Meet the Team of
Stokes & Company, CPAs 

Stephen Stokes, a Bob Jones University and Georgia State University alum, is a licensed CPA with over 20 years in the industry. Stephen specializes in Small Business Accounting, Business Management and Consulting, and Mergers and Acquisitions. Stepping in as president of Stokes & Company in 2009, he made it his mission to give clients and other business owners financial peace of mind. Since then, he has served his community in various ways, as the president of the SCACPA-Piedmont Chapter, a board member of local nonprofit organizations, and through his active involvement as a board member with the Professional Association of Small Business Accountants. In addition, Bob Jones University recognized Stephen with the Distinguished Alumni Award for his work. When he isn’t serving his clients, he enjoys spending time with his wife and two daughters and using his skills and talents to serve his church family.

Education / Affiliations

• Bob Jones University, B.S.

• Georgia State University, MBA

• Member, South Carolina Association of CPAs

• Member, American Institute of CPAs

• Board Member, Professional Association of Small Business Accountants

With more than 44 years of experience, Allen specializes in taxes and general business accounting. He has an extensive background, including several corporate positions as a controller and Chief Financial Officer. In 2018 he merged his CPA firm with Stokes & Company, where he continued serving as a licensed CPA and Chartered Global Management Accountant until his retirement. He has since been elected as the Greenville County Treasurer and will take office in July 2023. Outside his career, he enjoys baseball, theater, history, and traveling with his wife.

Education / Affiliations

• Bob Jones University, B.S. Accounting

• Chartered Global Management Accountant

• Board Member, South Carolina Association of CPAs

• Trustee, SCACPA Education Fund Scholarship Committee

• Board Member, Rivertree Singers

• Board Member, Missionary Evangelism, Inc.

• Board Member, Taylors Free Medical Clinic

With a storied career that spans over three decades, Michael Twomey first graduated from Mt. Saint Mary’s University, before beginning his career as a certified public accountant. Prior to joining the Stokes & Company team, he worked with a wide range of clients, including a big four accounting firm. Today, he is focused on aiding his clients in the areas of small business tax, international tax, SC Jobs Credits and much more. When not at work, he enjoys golfing, cycling, and spending time with his wife and three adult children.

Education / Affiliations: 

• Mt. Saint Mary’s University, B.S. Business & Finance
• Member, American Institute of CPAs
• Member, South Carolina Association of CPAs

Brandon Esco brings more than 14 years’ experience to his clients in tax planning and compliance. A Presbyterian College graduate, Brandon appreciates the value he can provide to his clients, as well as the opportunity to work with new clients and different scenarios every day. He enjoys spending time outdoors or listening to healthy debate on theology or world views, as well as time with his wife, three children and two dogs.

Education / Affiliations

• Presbyterian College, B.S. Business Management
• Member, American Institute of CPAs
• Member, South Carolina Association of CPAs

Rachel McClaran joined Stokes & Company in 2017 with the merger of Wheeler & Associates, CPAs, after ten years of serving clients alongside her father, Gary Wheeler. Rachel plays a key role in developing our core processes and procedures, allowing her to successfully manage our accounting group in providing strategic monthly accounting and tax services. Additionally, she is dedicated to serving her community as a member of several nonprofit organizations and as the past Vice President of Finance for the Junior League of Greenville. Outside the office, she enjoys traveling and spending time on the water with her husband and their two children.

Education / Affiliations

• Bob Jones University, B.A
• Enrolled Agent
• Member, Junior League of Greenville
• Member, South Carolina Association of CPAs

Born and raised in rural Kentucky, Paige Gillespie is an Enrolled Agent with a passion to help small business owners and create long-lasting relationships. After graduating from the University of South Carolina and then joining Stokes & Company in 2009, Paige adds to her more than 15 years’ experience by managing the Accounting department in the Greenville office, helping small businesses with tax advice and other accounting issues. Outside of the office, Paige enjoys park visits and time with friends along with her husband of 13 years and her three children.

Education / Affiliations

• University of South Carolina, B.S.
• Enrolled Agent
• Member, South Carolina Association of CPAs

An Indiana native and Bob Jones University graduate, Hannah Williams began her accounting career with Stokes & Company over four years ago. Since then, she has focused on collaborating with clients to help them meet or exceed their financial goals—from tax planning to cash flow initiatives. Outside of work, she enjoys playing piano and serving through her church.

Education / Affiliations: 

• Bob Jones University, B.S. Accounting

With a focus on collaboration and helping people, Joseph Sciortino built on his education at St. Joseph’s College and SUNY and created a career where he could work alongside his clients. With six years in the industry, he is now able to help his clients achieve their goals through his expertise in tax planning, bookkeeping and accounting.

