Who We Are

Bob Bernard, CPA, CMA, CGMA

Partner

Bob joined Brush Bernard in 1997 and has been managing partner since 2003. He earned his CPA license while working at Hood & Strong, a regional accounting firm based in San Francisco.  Prior to joining Brush Bernard, Bob spent nine years in private industry, primarily in the commercial loan servicing department of Wells Fargo Bank.

Having worked as a professional musician, real estate agent, and computer programmer before heading to college, Bob’s mix of practical experience and education translates into an ability to see the big picture and bring clarity to the most complex situations.

Bob was the founder and President of Acacia Exchange Services, Inc., a premier Northern California resource for §1031 intermediary services.  While Acacia closed in late 2020, Bob still does extensive consulting in exchanges and other real estate transactions.

Kevin Hallinan, EA

Partner

Kevin joined Brush Bernard in 2007, becoming a partner in 2008.  During his decades in public accounting, Kevin has been intimately involved in the day-to-day operations of a variety of clients.  He has developed extensive managerial expertise and a deep knowledge of accounting systems, from point of sales to inventory to the G/L.  He understands the processes and procedures necessary to keep an accounting function running efficiently, provide effective internal controls, and to provide the decision makers concise and accurate information.

Kevin worked his way through college as a bartender, an experience that left him a good listener and someone with a good feel for tasting room operations.

Kandy Fowler, CPA

Partner

Kandy began her career with Deloitte and Touche in Southern California.  During her tenure she gained experience in tax and audit working for SEC (publicly traded) and privately held companies.  She returned to Sonoma County, where she had spent her undergraduate years, and joined a local CPA firm doing both tax and audit work.   Kandy joined Brush Bernard in 2012 and became a partner in 2021.

Kandy’s experience reflects Sonoma County: agriculture, manufacturing, wineries, non-profits, and individuals.

Karen Bryant

Admin Partner

Karen is responsible for overseeing all facets of the business operation of Brush Bernard.  Having joined the firm in 1990, she has grown with the firm over the years.  During her tenure we have gone from processing tax returns on a completely manual basis to the sophisticated software and systems in use today.  Karen also prepares individual tax returns and is expert in payroll preparation and compliance issues.  As the firm has expanded and added new layers of complex technology, it was clear that Karen’s scope of responsibilities and deep understanding of technology, procedures, and client service dictated she be promoted to partner in 2021.

Alison Scott, CPA

Tax Manager

After obtaining her undergraduate degree, Alison joined Teach for America and worked as a high school English teacher in Kansas City, MO. During that time, Alison decided to shift focus to the world of business. She graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a Master’s Degree in Professional Accounting and Taxation in December 2016.

Alison joined Brush Bernard in 2018 after working in both the audit and tax departments at a mid-size firm based in Austin. She specializes in entity and complex individual returns with an emphasis on pass-through taxation and real estate. Alison also prepares financial statements and provides tax planning services for business and individual clients.

Autumn Hausman, EA

Accountant

Autumn is a born and raised Healdsburg local that has always had a passion for agriculture in the community. While still in college, she obtained an internship at a local CPA office and continued to work for them after completing her undergraduate degree. Her background in the agriculture industry has given her the knowledge and insight of many agribusiness operations. Since joining Brush Bernard in 2021, Autumn has continued to gain experience preparing a wide range of individual and entity tax returns.

Jennifer Islas, EA

Accountant

Jenn spent her first career as a Pediatric Physical Therapist. She took a break to raise a family and relocated to the Cincinnati area. Upon returning to the workforce, Jenn decided to pursue a new career in accounting. She obtained a Professional Certificate in Accountancy from UC to further this goal.

Jenn joined Brush Bernard in 2023 after internships in public accounting where she worked in tax and accounting services. She specializes in individual and small business tax returns as well as accounting services (QuickBooks and general bookkeeping consulting).

Sarah Hess

Office Manager

Sarah joined Brush Bernard’s administrative team in 2022 and took on the office manager role in 2024. She previously held administrative and leadership roles in the clinical research and insurance fields. Sarah is an expert in customer service and problem solving and will often be your first line of communication when contacting our office.