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.

Karin Wesner, CPA

Tax Manager

Karin brought over 30 years of experience with her when she joined Brush Bernard in 2018.  Her career includes times spent as office manager, controller, senior tax staff, and tax manager at two local firms.  Karin has a broad range of expertise in taxation and works on returns for individuals, all industries, and all entity types.

Marianne Fox

Accountant

Marianne is a Sonoma County native who joined Brush Bernard in 2018 and is currently working her way towards a BS in Accounting.  Marianne has several years of experience in office administration and bookkeeping.  Currently, Marianne works in administration and with individual tax returns.

Rebekah Skopp

Accountant

After completing her undergraduate degree, Bek returned to Sonoma County and worked in the wine industry for several years.  Her background in the sciences allowed Bek to work her way into developing software and, eventually, become the controller for a small winery.  As a result of this experience, Bek is knowledgeable in many aspects of winery operations including but not limited to point of sale systems, compliance issues, and winery bookkeeping.

Since joining Brush Bernard in 2016, Bek has continued to specialize in winery related clients in addition to gaining a wide range of tax preparation experience for individuals and a cross section of industries.

Alison Scott

Senior Accountant

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, her interest began to shift towards business and, ultimately, tax accounting. Alison graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a Master’s Degree in Taxation in December 2016 and began her accounting career by working with the audit and tax groups of Holtzman Partners, a mid-sized CPA firm in Austin, TX.

Alison joined Brush Bernard in 2018 and prepares tax returns and financial statements for individuals and entities.

Kris Wirt

Administration

Kris joined Brush Bernard in 2019.  She brings decades of experience in office operations, accounts payable, and accounts receivable.  If you call or walk into our office, Kris is the first person you are likely to encounter.