Partners

Get to know our Partners and Directors...

J. Wray Pearce, CPA

Wray is the Founding Partner and Chairman of the Board of Pearce, Bevill, Leesburg, Moore, P.C. He is a native of Birmingham, Alabama, a 1966 graduate of the University of Alabama, and a United States Marine Corps Veteran. He has over thirty-eight years experience in business and public accounting. Five years were spent in the audit and tax departments of an international accounting firm. Wray’s focus is on individual and business tax planning, financial consulting, litigation support and private company financial services.

Professional Associations:

  • Vice Chairman Alabama State Securities Commission
  • Member of the President’s Cabinet at The University of Alabama
  • Past Chairman and Member of the Alabama State Board of Public Accountancy
  • Member and past Chairman of the Education Committee of the Alabama Society of Certified Public Accountants
  • Education Committee of the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy
  • Past member and Chairman of the Accounting Advisory Council of the University of Alabama at Birmingham
  • Board of Trustees and Accounting Advisory Council of Miles College
  • Board of Directors of the Birmingham Business Resource Center
  • American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
  • Alabama Society of Certified Public Accountants – Past President of the Educational Foundation
  • Past member of Board of Directors of the University of Alabama Federal Tax Clinic
  • Birmingham Chapter of the Alabama Society of Certified Public Accountants
  • Past member of Board of Directors and past President of the Birmingham Estate Planning Council

Civic Organizations:

  • Past Treasurer, past President, and past Chairman of the Board of Directors of Operation New Birmingham
  • Past Treasurer and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Alabama Eye Bank
  • Birmingham Rotary Club, member and past Chairman of the Budget and Finance Committee
  • Graduate of Leadership Birmingham 1992
  • Past Board of Directors member and past Treasurer of the Birmingham Partnership Assistance to the Homeless (PATH)
  • Member and past Chairman of the Samford University Planned Giving Council n Member of the Planned Giving Council of the Birmingham Museum of Art
  • Past Finance Chairman of Vestavia Country Club
  • Brookwood Baptist Church – Past Personnel Chairman, Finance Chairman, Deacon
  • Chairman of the Accounting Advisory Panel – Community Foundation of Birmingham
  • Member of Steering Committee – University of Alabama at Birmingham’s Professional Advisory Council on Planned Giving
  • Member and past Chairman of Rotunda Library Society, The University of Alabama
  • Member of the Board of Directors and Finance Chairman of the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute
  • Member of the Advisory Council for Samford University/Howard College Arts and Sciences
  • Member of the Board of Trustees of The Alabama Aquariaum
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Charles W. Leesburg, CPA

Charles is a founding member of Pearce, Bevill, Leesburg, Moore, P.C. He is a native of Birmingham, Alabama and a graduate of Jacksonville State University. He holds an MBA from Samford University. Charles has over thirty-two years experience in public accounting and several years experience in industrial accounting and finance. Charles serves as a financial and tax consultant for individuals and businesses. He also works with numerous medical practices and physicians providing tax, business, planning, and consulting services.

Professional Associations:

  • Member and past council member of the Alabama Society of Certified Public Accountants
  • Past President of the Birmingham Chapter of the Alabama Society of Certified Public Accountants
  • American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
  • Medical Group Management Association

Civic Organizations:

  • Member of Birmingham Rotary Club
  • Monday Morning Quarterback Club
  • Leadership Vestavia
  • Board member and past President of the United Cerebral Palsy of Greater Birmingham
  • Foundation President of United Cerebral Palsy of Greater Birmingham
  • Prior Board Member Vestavia Hills School Foundation
  • Past Treasurer of Dawson Memorial Baptist Church
  • Member of Jacksonville State University Foundation Board
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Stephen L. Moore, CPA

Steve is a founding member of Pearce, Bevill, Leesburg, Moore, P.C. He is a native of Birmingham, Alabama and a 1976 graduate of the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Steve has been in public accounting for over thirty-five years with a majority of his professional career working with closely held businesses, including the health care, restaurant, real estate development and construction industries providing tax, business planning, and consulting services.

