Billy W. Miller, CPA, Founder
Billy Miller (April 4, 1932-April 4, 2002) founded B.W. Miller & Co., CPAs, now Miller McNeish & Breedlove, PLLC
Mr. Miller graduated Phi Beta Kappa from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1954. He received his Master’s Degree from UNC-Chapel Hill in 1957, where he received the first CPA scholarship ever offered by the University. He was also a member of Beta Gamma Sigma.
Mr. Miller enjoyed both golf and basketball, particularly the Carolina Basketball Program. He provided his vast financial knowledge to former Tar Heel players and coaches, and helped start several careers in the financial world. He was a great friend to many coaches and assistant coaches, and received the University’s Priceless Gem Award prior to his death. Read more...
With MMB since 1991
NC License # 14005
David W. McNeish, CPA, Partner
David graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1980 with a degree in business administration. He became a partner with Miller McNeish & Breedlove, PLLC in 1992, after working as a manager for B.W. Miller & Company.
Prior to joining the firm, he worked at Hertz Herson & Company as a staff accountant, and then at The Dickerson Group, Inc. as a tax manager and vice president.
In addition to advising our clients on accounting, tax and financial matters, David represents client taxpayers before the Internal Revenue Service and other tax authorities. He also provides litigation support for civil and domestic litigation, and he is recognized as expert witness in the areas of accounting, tax accounting and forensic accounting by the NC District Court, Mecklenburg County.
With MMB since 1994
NC License # 16622
Timothy M. Breedlove, CPA, Partner
Tim graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1984 with a degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting.
Following graduation Tim began his career with Arthur Andersen & Co. where he spent seven years as a tax consultant and planner working with Family Business owners and high net-worth individuals.
Tim left Arthur Andersen to become Vice-President of Finance with The Harris Group, a Charlotte based real estate services firm.
In 1994 Tim became a partner with Miller McNeish & Breedlove, PLLC. He works with family business owners and individuals, providing tax, business and estate consulting services using a goal oriented approach. His clients include businesses and individuals from the following industries or professions- Real Estate, Distribution, Manufacturing, Law, Engineering, Professional and Collegiate Sports.
He is licensed in the State of North Carolina and is a member of the AICPA and NCACPA.
With MMB since 2010
NC License # 34002
Erik L. Cobb, CPA, Partner
Erik joined Miller McNeish & Breedlove, PLLC in May of 2010. Prior to that he spent four years at Grant Thornton, LLP in its Charlotte, NC office within its Private Wealth Services Group.
Erik specializes in the areas of business, individual, trust and estate taxation, working primarily with high-wealth individuals and closely held businesses. Besides ensuring compliance with the complex tax laws, he also assists his clients with a wide variety of financial analysis, income tax planning, and estate and business succession planning. Erik also specializes in outsourced CFO services for clients.
Erik serves on the Alumni Board for the Belk College of Business (UNC Charlotte). He enjoys spending time with his wife and two sons, especially traveling and outdoor activities.
Erik graduated from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte in 2005 with a Bachelor’s Degree in accounting. He then earned a Master’s Degree in accountancy from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte in 2006.
With MMB since 2014
NC License # 34683
Kory L. Klug, CPA, Partner
Kory L. Klug, CPA has more than fifteen years of experience as a certified public accountant. Kory joined Miller McNeish & Breedlove, PLLC in November of 2014. Prior to that he spent six years working for a large national public accounting firm in its Charlotte, NC office.
Kory specializes in the areas of flow-through businesses, individual, trust and estate taxation, working primarily with high net worth individuals and families and their closely held businesses. In addition to ensuring compliance with increasingly complex tax laws, he also assists his clients with a wide variety of financial analysis, income tax planning, and estate and business succession planning. Kory is proud of the personal level of service he provides to each of his clients.
Kory is an active member of his church and enjoys spending his free time with his wife Lindsay, sons Kasey & Wesley and daughter Riley. He is an avid sports fan and enjoys playing golf at every opportunity. When not in the office, he’s probably at Kasey’s little league games or entertaining Riley/Wesley, reading (about where to play to golf), traveling and spending time at the beach.
