At KEB, our people shape the experience we provide to our clients, colleagues, and communities. Their knowledge, curiosity, and commitment to service are central to who we are as a firm.

Welcoming new professionals is always an exciting opportunity to strengthen our teams and invest in the future of the profession. Each new team member brings a distinct educational background, fresh perspective, and enthusiasm for learning and contributing.

This year, KEB is pleased to welcome a talented group of interns, full-time professionals, and administrative staff across our St. Louis Group and our Springfield and Marion offices. Some are beginning their first professional experience in accounting, while others are returning to KEB after previously completing internships with the firm.

We are proud to introduce the newest members of our team.

St. Louis Group

Our St. Louis Group is pleased to welcome six interns from colleges across the country:

• Kyle Ward, University of Chicago
• Haylee Chandler, Maryville University
• Peter Fesler, University of Mississippi
• Colin Brown, University of Missouri
• Connor Bain, Drury University
• Alex Kim, University of Arkansas

Kyle, Haylee, Peter, Colin, Connor, and Alex will spend their internships building on their academic experience through hands-on assignments, professional mentorship, and collaboration with team members across the firm. Along the way, they will expand their understanding of client service, form valuable professional connections, and discover the different opportunities and specialties available within the accounting profession.

The St. Louis Group is also pleased to welcome four professionals in full-time roles:

• Nick Grote, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
• Darius Duff, Blackburn College
• Riley Hagler, Lindenwood University
• Jack Browning, University of Missouri

Nick, Darius, and Riley are familiar faces at KEB. Nick previously interned with our Metro East office, Darius with our Litchfield office, and Riley with our Fenton office. We are proud to welcome them back as they begin their full-time careers with the firm.

Jack joins KEB as a new member of the St. Louis Group. Together, these four professionals will continue building their technical knowledge, developing client relationships, and contributing to the collaborative culture that defines KEB.

The St. Louis Group also welcomes Rebecca McDonald as an Administrative Assistant. Rebecca will provide valuable support to our professionals and clients while helping keep daily operations organized and efficient.

Springfield Office

The Springfield office is pleased to welcome nine interns:

• Rachel Lay, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
• Amber Ehrlich, Illinois Wesleyan University
• Jake Proffitt, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
• John Yu, University of Illinois Springfield
• Carson Dalaska, St. Ambrose University
• Lane Ludwig, Illinois Wesleyan University
• Hunter Luyando, St. Ambrose University
• Jacob Metcalf, University of Nebraska
• Nathan Barth, Illinois College

Throughout their internships, Rachel, Amber, Jake, John, Carson, Lane, Hunter, Jacob, and Nathan will become active members of the KEB team, contributing to real client engagements and learning how accounting projects move from planning through completion. With guidance from experienced professionals, they will gain practical insight into the day-to-day responsibilities of public accounting while developing the confidence, judgment, and technical skills needed for their future careers.

John and Nathan are returning to KEB after previously interning with the Springfield office. We are glad to welcome them back as they continue building upon the experience, skills, and relationships they developed during their earlier time with the firm.

Our Springfield office is also pleased to welcome Hanna Stuart, a graduate of Illinois State University, as a new staff member.

As Hanna begins her career with KEB, she will have opportunities to expand her technical knowledge, collaborate with clients and colleagues, and build the skills and relationships that will support her continued professional growth.

Marion Office

Our Marion office is pleased to welcome three new staff members:

• Hunter Simmons, University of Wisconsin–Madison and Southern Illinois University Carbondale
• Grace Messervey-Davis, Southern Illinois University Carbondale
• Michael Cremeens

As Hunter, Grace, and Michael begin this next stage of their careers with KEB, they will have opportunities to expand their technical knowledge, collaborate with clients and colleagues, and build the skills and relationships that will support their continued professional growth.

The Marion office is also pleased to welcome back Evan Noelle and Taylor Ingram as interns. After completing internships with KEB this past spring, they are returning to further develop their skills, gain additional experience, and continue building relationships with the Marion team.

Building Careers Through Meaningful Experience

At KEB, we understand that the early stages of a career can have a lasting influence on the kind of professional someone becomes. That is why we are committed to providing new team members with more than a list of assignments.

We strive to create an environment where interns and new professionals can ask questions, take on meaningful responsibilities, learn from experienced colleagues, and understand how their work contributes to the success of our clients.

For interns, this means gaining a practical introduction to public accounting and greater clarity about their future career paths. For new professionals, it means receiving the support, mentorship, and opportunities needed to build confidence, strengthen technical abilities, and establish rewarding careers.

It is especially meaningful when former interns return to KEB for another internship or transition into full-time positions. Their decision to continue their journeys with the firm reflects the relationships, professional development, and sense of belonging that can begin during an internship and grow over time.

Welcome to KEB

We are excited to see the contributions these individuals will make in the months and years ahead. Their talents, perspectives, and enthusiasm will strengthen our teams and support the high level of service our clients expect from KEB.

Please join us in welcoming the newest members of the KEB team. We are grateful they have chosen to begin or continue their professional journeys with us.