Professional Associations:

  • American Institute of Certified Public Accountants Council Member representing Alabama, two terms
  • Past President of the Alabama Society of Certified Public Accountants
  • Past Chairman of Council of the Alabama Society of Certified Public Accountants
  • Past President of the Birmingham Chapter of the Alabama Society of Certified Public Accountants
  • Past committee member of the Leave-A-Legacy Planning Committee
  • Past member of the Accounting Advisory Council of the University of Alabama at Birmingham
  • Past Chairman of the Public Relations and Development Committee of the Accounting Advisory Council of the University of Alabama at Birmingham
  • Member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and Alabama Society of Certified Public Accountants
  • Member of Personal Financial Planning Section of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants

Civic Organizations:

  • Kiwanis Club of Birmingham
  • Past Chairman of the First Sertoma Club of Birmingham
  • Birmingham Multiple Sclerosis Leadership Class of 2003
  • Stewardship Committee Chairman of Green Valley Baptist Church
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Tommy B. Beam, CPA

Tommy is a native of Birmingham, Alabama and a 1971 graduate of the University of Alabama. He has over twenty years experience in public accounting. Prior to joining Pearce, Bevill, Leesburg, Moore, P.C. in 1981, Tommy was a sole practitioner. His concentration is in the specialized services of the automobile and construction industries. Tommy also specializes in tax planning and consulting for individuals and businesses.

Professional Associations:

  • Alabama Society of Certified Public Accountants
  • Birmingham Chapter of the Alabama Society of Certified Public Accountants
  • American Institute of Certified Public Accountants

Civic Organizations:

  • Rotary Club
  • Juvenile Diabetes Foundation
  • Birmingham Ski Club
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W. Glenn Bridges, CPA

Glenn, a native of Birmingham, Alabama, received his Bachelor of Science in Business in Business Administration-Accounting in 1977. He received his Master of Business Administration from the University of Alabama in 1981. He received his CPA certificate from the State of Alabama (No. 2678) in 1982. Glenn has over 25 years experience in public accounting. He joined Pearce, Bevill, Leesburg, Moore, P.C. in 1987 and has since concentrated his practice in the following areas:

  • Servicing closely held businesses which include:
    • Federal and state income tax planning and preparation of the associated returns.
    • Estate planning and preparation of the associated returns.
    • Analysis of retirement options.
    • Performance of audited, reviewed, and compiled financial statements.
  • Servicing financial institutions, primarily Credit Unions, which include:
    • Audited financial statements.
    • Supervisory Committee audits.
    • Internal audit functions.
    • Other Agreed-Upon Procedures and consulting engagements on an as needed basis.

Professional Associations:

  • Alabama Society of Certified Public Accountants
  • Birmingham Chapter of the Alabama Society of Certified Public Accountants
  • American Institute of Certified Public Accountants

Civic Organizations:

  • Magic City Kiwanis Club
  • Boy Scouts of America
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W. Robert Cook, CPA, ABV

Robert is a native of Birmingham, Alabama and a 1990 graduate of the University of Mississippi. He holds both a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Accounting. Robert joined Pearce, Bevill, Leesburg, Moore, P.C. in 1994 after several years with a local public accounting firm. Since then he has concentrated his practice primarily in tax and litigation support services. Robert’s tax practice focuses primarily in business and individual tax planning and compliance. His litigation support services include providing expert witness testimony, fact finding, documentation, and business valuation services.

