New Designation
Heather Thompson has been awarded the Public Accounting Firm Manager (PAFM) designation by the CPA Firm Management Association (CPAFMA). This designation recognizes Heather’s knowledge and professional experience in public accounting practice management.
Heather joined CDS in 2004. She graduated from the College of St. Benedict in St. Joseph, MN. Heather was promoted to Firm Administrator in 2008 and admitted as Partner in 2018. Her focus areas include strategic planning, employee relations, staff recruitment and retention, special projects, Partner and staff development, and HR consulting for clients.
Heather is on the Board of Directors and serves as Secretary for the Willmar Area Community Foundation. She serves on the Ridgewater College’s General Advisory Council. Heather is a 2017 graduate of the Vision 2040 Leadership Program. Heather received the 2013 West Central Tribune’s Five Under 40 Award and the 2017 Exemplary Leadership Award from the Willmar Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce.
New Hires
Ben Schlitter joined CDS in our Willmar office as a Senior Accountant. Prior to CDS, he worked in public accounting for over three years. Ben graduated from St. Cloud State University in St. Cloud, MN with a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting and a minor in Business Management. His focus areas are non-profit and for profit auditing, tax planning and preparation, consulting, and bookkeeping.
Erin Meyer joined CDS in our Willmar office as an Administrative Assistant/Receptionist. Prior to CDS, she worked in client service for over three years. Erin graduated from Ridgewater College in Willmar, MN with her Administrative Assistant Associate in Arts degree. She received her Microsoft Office Certificate in 2018. Erin is a member of the Willmar Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce’s neXt Organization.
Staff Promotion
Eric Holt has been promoted to Senior Accountant. He joined CDS in 2016 in our Litchfield office. Eric graduated from St. Cloud State University in St. Cloud, MN with a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting. His focus areas are governmental and non-profit auditing. Eric is the Vice-Chairman of the Litchfield Area Community Foundation and is the Treasurer for the Meeker Area Food Shelf. He is a graduate of the 2017-2018 Leading Litchfield – Creating Area Leaders Program. Eric volunteers for his local church.
Excited to Launch New CDS Logo
In October, CDS launched our new logo and an updated website at www.cdscpa.com. The new brand was a collaborative effort with several team members from our five offices and staff from our affiliate companies, CDS Administrative Services, LLC and CDS Financial Services, LLC working together with our marketing team. At CDS, our clients are our number one priority! We’re 80+ strong – all working for you!
Communicating Electronically With Our Clients
Our firm is moving toward electronic communication with our clients so that we can quickly communicate with you about pertinent tax and legislative updates and company news and events. When you sign for your tax return, please verify or provide your email address to receive email notifications. If you have any questions or concerns about providing your email address, please contact us at (888) 388-1040.