Kory graduated from the University of Wisconsin - Whitewater in 2007 with a Bachelor’s Degree in accounting. He went on to earn a Master’s Degree in accountancy from the University of Wisconsin - Whitewater in 2008.
With MMB since 2019
NC License #39059
NC Bar License #33598
Andrew E. Schwarz, JD, CPA, Partner
Andrew joined Miller McNeish & Breedlove, PLLC in 2019 as a Senior Tax Manager and has years of experience as both a certified public accountant and estate planning attorney. Prior to joining MMB, he practiced law for a well-respected boutique tax law firm in Charlotte and before that worked with a large national public accounting firm also in its charlotte office. He began his career out of Wake Forest law as a criminal defense attorney for the Mecklenburg County Public Defender’s Office.
Andrew specializes in flow-through businesses, individual, trust and estate taxation, working primarily with high net worth individuals, families and their closely held businesses. In addition to his accounting experience, Andrew’s prior experience as the lead attorney for countless estate plans, controversy matters and business transactions gives him a unique perspective in analyzing your particular tax situation. He is a trusted advisor and resource for our high net worth clients and families.
Andrew is originally from Connecticut and relocated to North Carolina to attend law school at Wake Forest University. Outside of the office, Andrew’s hobbies include New England Patriots football, reading and home improvement projects.
With MMB since 2021
Patricia Duckworth, Chief Operating Officer
Patti joined Miller, McNeish & Breedlove, PLLC in December of 2021. As our Chief Operating Officer, she utilizes her many skills and talents to promote our firms’ corporate goal of providing innovative and practical services that contribute to our client’s success.
With a Degree in Accounting and more than 30+ years of experience in Corporate Finance and Management, Patti brings a unique blend of accounting skills and business practices to Miller, McNeish & Breedlove, PLLC. Since she joined our Team, her focus has been internal processes and employee development. Creating a culture where all thrive and in turn allows all of us to focus on our valued clients.
Patti enjoys sharing her gifts with her local church, which includes at times leading small groups, community outreach projects and finance committee membership. In her spare time, she and her husband Jim can be found on a golf course, rooting for the Baltimore Orioles or sharing a meal with their two daughters.
With MMB since 1999
NC License # 13275
Charles B. Wilson, CPA, Senior Manager, Wake Forest University, BA Economics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, JD.
Prior to joining Miller McNeish & Breedlove Charlie managed the plan design department for a national life insurance broker, performing extensive financial modeling and analysis of estate plans and non-qualified executive benefit plans. He also developed expertise in analyzing the design of life insurance products and life insurance illustrations presented to the consumer.
At Miller McNeish & Breedlove, PLLC, Charlie is the engagement manager for a range of small businesses including commercial property investors, manufacturing and broadcasters. His practice also includes extensive individual tax planning, multi-generational Trust planning and Estate administration.
Charlie is a member of the Board of Directors of the Olympic High School Foundation and serves on the finance committee at his church.
NC License # 23252
Dawn M. Harwood, CPA, Senior Manager
Dawn M. Harwood, CPA has more than 35 years of experience as a certified public accountant. She began her career with a national public accounting firm in Chicago, Illinois. Dawn joined Miller McNeish & Breedlove, PLLC in May of 2010. Prior to that she spent 17 years working for a large national public accounting firm in Charlotte.
Dawn primarily practices in the areas of individual, trust, and estate taxation, working with high net worth individuals and their family businesses. Besides ensuring compliance with the complex tax laws, she also assists her clients with income tax and estate planning. Dawn takes pride in the fact that she delivers a personal approach to each client and works to provide them the quality service they deserve.
Dawn gives back to the community thru her years of service on the Board and Finance Committee of The Ronald McDonald House of Charlotte. She is also a House Operations Volunteer, seeing for herself how appreciative guests are to have a “home away from home” while their children are receiving medical care.
Dawn and her husband Don have lived in Charlotte for 29 years. Their twins, a son and daughter, live in the Charlotte area, and Dawn and Don are now proud grandparents! In her spare time, you will find Dawn enjoying time with her growing family, relaxing at her lake house, reading, doing puzzles and traveling.