Professional Associations:

  • American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
  • Alabama Society of Certified Public Accountants – Member of Federal Taxation Committee
  • Birmingham Chapter of the Alabama Society of Certified Public Accountants
  • AICPA – Accredited in Business Valuation

Civic Organizations:

  • Birmingham Metropolitan Kiwanis Club – past Treasurer and Board Member
  • United Cerebral Palsy of Greater Birmingham – V.I.P.
  • Birmingham Chamber Leadership Development 1996
  • Childrens Dance Foundation – Board Member
  • Vestavia Hills Education Foundation – Treasurer and Board Member
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Hal Coons, CPA

Buzz is a native of Jasper, Alabama and a 1979 graduate of the University of Alabama. He has over twenty years experience in public accounting. Buzz joined Pearce, Bevill, Leesburg, Moore, P.C. in 1983. He coordinates our Health Care Consulting Practice working with numerous medical practices and physicians as a consultant including tax planning and practice assessment services. Buzz also concentrates on individual and business tax matters including merger and acquisition consulting.

Professional Associations:

  • Alabama Society of Certified Public Accountants
  • Birmingham Chapter of the Alabama Society of Certified Public Accountants
  • American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
  • Board member and committee Chairman of the National Health Care Advisors Association
  • Named as a Birmingham “Top 40 Under 40″ business leader
  • Past member of the Accounting Advisory Board of the Culverhouse School of Accountancy at the University of Alabama

Civic Organizations:

  • Board member of Canterbury Methodist Church
  • Graduate of Leadership Birmingham 1993
  • Past member of the Birmingham Chamber of Commerce Business Retention Committee
  • Youth sports coach

Recognitions:

  • 2003 Recipient of the Culverhouse School of Accountancy Career Achievement Award
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Michael B. Hawkins, CPA, CVA

Michael is a native of Dothan, Alabama and a 1991 graduate of the University of Alabama. He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting. Michael joined Pearce, Bevill, Leesburg, Moore, P.C. in 1992 after one year with another accounting firm. He has since concentrated his practice in tax planning for businesses and individuals and business consulting. Michael also specializes in business valuation services including merger and acquisition consulting, litigation support, and valuations for estate and gift tax purposes.

Employment and Education:

  • Shareholder and Director of Pearce, Bevill, Leesburg, Moore, P.C.
  • Education: University of Alabama: Tuscaloosa, AL
    • Graduated: August, 1991
    • Bachelor of Science in Commerce and Business Administration
    • Major: Accounting
  • Certified Public Accountant – August, 1993
  • Certified Valuation Analyst – December, 1995
  • Accredited in Business Valuation – February, 2007

Professional Associations:

  • Alabama Society of Certified Public Accountants
    • Chairman, 2006-2007 Nominating Committee
    • Past member Business Valuation Committee
    • Past member Federal Taxation Committee
    • Birmingham Chapter of ASCPA
    • Co-founder and Past Chairman of Young CPA’s Committee of Birmingham
    • Outstanding Committee Chairman Award
    • American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
    • National Association of Certified Valuation Analysts
    • University of Alabama Culverhouse School of Accounting Professional Advisory Board

Civic Organizations:

  • Kiwanis Club of Metropolitan Birmingham
    • Past member of Board of Directors
    • Past Chairman of Membership and Young Children Priority One
    • Past member of Fund Raising Committee
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Stephen B. Jones, JD, CPA, CVA

Steve is a native of Holly Springs, Mississippi and a graduate of Mississippi State University. He holds a law degree from the University of Mississippi School of Law. Steve has over twenty-two years experience in public and government accounting. Since joining Pearce, Bevill in 1984, Steve has concentrated his practice in the matters related to individuals, businesses, and not for profit entities. He is responsible for our estate and trust planning and administration.

Professional Associations:

  • Alabama Society of Certified Public Accountants
  • Birmingham Chapter of the Alabama Society of Certified Public Accountants
  • American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
  • Mississippi Bar Association
  • National Association of Certified Valuation Analysts
  • Birmingham Estate Planning Council

Civic Organizations:

  • Covenant House
  • Board of Directors of the Cahaba Heights Athletic Association
  • Active member of Meadowbrook Baptist Church
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Joseph M. Lassiter, CPA

Joe is a native of Huntsville, Alabama and a 1982 graduate of the University of Alabama. He has over twenty-five years experience in public accounting. Joe is Director of Pearce, Bevill, Leesburg, Moore, P.C.’s retirement plan and employee benefits consulting division, as well as providing tax and accounting services to closely held businesses and professional practices.