Education / Affiliations: 

• St. Joseph’s College, B.S.
• State University of New York – Old Westbury, M.S. Taxation
• QuickBooks ProAdvisor

With four years in the industry, Ryan Faust brings his expertise in tax affairs—including partnership tax and S-Corporation tax—to the Stokes & Company team. With a high attention to detail, Ryan enjoys using that expertise to both help his clients and to collaborate with his teammates. Outside of the office, Ryan and his family enjoy Clemson Football and are staunch supporters of the Greenville Humane Society.

Education/Affiliations:

• Coastal Carolina University, Master’s of Accountancy
• Coastal Carolina University, Bachelor’s – Accounting

Tara Kennedy brings over 20 years’ experience in the accounting industry with a focus on partnership and trust returns as well as QuickBooks. Since joining the Stokes team in 2020, her competence in multi-tasking, attention to detail, relationship building, team attitude, and business/IT acumen provided an excellent fit for her position as Firm Administrator, where she is responsible for all administrative, clerical & quality control functions, and works with the leadership team on HR, IT, facilities & financial management. The position offers her the ability to wear multiple hats, which allows her the ability to collaborate and multi-task—two things she fully appreciates.

In her free time, she and her family enjoy hiking, camping, lake days, and pretty much anything outdoors and adventurous. With a true passion for travel, Tara and her family are working their way through visiting all 50 states.

Focused on helping small businesses navigate the tax code and create thriving organizations, Justin Phillips comes to Stokes & Company with more than 15 years of experience in tax research and both business and personal tax preparation. Justin is a graduate of the University of Mississippi and enjoys using his skills to help others. A Premier League soccer fan, Justin also enjoys fishing and spending time with his wife and son.

Education / Affiliations: 

• University of Mississippi, B.S. and Masters – Taxation

Originally from Canada and with over 20 years in the industry, Emma brings a wealth of experience in accounting and as an entrepreneur. Her multi-faceted career contributes to her success as Business Development Specialist. She has the natural ability to identify where a company needs help the most and structure a plan that will take them to the next level. She is a team player, great communicator, and has a strong passion for helping others. When she is not working or attending the next networking event, she spends time with family, friends, and her two rescue labrador retrievers. She loves traveling, gardening, reading, and volunteering.

Education/Affiliations:

• St. Clair College, Business Administration – Accounting
• Member, Certified General Accountants Association of Canada
• Member, Human Resource Management Association

Chris Roberts’ career spans over 17 years and incorporates tax planning for small businesses and individuals alike. His genuine desire to see others grow and succeed is evident in how he manages the Stokes & Company offices in Gaffney, Spartanburg, and Columbus, NC. Chris also leads our tax group, providing leading tax planning and preparation services to benefit our clients. In his free time, Chris enjoys watching Georgia football, grilling outside, and spending time with his wife and four children.

Education / Affiliations: 

• Clayton State University, B.B.A

• Member, American Institute of CPAs

• Member, North Carolina Association of CPAs

• Member, South Carolina Association of CPAs

From humble roots in Lockhart, SC, Tracy Vanderford grew up in the accounting industry, learning the business from her mother.  After graduating from Winthrop University, Tracy gained 25 years of experience as both a tax preparer and a bookkeeper, offering her two perspectives to help her clients. After work, you may find Tracy spending time outdoors, or with her daughter and granddaughter. 

Education / Affiliations: 

• Winthrop University, B.S.
• Member, South Carolina Association of CPAs

With over two decades of experience in tax management, Rita Mizell’s love of math led her to a career with Stokes & Company, where she thrives on keeping clients up to date on the ever-changing tax codes. After graduating from the University of South Carolina and earning a Masters’ degree, Rita spent 25 years with another local CPA before joining the Stokes & Company team. Outside of work, you can find her shopping or traveling alongside her husband.

Education / Affiliations: 

• University of South Carolina – Spartanburg, B.S.
• Gardner Webb University, M.B.A.

As the office manager for the Gaffney location, Lisa Estes is focused on teamwork and offering support and service with excellence. With more than 33 years experience in the administrative arena, Lisa not only supports the staff of Stokes & Company but also helps in bookkeeping for a number of clients, as well. She loves spending time working in her yard or traveling with her husband of 34 years and her daughter.

Cheryl Bryson has seen a number of changes in over 40 years in the accounting industry. Although she is now far from preparing taxes with pencil and paper, she still enjoys being able to approach each client with a new plan of action and help them save money with each return. After work hours, Cheryl is a professional musician, and is also active in the music ministry for Augusta Road United Methodist Church. She likes to spend time on her home farm with her husband, as well as with her two sons and their families. 

Education / Affiliations: 

• Lander College, B.A.
• Furman University, Accounting 
• Enrolled Agent
• Licensed Insurance Agent, Certified with CMS (Centers for Medicaid/Medicare)