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 #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.
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, 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.
NC License # 45381
Kristen L. Ellington, CPA, Manager
Kristen joined Miller McNeish and Breedlove, PLLC in August 2022. Prior to that, she spent three years at PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC) in the Private Company Services group serving high-net worth individuals, family groups, and closely-held businesses.
Kristen graduated from North Carolina State University in 2018 with bachelor’s degrees in accounting and international studies, and a minor in Spanish. She has a master’s degree in accountancy also from North Carolina State University. Kristen is a licensed Certified Public Accountant in the state of North Carolina and is a member of the NCACPA.
Kristen specializes in individual, trust, and estate taxation, working primarily with high-net worth individuals and their family businesses. In addition to ensuring compliance with complex tax laws, she also assists her clients with various income tax planning and financial analysis.
In her free time, Kristen enjoys running, traveling, and general fitness activities.
NC License # 45779
Matthew E. Williams, CPA, Manager
Matt joined Miller McNeish & Breedlove, PLLC in November of 2022. Prior to that he spent two years working for an accounting firm in Carmel, IN that focused on multifamily housing communities and affordable housing. Originally from central Indiana, he graduated from Indiana University in 2020 with a bachelor’s degree in accounting and finance. After college, Matt spent a few years continuing to live in Indiana before deciding to move to Charlotte in the spring of 2022. Matt is a licensed Certified Public Accountant in the state of North Carolina and is a member of the NCACPA.
Matt specializes in flow-through businesses and individual taxation, working primarily with high-net worth individuals and closely held businesses. In addition to ensuring compliance with complex tax laws, he also assists clients with income tax planning and financial analysis.
Outside of work, Matt spends his free time with his daughter and fiancée. In the winter and spring months, you can find him cheering on the Indiana Hoosiers basketball team.
Enrolled Agent # 00130567-EA
Arnold D. Jones, Jr, EA, Manager
Arnie joined Miller McNeish & Breedlove, PLLC, in May of 2023. His career began in 1997 in Charlotte, NC with a regional accounting firm and he further gained additional experience with various firms ranging from local to national.
With over 20 years of experience, Arnie provides a broad range of tax and business consulting services for clients. His experience includes working with flow-through businesses, high-net-worth individuals, and trust and estate taxation. The services provided include compliance with tax laws, financial analysis, and tax planning. To build relationships with clients, Arnie’s focus is to listen and gain an understanding of their goals and what they desire to accomplish. He strives to provide quality service and expertise for each client’s situation.
When Arnie is not working, he enjoys spending time with his wife, daughter, and English bulldog. Most of which is filled being a Dad watching his daughter play various sports and other teenager activities. Arnie and his family are active members in their church. Living in the Carolinas provides them with beautiful views and mini getaways from the mountains to the beaches. He enjoys riding his motorcycle, participating in an investment club and reading.
Arnie graduated from Milligan University in 1993 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting and later graduated from Robert Morris University in 1997 with a MS in Taxation.
With MMB since 2024
NC License # 46335
SC License # 10806
Darren M. Hall, CPA, Senior Manager
Darren graduated from the University of Maine in 1989 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with concentration in Accounting. Prior to joining Miller McNeish & Breedlove, PLLC in February of 2024, he worked for Dean Dorton Allen Ford, PLLC in Raleigh, NC.
Darren has worked in a wide variety of roles throughout his career, from audit to tax to private industry. He also served one term as an elected member of the Maine House of Representatives. Of all of these, his favorite by far is helping individuals comply with constantly changing tax laws while minimizing their tax liability.
In his personal life, Darren is Dad to three amazing teens. He is a huge sports fan, and loves the Patriots, Celtics, Bruins and Red Sox. He is also an aspiring guitarist with a passion for collecting guitars. When time permits, he loves playing Texas Hold ‘em, and aspires to one day add a WSOP bracelet to his trophy case.
NY License # 078257-1
OH License # 04-3-38216
Gail Tobin, CPA, Senior Manager
Gail joined Miller McNeish & Breedlove, PLLC, in June of 2024. Her career began at KPMG in NYC performing audits in the financial service industry with a focus in registered investment companies. She also worked in the private sector managing both corporate tax and financial planning and analysis departments for divisions of Alcoa and Proctor & Gamble. Prior to joining MMB, Gail spent fifteen years as a Senior Tax Manager at Schultheis & Panettieri LLP in New York.
Gail specializes in the areas of business, individual, and trust taxation, working primarily with high-net worth individuals, and 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. Her diverse background in both tax and audit also gives her experience in personal financial statements, compilations, reviews, audits and agreed upon procedure engagements.
Gail graduated from Fordham University in 1991 with a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting. She is a licensed CPA in New York and Ohio and is also a member of the AICPA and the New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants. She recently moved from New York to North Carolina and lives in Matthews with her husband, three children and two dogs. In her free time, Gail enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, and cooking.
Mian Wang, Financial Accounting Manager
Mian Wang joined Miller McNeish & Breedlove, PLLC, in June of 2024. With 18 years of experience in both the public and private accounting sectors, she brings a comprehensive skill set to our firm. Her background includes expertise in auditing, financial reporting, and strategic financial management. Having worked with a diverse range of clients, she is adept at navigating the complexities of financial regulations and delivering precise, reliable financial solutions.
Her professional journey began with a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Since then, her roles have often involved overseeing financial operations, implementing cost-saving initiatives, and driving business growth through meticulous financial analysis. Her experience in both public and private accounting has provided her with a unique perspective on the financial landscape, allowing her to deliver insightful and strategic financial solutions. She is passionate about helping businesses optimize their financial operations and achieve sustainable growth.
Outside of work, Mian enjoys traveling, biking, and hiking. These activities provide a balance to her professional life, allowing her to recharge and stay motivated. Whether exploring new destinations or hitting the trails, she finds that these experiences enrich her perspective and fuel her passion for excellence.
VA License # 14672
NC License # 43382
GA License # 017938
Enrolled Agent # 00155376-EA
NC License # 47580
NJ License # 20CC04344600
NC License # 46749