Professional Associations:

  • Alabama Society of Certified Public Accountants
  • Birmingham Chapter of the Alabama Society of Certified Public Accountants
  • American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
  • Alabama Profit Sharing Council

Civic Organizations:

  • Past President and board member of the Birmingham Civitan Club
  • Treasurer of the Alabama Ballet

 

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Jeffrey R. Thornton, CPA

Jeff is a native of Birmingham, Alabama and a 1982 graduate of the University of Alabama at Birmingham. He has over eighteen years experience in public accounting. Fifteen years were spent in the audit practice of a national accounting firm serving public and private companies. Jeff joined Pearce, Bevill, Leesburg, Moore, P.C. in 1996. Since that time he has concentrated his practice on private company financial services with an emphasis on accounting and auditing. He has assisted numerous companies in buying and selling businesses, initial public offering, and profitability studies.

Professional Associations:

  • Alabama Society of Certified Public Accountants
  • Birmingham Chapter of the Alabama Society of Certified Public Accountants
  • American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
  • President of the Executive Accounting Alumni Group of the University of Alabama at Birmingham

Civic Organizations:

  • Birmingham Tip-Off Club
  • Member of the Cahaba Heights Advisory Council
  • Active member of Brookwood Baptist Church
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David T. Williams, CPA

David is a native of Greenwood, Mississippi and a 1985 graduate of the University of Mississippi. He has over twenty three years experience in public accounting. Eight years were spent with a national accounting firm in both the Dallas and Birmingham offices. Since joining Pearce, Bevill in 1992, David has concentrated his practice on income and estate tax issues. He serves numerous individuals and closely held businesses in a wide variety of industries including construction, manufacturing, real estate, and professional services. David is currently the Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Firm.

Professional Associations:

  • Alabama Society of Certified Public Accountants
  • Birmingham Chapter of the Alabama Society of Certified Public Accountants
  • American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
  • Construction Financial Management Association
  • Past President and member of Birmingham Estate Planning Council
  • University of Mississippi Patterson School of Accountancy Advisory Board Member
  • Accredited Estate Planner

Civic Organizations:

  • Kiwanis Club of Birmingham
  • Monday Morning Quarterback Club
  • Mountain Brook Athletics, Inc. Treasurer and Board Member
  • Active member and deacon of Brookwood Baptist Church – Past Personnel Chairman
  • Birmingham Chamber Leadership Development 1995
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Carlos G. McDonald, CPA

Carlos is a native of Birmingham, Alabama and a 1997 graduate of the University of Alabama Birmingham. He holds both a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Accounting. Carlos joined Pearce, Bevill, Leesburg, Moore in 1997. Since then he has concentrated his practice primarily in income and estate tax issues. He serves numerous individuals and closely held businesses in a wide variety of industries including construction, manufacturing, real estate, and professional services.

Professional Associations:

  • Alabama Society of Certified Public Accountants
  • Birmingham Chapter of the Alabama Society of Certified Public Accountants
  • American Institute of Certified Public Accountants

Civic Organizations:

  • Monday Morning Quarterback Club
  • Sunrise Rotary Club
  • Active member of Mountain Brook Baptist Church
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Robin A. Waldrup, CPA

Robin is a native of Birmingham, Alabama and a 1988 graduate of Auburn University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration – Accounting. She has over 20 years of experience in public accounting and several years industry accounting. Robin joined Pearce, Bevill, Leesburg, Moore, P.C. in 1990. Robin focuses her practice on tax planning for business and individuals and business consulting. Robin’s concentration is in tax and business consulting for medical practices and physicians.

Professional Associations:

  • Alabama Society of Certified Public Accountants
  • Birmingham Chapter of the Alabama Society of Certified Public Accountants
  • American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
  • Association of Certified Fraud Examiners

Civic Organizations:

  • Past Treasurer of the Jefferson County Diving Council
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