, Gordon & Clinkscales with the century-old firm.

A Wofford College graduate with a bachelor’s degree in accounting, Robinson earned his master’s degree in professional accountancy from Clemson University. He identifies workforce retention and declining enrollment in accounting programs as the profession’s biggest challenge amid artificial intelligence integration.

“When you do the common things of life in an uncommon way, you will command the attention of the world,” he says, quoting Clemson football coach Dabo Swinney.

His first professional position at Cherry Bekaert in Greenville taught him about family importance, hard work rewards and attitude control through mentorship from experienced professionals.

Robinson serves as treasurer for Charity Ball Board of Greenville, board member of Neighborhood Cancer Connection, and executive board member of Contractors, Closers & Connections.

He believes success is individual, encouraging people to define their own metrics and pursue them daily.

Jay Swearingen became managing shareholder of Bauknight Pietras & Stormer, P.A. in January 2024, marking a significant milestone in his nearly three-decade tenure with the Columbia-based accounting firm. Swearingen joined BPS in 1994 as one of the firm’s first hires when it employed fewer than 10 people. He made history as the first employee to achieve shareholder status outside the founding partners in 2001.

A Columbia native, Swearingen earned a Bachelor of Science in accounting from Clemson University and a Master of Accountancy from the University of South Carolina. He has developed a specialized practice in business and tax consulting for privately held, owner-managed businesses, focusing on real estate, franchise restaurants, professional service companies, manufacturing, retail and distribution sectors.

Swearingen maintains active membership in the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the South Carolina Association of Public Accountants. He serves as president of the Norman J. and Gerry Sue Arnold Foundation and treasurer of South Carolina United FC, the state’s largest amateur soccer club.

Peter Tiffany leads as a partner at Mauldin & Jenkins LLC, bringing decades of public accounting expertise to the Upstate. As the former managing partner of Bradshaw Gordon & Clinkscales LLC in Greenville, he guided the firm through its successful merger with Mauldin & Jenkins in May 2025, expanding service offerings throughout the region.

A University of South Carolina graduate with both a bachelor’s degree in accounting and a Master of Accountancy, Tiffany has been a leader in Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts. His commitment to community service runs deep, serving as treasurer of Carolina Youth Symphony and former board chair of Meals on Wheels of Greenville, among other leadership roles.

Tiffany’s professional philosophy centers on continuous learning and helping others grow. “The best advice I have received is to never forget my roots, and as a result, stay grounded and humble,” he reflects. From his first job at Aiken Municipal Airport to his current leadership role, he remains focused on being resilient and consistently authentic.

Amy Urquhart leads WebsterRogers LLP, a 110-employee accounting firm. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Finance and Accounting and a Master of Taxation from the University of South Carolina.

Urquhart’s professional foundation began in her family’s jewelry store, where she learned exceptional customer service and community investment principles. These early experiences shaped her leadership philosophy at WebsterRogers, where the firm’s mission centers on “elevating potential for a better tomorrow.”

“Numbers matter, but people matter more,” Urquhart said, emphasizing relationship-building over transactional work. She defines success through three measures: advancing client potential, developing team capabilities and leaving a positive legacy.

Urquhart serves as board treasurer for All Saint’s Episcopal Day School and holds positions on the McLeod Health Board of Directors and McLeod Foundation Board of Trustees. She is a Liberty Fellow, Class of 2020, and founding member of Women in Philanthropy with the Eastern Carolina Community Foundation.

Urquhart balances CEO responsibilities with family commitments, crediting her children’s activities and her husband’s partnership for providing perspective and purpose in her leadership role.

Teresa Zubrowski leads Zubrowski & Associates, an accounting firm she recently rebranded from Charleston Accounting and Tax to better reflect the company’s growth and collaborative approach to providing personalized financial advisory services. The firm employs five people.

Zubrowski earned a Bachelor of Applied Science in Accounting from New Hampshire University. She began working at age 13 at a bingo hall, an experience that taught her the importance of serving people regardless of the job’s scope. “Build a team you’d want to work for,” she said, describing advice that transformed her leadership philosophy.

As owner, Zubrowski focuses on balancing technology with personal client relationships, viewing artificial intelligence and automation as tools to enhance rather than replace human guidance in accounting services. She defines success as creating value while maintaining balance and integrity, both professionally and personally.

Zubrowski was featured in South Carolina Voyager in October. She emphasizes that her early work experience and upbringing shaped her approach to connecting with clients and helping them achieve their financial goals.