CELEBRATING OUR 40th ANNIVERSARY
Valerie Messner, CPA | Staff Accountant
Valerie Messner earned her Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation from the Minnesota State Board of Accountancy. She joined CDS in 2024 as a Staff Accountant. Prior to CDS, she worked in accounting and auditing for one year. Valerie graduated from Southwest Minnesota State University in Marshall, MN with Bachelor of Science degrees in Accounting and Finance. She specializes in tax preparation, bookkeeping, QuickBooks®, and preparation of compiled and reviewed financial statements.
Wendy Holle, CPA, AICPA & CIMA Not-For-Profit Certificate I and II | Manager
Wendy Holle, CPA earned the Not-For-Profit Certificate Levels I and II through AICPA and CIMA.
Earning the Not-for-Profit Certificate I and II badges demonstrates a commitment to excellence and deep expertise in non-profit accounting and operations. Certificate I builds foundational knowledge in not-for-profit financial reporting, GAAP standards, and financial statement disclosure. Certificate II elevates these skills by equipping professionals to expertly navigate non-profit auditing, board governance, risk assessment, internal controls, and advanced tax compliance.
Wendy Holle returned to CDS in 2022 as a Manager. Prior to CDS, she worked in accounting and auditing for over seventeen years, including as a Business Manager for six years. Wendy graduated from St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and an area of emphasis in Financial Management. She specializes in non-profit, rural development and HUD, and fire relief auditing and consulting.
Wendy is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the Minnesota Society of Certified Public Accountants (MNCPA). She is a graduate of the Willmar Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce Leadership Perspectives Program and the L.E.A.D of Kandiyohi County Program. Wendy volunteers with her local church, American Red Cross, and Junior Achievement in Hutchinson.
Kiara Eischens-Larson, Online QuickBooks® ProAdvisor Certification | Staff Accountant
Kiara Eischens-Larson recently received her QuickBooks® ProAdvisor Online Level I certification. She joined CDS in 2025 as a Staff Accountant. Prior to CDS, she volunteered as a tax preparer for UCAP clients. She graduated from Southwest Minnesota State University in Marshall, MN with a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting. Kiara specializes in tax preparation, bookkeeping, QuickBooks®, and accounting.
COMMUNITY IMPACT
Meranda Wacek, CPA and Manager
Southwest Initiative Foundation (SWIF) – Finance and Audit Committee Member
Since January 1, 2025, Meranda has dedicated approximately 25 hours to supporting SWIF as a Finance and Audit committee member. My involvement has included guiding the organization through both the audit and tax processes, as well as actively participating in related pre- and post-engagement discussions, reviews, and approvals.
CDS encourages me to leverage my non-profit expertise and experience as a current non-profit auditor in this role. I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the Southwestern Minnesota community foundation through my service to SWIF.