With MMB since 2018
NC License # 32772
Lauren S. Nichols, CPA, Senior Manager
Lauren S. Nichols, CPA has more than 12 years of experience as a certified public accountant. Lauren joined Miller McNeish & Breedlove, PLLC in November of 2018. She spent the first ten years of her career with a large international public account firm in the Charlotte, NC office followed by four years at a large national bank in Charlotte, NC.
Lauren specializes in the areas of business, individual, and trust taxation, working primarily with high-net worth individuals, closely held businesses. In addition to ensuring compliance with complex tax laws, she also assists her clients with a wide variety of financial analysis and income tax planning. Lauren seeks to build trusting relationships with her clients and provide quality service and expertise.
Lauren is also an active member in her church and enjoys spending time with her husband, four children, and Great Dane, Dexter. She also enjoys yoga, reading and cooking.
Lauren graduated from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte in 2002 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting. She went on to complete her Master’s Degree in Accountancy in 2003.
With MMB since 2020
NC License #34603
Alison M. Mills, CPA, Senior Manager
Alison joined Miller McNeish & Breedlove, LLC, in November of 2020. Her career began in Charlotte, N.C., with a large regional accounting firm where she spent three years focused on privately held businesses and their owners. Alison then spent eleven years at a large headquartered dealership group in Charlotte, N.C.
Alison specializes in flow-through businesses, individual, and trust taxation, working primarily with high-net worth individuals and closely held, multi-state businesses. In addition to ensuring compliance with complex tax laws, she also assists her clients with a wide variety of financial analysis and income tax planning. Alison seeks to build trusting, long-term relationships with her clients by providing personalized services.
Alison graduated from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington in 2005 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration. She then earned a Master of Science Degree in Accountancy from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington in 2006. Alison is licensed in the State of North Carolina and is a member of the AICPA and NCACPA.
NC License #32321
Jama Johnston, CPA, Senior Manager
Jama joined Miller McNeish & Breedlove, PLLC in January 2021. Her career began in Charlotte, NC with a large regional accounting firm where she spent five years focused on privately held businesses and their owners. Jama then spent ten years at a Big Four accounting firm in the Cayman Islands, leading the Private Client U.S. Tax Practice for high net worth individuals and their businesses, and overseeing U.S. tax compliance and advisory services for the alternative investments industry.
After the addition of two kids, her family left island life and returned to Charlotte, NC to be closer to their extended families. Jama continues to focus on U.S. tax compliance and advisory services for high net worth individuals and their businesses, employing in-depth knowledge of flow-through entity taxation and foreign reporting for international tax matters.
Jama graduated from the University of South Carolina in 2004 with a Bachelor's Degree in Accounting. She then earned a Master's Degree in Accountancy (Taxation) from the University of South Carolina in 2005. Jama is licensed in the State of North Carolina and is a member of the AICPA and NCACPA.
Outside of work, Jama is primarily chasing her kids around, but also enjoys exercise, travel, and food. She is committed to finding a cure for type 1 diabetes by serving as an annual gala committee member for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) Charlotte Chapter.
NC License # 17566
Faye W. Lakey, CPA, Accounting Manager
Faye W. Lakey has more than 30 years of experience as a certified public accountant. Faye joined Miller McNeish & Breedlove, PLLC in June of 2020. She has experience in both regional and local accounting firms working with closely held businesses on their tax, strategic and financial reporting needs. Faye has also worked for a large international bank in the group tax department and has experience as the Director of Finance for two charitable organizations. Faye primarily practices in the area of accounting services for clients.
Faye is an active member of her church and enjoys spending time with her husband and three children. She also enjoys baking, reading and traveling.
Faye graduated from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte in 1986 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting and is licensed in the State of North Carolina and is a member of the AICPA and NCACPA.
NC License #45175
TX License # 109464
Desiree Thompson, Manager
Desiree joined Miller McNeish & Breedlove, PLLC in November of 2021. Prior to that she spent six years at Grant Thornton, LLP in its Private Wealth Services Group. Desiree specializes in the areas of flow-through business, high-wealth individuals, and trusts.
Desiree graduated from the University of Oklahoma in 2014 with a Bachelor’s Degree in accounting. She then earned her Master’s Degree in Accountancy from the University of Oklahoma in 2015. After college, she lived in Houston for 5 years before moving to Charlotte to spend more time outdoors.
