PROMOTIONS
Tracy Brouwer | Senior Third Party Administrator
Tracy Brouwer was promoted to Senior Third Party Administrator. Tracy joined CDS in 2019. Prior to CDS, she worked in client service for over twenty years. Tracy attended Ridgewater College in Willmar, MN. She specializes in the administration of Retirement Plans, Flex Plans, Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRAs), and COBRA.
Tabitha Benson | Staff Accountant
Tabitha Benson was promoted to Staff Accountant. Tabitha joined CDS in 2021. Prior to CDS, she worked in client service for over seven years. Tabitha graduated from the University of Minnesota – Crookston with a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting with a minor in Finance. She specializes in bookkeeping and QuickBooks®.
NEW HIRES
Jerlyn Balfany | Staff Accountant
Jerlyn Balfany joined CDS as a Staff Accountant in our Willmar office. Prior to CDS, she worked in accounting, auditing, and finance for twelve years, including operating as a Finance Director for a charter school for five years. Jerlyn graduated from Peru State College in Peru, Nebraska with Bachelor of Science degrees in Business Administration and Accounting. She specializes in governmental auditing.
Kristi DeGree | Hiring & Development Manager
Kristi DeGree joined CDS as the Hiring and Development Manager in our Willmar office. Prior to CDS, Kristi worked in training and development, recruiting, marketing and event coordination for eleven years. Kristi graduated from Bethel University in St. Paul, MN with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration and a double emphasis on Marketing and Communications. She manages recruitment, training, and development.
Nicole Keskey | Staff Accountant
Nicole Keskey joined CDS as a Staff Accountant in our Litchfield office. Prior to CDS, she worked in auditing for nine years and in bookkeeping for ten years. Nicole graduated from Anoka Hennepin Technical College in Anoka, MN with an Associate of Applied Science degree in Software Development. She specializes in governmental auditing.
Hannah Tiernan | Audit Coordinator
Hannah Tiernan joined CDS as an Audit Coordinator in our Litchfield office. Prior to CDS, Hannah worked in project management for four years and in mortgage and financial services for two years. Hannah graduated from South Dakota State University in Brookings, SD with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics. She coordinates the administration of audit services between clients and team members for the for profit, non-profit, and local governmental service lines.
Crystal Vossen Seiffert | Manager
Crystal Vossen Seiffert, CPA joined CDS as a Manager in our Litchfield office. Prior to CDS, she worked in accounting and auditing for nine years, including operating as a Controller and Chief Financial Officer for a for profit company for four years. Crystal graduated from Minnesota State University Mankato in Mankato, MN with Bachelor of Science degrees in Accounting and Corporate Finance, with a minor in Business Administration. She specializes in governmental auditing.
Jacob Billings joined CDS as a Staff Accountant in our Sartell office. He graduated from St. Cloud State University in St. Cloud, MN with a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting. Jacob specializes in tax preparation and accounting.
MEET OUR SUMMER INTERNS!
Logan Cronen is an Accounting Intern this summer at CDS. He is attending North Dakota State University pursuing a degree in Accounting. Logan is from Clara City, MN. He looks forward to forging connections with colleagues and clients in a way that fosters a collaborative environment as well as contribute to informed decision-making. As Logan would say, “this blend of relationship-building and problem-solving enriches the professional experience, making every day in the accounting field feel new and rewarding!”
Kory Behm is an Accounting Intern this summer at CDS. He is attending Iowa State University pursuing a degree in Finance. Kory is from Willmar, MN. He chose to intern at CDS because of the firm’s highly respected reputation in the community, and he has heard nothing but great things about the work environment and team! As Kory considers his future career path, an accounting internship has offered valuable insight. He is excited about the variety of work each day brings and the new challenges awaiting. Kory says, “the accounting field is much more exciting than people may realize, and only continues to present new opportunities. I am grateful to the team at CDS who are taking the time to teach me, through hands-on experience and making accounting work interesting and fun. I’m learning a deeper understanding of accounting principles and sharpening my critical thinking skills!”
Raina Kaping is an Accounting Intern this summer at CDS. She is attending Bethel University pursuing degrees in Accounting and Finance. Raina is from Litchfield, MN. As she develops into her career in the accounting industry, she looks forward to meeting new people, further developing her leadership skills, and continually growing in the profession. Raina is excited to utilize her career to help clients with financial clarity and understanding!
Jack Michelson is an Accounting Intern this summer at CDS. He was a Busy Season Intern January 2024. He is attending St. Thomas University pursuing a degree in Accounting. Jack is from Willmar, MN. Jack was introduced to the field of accounting at an early age by his dad and grandpa. Their insights into the field highlighted its versatility and practicality, which ultimately inspired Jack to pursue a major in accounting. He deliberately chose to intern at CDS because it strikes the perfect balance in terms of size – it’s not too large, allowing him to gain exposure to various aspects of accounting without being overly specialized. This experience also promises a comprehensive understanding of the field!
Raeann Holmquist is a Administrative Assistant Intern this summer at CDS. She is attending South Dakota State University pursuing a degree in Nursing. Raeann is from New London, MN. She chose to intern at CDS because she was looking for an opportunity to learn new things and expand her skillset. Once she met a few of our team members, she knew this was where she wanted to spend the summer. Raeann states, “everyone at CDS radiates positivity and has an impressive work ethic. They embody the core values perfectly and treat clients with the utmost respect. I enjoy everyday at CDS and truly appreciate this opportunity to learn from such amazing people. Thank you to the CDS team for creating an inspiring atmosphere for us interns!”