In her free time, Desiree enjoys traveling, hiking, cooking, and playing with her rescue dog, Orion. She also enjoys giving back to the community and often volunteers for the Humane Society of Charlotte.
Desiree is licensed in both the state of North Carolina and in Texas. She is also a member of the AICPA, the NCACPA and the TXCPA.
NC License # 29238
Beth Funderburk, Senior Manager
Beth joined Miller McNeish and Breedlove, PLLC in February 2022. Beth began her tax career over 20 years ago with EY in Charlotte working in the Tax Consulting Group and has most recently worked with a Regional Tax Firm in their Personal Financial Services group serving closely held business and high net worth individuals.
Beth graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a degree in Business Administration and from Clemson University with her Master’s in Taxation. Beth is licensed in the State of North Carolina and is a member of the AICPA and NCACPA.
Beth specializes in flow-through business, individual, trust and estate taxation working primarily with high net worth individuals and their families. In addition to ensuring compliance with ever changing tax laws, she also works with her clients to provide tax planning and financial analysis. Beth particularly enjoys developing relationships with her clients while working to provide the highest level of service.
Outside of work, Beth enjoys spending time with her husband, her two teenage children and her Springer Spaniel. She also enjoys serving her church, doing anything outdoors, reading and cooking.
NC License # 32173
Kristy Lopez, Manager
Kristy H. Lopez joined Miller McNeish & Breedlove, PLLC in September of 2021. She has over 22 years of experience as a certified public accountant and 6 years of experience in private industry. Much of her career has been in local tax firms in Charlotte, NC and Charleston, SC. Kristy specializes in small business taxation.
Kristy lives in the Lake Norman area with her husband and two ragdoll cats, Tiberius and Maximus. She loves to travel and spend time with her first grandchild, Aiden. In addition, Kristy enjoys travel, dance, and weight training.
Kristy graduated from the College of Charleston in 1995 with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Business Administration. She is a member of the NCACPA.
With MMB since 2022
NC License # 46270
Eric Williams, CPA, Senior Manager
Eric joined Miller McNeish & Breedlove, PLLC in December 2022 and has over 20 years of experience as a CPA. Eric joined MMB from a local accounting firm near Wilmington, Delaware, and has broad experience with individual, small and closely-held business, and non-profit tax clients. In addition, Eric has an extensive background in assurance services in addition to his tax expertise. Eric specializes in income taxation, financial analysis, and planning for closely-held construction, manufacturing, and real-estate businesses and high net-worth individuals.
Eric graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Delaware in 2003 with a bachelor’s degree in accounting and in October 2016, Eric was named to Delaware Business Times’ Top 40 Delaware Achievers & Innovators Under 40.
In his free time, Eric enjoys golfing and cycling, travelling with his wife Jamie, and spending time with his Labrador retriever, Max.
With MMB since 2023
NC License # 41710
TX License # 108376
Chelsea Gee, CPA, Senior Manager
Chelsea joined Miller McNeish & Breedlove, PLLC in August of 2023. Chelsea began her tax career working part-time through graduate school as a staff accountant in the corporate tax department at Trinity Industries. Chelsea then worked for five and a half years at Ernst & Young where she primarily served closely held businesses and high net worth individuals within the real estate industry. Prior to joining MMB, Chelsea worked for two and a half years overseeing all accounting, tax, and business compliance matters as CFO for Manufactured Housing Properties, Inc.
Chelsea graduated from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas in 2014 with dual degrees in business administration and philosophy. She then earned her master’s degree in accounting with specializations in audit and taxation from Southern Methodist University in 2015 and was valedictorian of her class. After college, Chelsea lived in Dallas for two more years before moving back home to North Carolina to be closer to family and to enjoy four seasons and trees again. Chelsea is a licensed CPA in North Carolina and Texas.
In her free time, Chelsea enjoys spending time with her husband and four fur babies, traveling, hiking, reading, and cheering on the UNC Tar Heels, SMU Mustangs, and Carolina Panthers.
With MMB since 2018 VA License # 14672
NC License # 45381
NC License # 45779
With MMB since 2012